The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North LGA, Imo State, for falsely parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and allegedly attempting to defraud the public through a fictitious ₦1.5 billion palace project.
Azubike, who also falsely claimed to be an engineer, was arrested alongside three alleged co-conspirators:
Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57
Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65
Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41
All four suspects are currently in custody at the Lagos State Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
The group had planned to host a grand unveiling of a prototype palace for the so-called "Obi of Lagos State" at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin. However, security forces intervened swiftly. The venue has since been sealed off, with deployment of conventional police, Eko Strike Force teams, and tactical units to ensure the fraudulent event does not take place.
This incident has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage across Lagos, with many Yoruba cultural and community leaders describing the move as a direct insult and a provocative attempt to rewrite history.
"When did Lagos ever have an Obi?"
The arrest has reignited conversations about cultural integrity and indigenous authority, with many questioning how such a bold act of impersonation could be attempted in the heart of Yorubaland.
The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Culture has been commended for its swift response in preserving the cultural dignity of the state.
This event stands as a clear message: Lagos remains the ancestral land of the Yoruba people, and no impostor or fraudulent title will be tolerated.
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