The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, who was arrested for parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos.” His actions, which included planning an elaborate palace unveiling, sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms.
According to reports, Azubike was apprehended on Thursday after he allegedly announced himself as a traditional ruler in Lagos, despite the title not being recognised by the Lagos State government or the council of traditional rulers in the state.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had also prepared for the unveiling of a palace said to be worth about N1.5 billion, raising questions over the source of his funding and the legality of such an event. Police described the ceremony as unlawful, noting that it was halted before it could take place.
Reacting to the news, Lere Olayinka, senior special adviser on media to former Rivers State governor and current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, shared his views on the matter through his official X handle. Olayinka condemned the actions of Azubike and his accomplices.
In a sarcastic comment, Olayinka suggested that the suspect’s proper title should be “Obi of Kirikiri prison,” making reference to the correctional facility where criminals are typically remanded in Lagos. His remark drew mixed reactions from social media users, some of whom supported his criticism.
“The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, who allegedly paraded himself as the ‘Obi of Lagos.’ Obi of Kirikiri prison should be okay for him,” Olayinka wrote, further fuelling online discussions.
Reports confirmed that Azubike was arrested alongside three others believed to be his accomplices. The police disclosed that the group was attempting to proceed with the palace unveiling when officers intervened.
