Author and self-acclaimed life coach, Solomon Buchi, has taken a swipe at businessman Obi Cubana after he publicly declared his biological son as ‘next of kin’ shortly after his adopted son, Chidi, shared a TikTok video referring to himself with the same title.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Buchi described Obi Cubana’s move as insensitive, suggesting it served to remind the adopted son of his perceived lower standing within the family.
“Coming online to declare your biological son next of kin because of a cheeky post by your adopted son is irresponsible and crass. Obi Cubana could have easily asked him to take the post down, but he decided to publicly remind his adopted son of ‘his place’. Don’t adopt children if you will not see and treat them like your blood,” Buchi wrote.
He continued, “I’ve seen Nigerian men defend Obi Cubana, claiming that the adopted son should have known his place. ‘His place’ doesn’t exist because he’s his father’s son. Adoption means legally taking another child as yours, so an adopted son should have ALL the rights and privileges of a SON.”
Buchi defended Chidi, the adopted son, saying his TikTok post was likely inspired by an earlier post made by Obi Cubana.
“The adopted son said nothing out of line, because a week ago, Obi Cubana made a post addressing his sons as next-of-kins. So, the boy probably made the TikTok video on that premise. Publicly throwing him under the bus shows lack of total acceptance.”
He also used the opportunity to educate the public, especially within the Igbo community, on what adoption entails.
“May I use this opportunity to school Nigerians, especially my fellow Igbos, that adoption is not a favour; you shouldn’t treat your adopted children like they begged you to adopt them. If you can’t treat them like blood, don’t adopt them.”
The controversy began when Chidi posted a TikTok video saying, “Nothing do my shoulder, I just realise sey I be next of kin,” accompanied by a confident strut.
Hours later, Obi Cubana shared a photo of his biological son, Alex KainyeChukwu Iyiegbu, on Instagram with the caption: “Ancient and modern, eyes on the ball! @dtwalx aka Next-of-kin!”
The post was interpreted by many as a direct response to Chidi’s video, sparking widespread backlash on social media and conversations about parental responsibility and emotional sensitivity in adoptive families.
In a previous post, Obi Cubana had referred to all his sons as his “next-of-kins,” making Chidi’s video appear to many as harmless and inspired by that sentiment.
The businessman has yet to respond to the growing criticism, including Buchi’s post, which has garnered significant support and engagement online.
