The police in Lagos have apprehended a man, Chibuike Azubike, 65, for holding himself out as the Obi of Lagos.
He was arrested while making preparations to launch a ₦1.5 billion palace project in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
The self-styled Obi of Lagos, Azubike’s accomplices include Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41). They are all in police custody.
Azubuike, an indigene of the Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North LGA, Imo State and his accomplices were working towards having a grand launch on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
Residents reportedly tipped off the police, who swooped on the suspects and sealed off the venue.
The men were taken to the Lagos Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said his men took action to forestall any public disturbance.
The commissioner warned residents to be vigilant against impostors who use cultural and traditional institutions for personal aggrandisement. He said such actions could lead to the breakdown of law and order and ethnic tension.
It would be recalled that a man identified as Frederick Nwajagu also courted trouble on April 1, 2023, when he declared himself the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate.
The police also took action to prevent unrest among indigenes.
Also read: Igbo rulers abolish “Eze Ndigbo” title for diaspora leaders
