Police Disrupt ₦1.5bn Palace Launch, Arrest Man Claiming to Be ‘Obi of Lagos’

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, for allegedly parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos” and attempting to launch a grand ₦1.5 billion palace project in Amuwo Odofin before security operatives foiled the plan.

Azubike, an indigene of the Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North LGA, Imo State, was picked up alongside three alleged accomplices — Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41).

According to police reports, the suspects had perfected plans to unveil a prototype of a supposed “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin. But before the event could take off, operatives swooped in, sealed the venue, and whisked them away to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

The development sparked widespread reactions on social media, where youths had earlier clashed in heated arguments over the planned installation.

Confirming the arrest, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, revealed that tactical teams, including the Eko Strike Force, were deployed to forestall any public disturbance. He warned residents to be vigilant against impostors taking advantage of cultural and traditional institutions, stressing that such acts are illegal and capable of causing ethnic tension.

Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be charged in court soon.

This is not the first time such an incident has rocked Lagos. On April 1, 2023, the police arrested Frederick Nwajagu, the self-styled Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, for allegedly parading himself as a titled chief.

With this latest arrest, the police have assured Lagosians that they will continue to clamp down on activities that threaten peace and order in the state.