The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, for allegedly posing as the “Obi of Lagos.”
Chibuike Azubike was arrested in Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, along with three others, while trying to organize an illegal palace unveiling ceremony.
Police said intelligence reports showed that the group had finalized plans to present a model of a supposed ₦1.5 billion “Palace of the Obi of Lagos State” on September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
Acting on the tip, officers quickly sealed off the hall to stop the gathering and protect residents from being deceived.
The others arrested with Azubike were named as Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57; Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41.
It was gathered that all four suspects are being held at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
The police spokesperson, DSP Babasuyi Oluseyi, said the operation involved regular officers, the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical teams to ensure the event did not go ahead.
He confirmed that investigations are underway and the suspects will face charges in court once inquiries are complete.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned the public to beware of impostors who exploit cultural and traditional titles for personal gain.
He noted that such actions are unlawful, can disrupt public order, and will be firmly dealt with under the law.
Meanwhile, news of the arrest sparked mixed reactions among Lagos residents. Some expressed shock that anyone would attempt such an elaborate scheme, while others commended the police for acting quickly to prevent people from being misled.
On X formally known as Twitter, many described the incident as “embarrassing” and “ridiculous,” while a few questioned how the suspects had managed to gather support for the planned palace project in the first place.
See some reactions below:
Look at the "Obi of Lagos" who wants to build over 1b naira palace 🤣🤣. Look at this man well, he even wore a cap symbolic to Ndi Abia yet he is from Imo & his title has roots in Onitsha. The devil is always in the details. You can't simply arrest a man with such funds like that pic.twitter.com/dtTAzM4aEG
— Marquis Of Infamy 🪶🪶🪶 (@Unabombaar) September 11, 2025
WHEN YORUBAS HAVE OBAS IN KANO, ENUGU, AND AWKA… WHY OPPOSE AN OBI IN LAGOS? The internet has been on fire in recent days over reports that some Igbo community leaders in Lagos are planning to install an “Obi of Lagos.” Many Yoruba voices have called this a provocation, and some… pic.twitter.com/0HuSIjjsnV
— Dr. Ope Banwo (@opebanwo) September 10, 2025
Between “Obi of Lagos” and “Eze Ndigbo Ajao Estate”, who will bow to who in their Kirikiri kingdom? 😁 pic.twitter.com/ji3OJ429DQ
— Nwo-Diali 𓃵 (@Manlike_ED) September 11, 2025
You don’t want “Emir of Aba”, but you want “Obi of Lagos”.
Chai… Make we dey fear God ooooo. pic.twitter.com/NBj738UR8m
— High Chief Lawrence Igbins Okoro 👑 (@HighChiefOkoro) September 11, 2025
Lagos Cannot Be Recolonized by Fake Titles
First, it was whispers. Now, it’s banners and coronations “Obi of Lagos,” “Fulani of Lagos.” This is not just a joke; it is an insult to the history of Lagos and the dignity of its people. pic.twitter.com/CVFjkDQLPp
— Ogunlade Abiola Aremu (@OgunladeAbiola1) September 12, 2025
If you believe this then you do not know just how good the Yaribas are with propaganda. What Ndi Use outside the south east for Kings isn't "Obi" but "Eze Ndi Igbo". Obi is only used by Onitsha people in the entire Igbo land & this so-called "Obi of Lagos" is from Imo state.🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/ttfl1H7l07
— Marquis Of Infamy 🪶🪶🪶 (@Unabombaar) September 11, 2025
That is the 'Sarki Hausa' in Lagos who is recognized by the Lagos state govt. He did not call himself Sarki of Lagos or Emir of Lagos. He is unlike the 419 Chibuzo who called himself the Obi of Lagos instead of 'Obi of Ibo' in Lagos, which must be approved by the LGS govt.
— Buruji Ajao Aro…Ẹkun tara giri gberarẹ nija. (@BurujDara) September 12, 2025
KanyiDaily recalls that Yul Edochie recently called on the Igbo people to come back home and focus on developing the South East region.
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