A self-proclaimed traditional ruler, identified as Chibuike Azubike, along with three others, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly planning an illegal installation ceremony in Amuwo Odofin on Saturday.
In a statement, the deputy spokesperson for the state police command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the venue, which was also to host the unveiling of a prototype for the palace of the traditional ruler, has been sealed to prevent the event from taking place.
Mr. Babaseyi said, “The Lagos State Police Command today, Wednesday, 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.”
The 65-year-old principal suspect, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, “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,” are currently detained at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
He added, “Intelligence available to the Command indicated that the group had finalised arrangements to unveil a prototype of a purported N1.5 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.”
Mr. Babaseyi also said that the command had deployed conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads to the premises “to guarantee that the event did not hold as planned and to ensure that public order and peace within the area were not compromised.”
He stated that an investigation into their activities is ongoing and assured that the outcome would be made public, adding that the suspects would be charged to court accordingly.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, warned residents to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements seeking to exploit cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains, noting that such acts contravene state statutes and could threaten public peace.
The police command reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law firmly and decisively against anyone undermining legality, public order, and the integrity of Lagos State.
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