The ongoing paternity dispute between popular Nigerian businessman and socialite Cubana Chief Priest and his alleged baby mama, Hellen Ati, has taken a new turn, as she publicly appealed to Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and First Lady, Chioma Uzodinma, to intervene.
Hellen, who has repeatedly accused Cubana Chief Priest of fathering her child, took to social media on Mother’s Day to express frustration over raising her son alone in Kenya. Despite her persistent calls for a DNA test, the socialite has neither accepted responsibility nor taken steps to confirm the child’s paternity.
In a heart-wrenching video, Hellen’s son was seen crying as she told him, “Hunger will kill you since your father no wan send money.” She further urged the governor to use his influence to compel Cubana Chief Priest to take responsibility.
She captioned the post:
“Please @he_hopeuzodimma of Imo State, I need your help. Talk to Pascal Okechukwu, a.k.a. Cubana Chief Priest, to please help his son in Kenya and for the DNA to be done. @he_chiomauzodimma bikonu, the baby is struggling here in Kenya, no food or anything to feed the boy.”
Hellen’s public plea has sparked mixed reactions online, with some supporting her call for accountability while others question her motives.
Legal expert, Stan Alieke, shared insights into possible legal resolutions. He stated that if a court orders a DNA test and it confirms Cubana Chief Priest as the father, he would be legally required to either take custody of the child or provide financial support. However, if the DNA test proves otherwise, Hellen could face a defamation lawsuit for falsely accusing him.
He explained:
“If Hellen is sure that Cubana Chief Priest is the father of her child, let her approach the court, and the court will mandate him to either take custody of the child or pay for their upkeep. Conversely, if the DNA test proves otherwise, Cubana Chief Priest can file a defamation lawsuit against her. This is how it works in court, regardless of emotions and sentiments.”
Meanwhile, reality star Nina Ivy argued that even if a DNA test confirms Cubana Chief Priest as the father, he cannot be forced to take responsibility. She pointed out that women should think ahead before having children with married men and ensure they have the means to raise them independently.
She stated:
“If she knew he was married and had no intention of claiming her or the child, then she put herself in this situation. A child should never be used to trap someone, especially when there was no real connection. Men are naturally inclined towards polygamy, and in this case, she will have to handle this on her own because he won’t take responsibility.”
She further added:
“Even if the DNA test confirms that he is the father, that doesn’t mean he will be legally forced to take care of the child. This is Nigeria, not the U.S., where child support laws are strictly enforced. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the reality. Women also have a responsibility to protect themselves.”
Despite the accusations, Cubana Chief Priest has denied neglecting any child that belongs to him. In an earlier post, he insisted that he does not know Hellen personally and accused her of attempting to use the situation for social media attention.
He stated:
“God forbid that I have a child and abandon my child. You born for big man, na dragging you wan use am drag the big man. You say you born for me, I say okay, come to Nigeria, you say make I send money first. You say the baby dey hungry, say hospital bill choke, say you collect loan—haba! I no even know you from anywhere, no trace whatsoever.”
“Children are gifts from God. You think I will abandon my blood? God forbid! With all this money I have? God will never forgive me. How much is child support that will make me reject a child that could be the next Cristiano Ronaldo? She came out because of the 30k cruise, and now they’ve used her for the main cruise.”
By Ezinne Okorie.
