The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” along with three accomplices, and foiled a plan to unveil a N1.5 billion “palace” in Amuwo Odofin area of the state.
Penpushing reports that the fake proposed traditional ruler was arrested alongside 57-year-old Chibuzor Ani, 65-year-old Martins Nwaodika, and 41-year-old Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, just as residents were equally urged to be vigilant against impostors who exploit revered cultural institutions for personal gain.
The Command Deputy Public Relations Officer Babasuyi Oluseyi, in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, i, identified the principal suspect as 65-year-old Chibuike Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.
Penpushing further reports that the statement added that intelligence revealed that the suspects planned to unveil a prototype of a purported Palace of Obi of Lagos State and celebrate an Ofala/new yam festival on Saturday, September, 13, 2025 at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
“Acting on this information, the police promptly sealed off the venue in order to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled,” Oluseyi said.
Penpushing also reports that the command spokesperson explained that tactical teams, including the Eko Strike Force, were deployed to ensure the event did not hold, while an invitation card obtained by the police described the programme as the unveiling of the N1.5 billion Palace of Obi of Lagos State and the celebration of the first Ofala/new yam festival.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said such actions are illegal under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State (2015) and capable of disturbing public order, adding that investigations into the suspects’ activities are ongoing and that they will be charged to court.
Penpushing reports that disputes over unrecognised titles have been a recurring issue in Lagos state, while law does not recognise the Eze Ndigbo title, which is sometimes claimed by Igbo community leaders.
The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, declared that parading oneself as an Eze Ndigbo without recognition is punishable by up to two years in prison under the Obas and Chiefs Law (2015).
Penpushing further reports that the Lagos State Government had earlier arraigned Frederick Nkemdilim Nwajago, the self-styled Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, on terrorism charges after he was accused of parading himself as a traditional ruler without state approval.
The South East Council of Traditional Rulers has also advised against the use of such titles outside Igboland, while the state government is currently reviewing the Obas and Chiefs Law to modernise traditional governance and address abuses of chieftaincy titles.
Penpushing also reports that the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Lawal Pedro (SAN) said in June that the reforms aim to strengthen respect for traditional rulers while aligning the institution with contemporary governance.
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