The Lagos State Police Command disclosed on Thursday that the apprehended self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” Chibuike Azubike, admitted that the planned installation was a ruse to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
The command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday.
Chronicle NG reported that 65-year-old Azubike was arrested while posing as the “Obi of Lagos.”
He was detained on Wednesday alongside three accused accomplices while preparing for an illegal unveiling event.
According to the police, the organization intended to launch a prototype of the alleged N1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall in Amuwo Odofin.
Oluseyi claimed that during interrogation, Azubike confirmed that the proposed installation was intended to defraud naïve guests. The suspect also reportedly admitted that, contrary to his previous assertions, he was not an engineer but rather a supplier of building materials.
“Investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Chibuike Azubike, confessed he is not a qualified engineer but has been parading himself as one. Further findings showed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” Oluseyi said.
He further stated that Azubike acted alone, without the support or recognition of any genuine chieftaincy authority. He stated that the suspect and his accomplices will face prosecution once the inquiry is completed.
Oluseyi warned Lagos people to ignore false reports about the tragedy and remain vigilant. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, strongly advises Lagosians not to fall prey to fraudsters of the likes of Azubike and his gang,” according to him.
As of the time of reporting this story, our correspondent could not collect Azubike’s reaction because he was still in police custody.
The arrest has sparked ethnic disputes on social media, with some disputing its authenticity and others claiming that taking a traditional title without permission is prohibited.
In a similar case, Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arrested on April 1, 2023, for falsely claiming to be a titled chief in Lagos.
