“Obi of Lagos”? Seriously? Police Step In, arrest and foil installation
By: Abudu Olalekan
Lagos, man. It never has a dull moment, does it? Reportersroom gathered that police just arrested a 65-year-old, Chibuike Azubike, for… well, claiming to be the “Obi of Lagos.” Yeah, you read that right. An “Obi” in Lagos. It’s a lot to unpack.
Apparently, he wasn’t just saying it. He and three others – Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41) – were actually trying to have an unveiling ceremony. A proper unveiling! They’d even built a model of a supposed N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State.” Can you believe it? The whole thing was scheduled for this Saturday, September 13, 2025, at a hall in Amuwo Odofin.
But here’s where it gets tricky. This isn’t just about one guy’s ambition. It’s happening at a time when tensions are already high. Especially online. You’ve probably seen the arguments flaring up on social media – people going back and forth about this whole “Obi of Lagos” idea. It was getting… heated. Really heated.
Azubike, who comes from Imo State, is now in police custody, along with his three companions. They’re being held at the command headquarters in Ikeja. The police moved fast, sealing off the venue before things could really kick off. Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said they sent in the Eko Strike Force – a pretty serious response, honestly – to keep the peace and make sure nobody got taken advantage of. Investigations are ongoing, and they’ll be heading to court once everything’s sorted.
Jimoh also issued a warning: be careful out there. Don’t fall for people pretending to be something they’re not, especially when it comes to traditional titles. It’s illegal, he said, and it can cause real trouble. Makes sense, right?
It’s not the first time this has happened, either. Remember Frederick Nwajagu, the “Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate”? He was arrested back in April 2023 for doing pretty much the same thing – claiming a chieftaincy title he wasn’t authorized to have. Seems like there’s a pattern here.
Honestly, it feels like a lot more than just a misunderstanding. Lagos is a melting pot, a city of cultures and communities. But sometimes, those communities clash. And someone trying to invent a new traditional role, especially one that could be seen as challenging existing structures, well… it’s asking for trouble.
The police are trying to keep a lid on things, and you can’t blame them. But this whole situation highlights the underlying tensions that are always simmering beneath the surface in Lagos. It’s a reminder that even seemingly bizarre incidents can be connected to deeper, more complex issues.
It’s a strange story, no doubt. A self-proclaimed “Obi,” a N1.5 billion palace model, and a city on edge. It’s Lagos, though. You just never know what’s around the corner. And frankly, it’s a little bit scary how quickly things can escalate. This one feels like it could have gone very differently.
