By Uthman Salami
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, for allegedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos.”
He was apprehended alongside three alleged accomplices while attempting to stage an unlawful unveiling ceremony.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of growing ethnic tension, particularly among youths on various social media platforms, who exchanged banters over Azubike’s planned installation.
Azubike, said to be an indigene of the Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in the Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was arrested with Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41).
The four are currently being held at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
According to the police in a statement shared on X.com on Wednesday, the group had planned to unveil a prototype of a purported N1.5bn “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin.
The command noted that the venue was swiftly sealed off by security operatives to prevent public disturbance and protect unsuspecting citizens from being deceived.
