Police Arrest ‘Obi of Lagos’, Others, as Controversial Flyer Goes Viral
- The Lagos state police command arrested a self-acclaimed traditional ruler who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” along with three accomplices, foiling plans to unveil a purported N1.5 billion palace
- In a statement, the police disclosed that the suspects were apprehended in Ikeja following intelligence that the group intended to hold an unlawful installation ceremony
- According to the command, the suspects had concluded arrangements to unveil a prototype of a “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, on Saturday, September 13, 2025
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.
Ikeja, Lagos state - The Lagos state police command on Wednesday, September 10, arrested a traditional ruler who paraded himself as the 'Obi of Lagos', Engr. Chibuike Azubike.
According to a statement by Babaseyi Oluseyi, the deputy spokesperson of the Lagos police command, obtained by Legit.ng, Azubike, 65, was arrested along with three accomplices.
Source: Facebook
'Illegal Obi of Lagos’
The police said it foiled the suspects' attempt to "mislead the public through an unlawful installation ceremony."
The principal suspect, Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient kingdom, Ideato North local government area (LGA) of Imo state, was arrested alongside three co-conspirators: Chief Chibuzor Ani, Chief Martins Nwaodika, and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi.
A viral flyer for the planned event that got Azubike into trouble can be viewed below:
The police said:
"All four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja."
The statement added:
"CP Olohundare Jimoh, warns members of the public to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements who attempt to exploit revered cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains. He reiterates that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society.
"The command will continue to enforce the law firmly and decisively against any individual or group engaging in acts that undermine legality, public order, and the integrity of the state."
Legit.ng reports that the Igbo people, mainly from Nigeria's eastern region, have lived in Lagos since the 15th century. They have been credited with contributing to the development of the state. One of their leaders is Frederick Nwajagu, the ‘Eze Ndigbo Of Ajao Estate’, who was charged with terrorism.
In January, a Lagos state high court acquitted and discharged Nwajagu. The court, however, found him guilty of parading himself as a titled chief in Lagos, contrary to the Oba and Chiefs Law of Lagos state, a verdict Nwajagu challenged.
Read more Lagos news:
- Drama as Lagos state sentences bakery workers for stealing 5 loaves of bread, photos trend
- Lagos 2027 race: “I’ll quit politics than align with Tinubu,” Rhodes-Vivour shares why
Police ban Egungun procession
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Lagos state police command ordered that all activities related to the ongoing Egungun masquerade festival be limited to approved outing points and designated celebration venues across the state.
The directive, announced by the command’s spokesperson, came in response to reported disturbances and clashes among rival groups during the traditional festival in some parts of Lagos in recent days.
The Command made it clear that public processions or street parades by masquerades and their followers are now prohibited.
Source: Legit.ng
