Finally, Police Arrests “Obi Of Lagos”, Aborts Launch Of Palace

By Charles Igbo

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Engineer Chibuike Azubike, a self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos”.

The arrest of the self-acclaimed “Traditional Ruler” was effected on Tuesday September 10, 2025. He was arrested alongside three others. All are currently in Police custody.

Police said he was arrested to foil his plan to illegally install himself as a Traditional Ruler in Lagos, and thus mislead and deceive the people. Those arrested with him include Chief Chibuzor Ani, Chief Martins Nwaodika and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi.

Trouble began for him when   he shared an invitation card to the effect that he was unveiling the prototype of his would-be N1.5 billion Palace.

Scheduled for September 13, 2025, the Palace he said, when completed,  would boast of “an office complex, event centre, guest house for Igbos-in-distress and a shopping centre”

How he came about the title   of the “Obi of Lagos” is not known. How he came about the idea of building a Palace in Lagos is not known either. And not a few people, especially, his kinsmen are aghast.

Aged 65 years, Azubike is from Obodoukwu in Ideato North Local Government of Imo State.

Following, is the full text of a press release by the Lagos State Police which confirmed his arrest.

POLICE ARREST SELF-ACCLAIMED “OBI OF LAGOS” ALONG WITH THREE ACCOMPLICES, FOIL PLANNED UNVEILING CEREMONY

“The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday, September 10, 2025, successfully arrested a self-acclaimed traditional ruler who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” along with three accomplices thereby foiling their attempt to mislead the public through an unlawful installation ceremony.

“2. The principal suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike ‘m’, aged 65 years, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, was arrested alongside three co-conspirators: Chief Chibuzor Ani ‘m’, aged 57 years; Chief Martins Nwaodika ‘m’, aged 65 years; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi ‘m’, aged 41 years. All four suspects are presently in custody at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

” 3. Intelligence available to the Command indicated that the group had finalized arrangements to unveil a prototype of a purported ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” 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.

” 4. In furtherance of this preventive action, the Command deployed adequate manpower, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads, to the premises earmarked for the ceremony. Their presence was to guarantee that the event did not hold as planned and to ensure that public order and peace within the area were not compromised.

” 5. The suspects are currently in detention and investigation is progressing into their nefarious activities. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and they will be charged to court accordingly.

” 6. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, 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.

“DSP BABASEYI B. OLUSEYI

DEPUTY POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FOR: COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC

LAGOS STATE COMMAND

IKEJA”

Recall that the South East Council of Traditional Rulers had warned against the Igbo in Diaspora installing themselves Traditional Rulers, thus desecrating the Institution.