Amuwo Odofin: Lagos State Police Command Arrest Self-Proclaimed Obi Of Lagos, Halt Alleged Fake Installation Plot

 

Police Arrest Self-Proclaimed Obi Of Lagos, Halt Alleged Fake Installation Plot

A dramatic twist unfolded in Lagos this week after security operatives intercepted what they described as a calculated plan to install a self-acclaimed traditional ruler, identified as Engineer Chibuike Azubike. The man, aged 65 and originally from Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, allegedly positioned himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and was reportedly preparing to stage a high-profile coronation event.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, Azubike did not act alone. Three others, namely Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41), were arrested alongside him. The suspects are all being held at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja as investigations continue into what the police termed “a grand scheme to mislead the public and distort established cultural structures.”

Ceremony Shut Down Before It Began

Law enforcement sources explained that intelligence reports had reached the Command detailing how the suspects had concluded arrangements for a grand event scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The program, set for Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin, was reportedly themed around the unveiling of a prototype of a so-called ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State.”

Police say the concept of the palace was deliberately designed to lend legitimacy to the alleged claim of a throne that does not exist. Deputy spokesperson of the Command, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed that officers moved quickly to seal the venue and prevent unsuspecting members of the public from attending what they described as an “unlawful installation ceremony.”

Manpower for the operation included conventional police operatives, tactical squads, and units of the Eko Strike Force. Their deployment, Oluseyi stressed, was necessary to maintain public order, reassure local residents, and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the Amuwo Odofin axis.

Suspects Held, Investigations Deepen

Following their arrest, the four suspects were transferred to the State Headquarters where they remain in custody. Police insist their activities were not only deceptive but also carried the potential to ignite cultural misunderstandings among residents of Lagos, a city known for its unique blend of ethnic groups.

Oluseyi confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway to unravel the scope of their network, the true sponsors of the planned coronation, and any financial dealings that may have supported the project. He emphasized that the findings will be shared with the public in due course, while promising that the suspects will face court charges once investigations are concluded.

Self-Defense By Principal Suspect

Despite the strong position taken by the police, Azubike has maintained that he is not impersonating the throne of Lagos. During a phone conversation with journalists, he insisted that his title is “Obi of Ndi Igbos in Lagos” and not the “Obi of Lagos” as portrayed. According to him, his activities were geared toward community representation rather than the usurpation of any established Yoruba traditional institution.

His clarification, however, did little to calm the storm already surrounding the matter. Stakeholders and observers expressed concern over the potential tension such a claim could create between cultural communities in the city.

Rising Controversy

What makes the case particularly sensitive is the reaction from monarchs in neighboring states. Reports suggest that an Osun-based ruler had already threatened to submit a formal petition against Azubike, accusing him of parading himself in a manner that could distort the hierarchy of traditional rulership.

For context, Lagos already has a recognized traditional leadership system, with the Oba of Lagos standing as the highest-ranking monarch. The attempt to introduce another figure under the title of “Obi of Lagos” was seen by many as provocative and capable of creating unnecessary confusion.

Broader Implications For Culture And Governance

The development has sparked fresh debate about the proliferation of self-acclaimed titles across Nigeria. Analysts argue that while cultural identity is vital for migrant communities, the creation of ambiguous positions often undermines the authority of established traditional institutions. Some fear that such moves can weaken social cohesion in already diverse cities like Lagos.

Legal practitioners also highlight the dangers of unauthorized claims to titles, pointing out that impersonation of traditional institutions is criminal under Nigerian law. The police action in this case, they say, underscores the role of law enforcement in protecting cultural heritage from exploitation.

Community Reactions

Residents of Amuwo Odofin expressed mixed reactions after learning about the foiled event. While some community members described the police action as necessary, others wondered whether the suspects genuinely intended to mislead or were simply trying to formalize a leadership role within the Igbo community in Lagos.

A business owner in the area said he had received invitations to the ceremony but had dismissed it as “just another community gathering.” Another resident, however, noted that the scale of the planned project, including the billion-naira palace unveiling, suggested that the organizers intended to establish something more elaborate than a community meeting.

Next Steps

For now, all eyes remain on the police investigation. The Command has assured Lagosians that updates will be made available once sufficient evidence is gathered. The arrested individuals are expected to be charged to court soon, where the legal process will determine whether they face charges such as conspiracy, impersonation, and attempting to cause public disturbance.

The case has also reignited calls for migrant communities in Lagos to pursue cultural recognition in ways that respect existing institutions. Leaders from both Igbo and Yoruba communities are expected to weigh in as the matter progresses, in order to prevent the controversy from escalating into ethnic or cultural tensions.

Conclusion

What began as a planned weekend ceremony has evolved into a major legal and cultural talking point in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The arrest of Engineer Chibuike Azubike and his three associates has highlighted the delicate balance between cultural identity and respect for established traditions. As investigations continue, Lagosians wait to see how the courts will address the matter and what consequences may follow for those involved.