The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Chibuike Azubike, a 65-year-old self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” confessed that his planned installation was nothing more than a scheme to defraud unsuspecting participants.
The command’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, a day after Azubike was arrested alongside three alleged accomplices while preparing for an unlawful unveiling ceremony.
According to police reports, the group had planned to launch a prototype of a supposed N1.5bn “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
Oluseyi revealed that Azubike admitted under interrogation that the installation was designed to fleece unsuspecting guests.
Contrary to his earlier claims, he also confessed that he was not an engineer but only a supplier of construction 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.
The police spokesperson further stressed that Azubike acted alone without the backing of any recognised chieftaincy authority.
He added that the suspect and his accomplices would face prosecution after investigations are concluded.
Oluseyi urged residents to remain cautious, saying, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, strongly advises Lagosians not to fall prey to fraudsters of the likes of Azubike and his gang.”
As of press time, Azubike had yet to react to the allegations, as he remained in police custody.
The arrest has since elicited ethnic debates on social media, with some questioning its legitimacy, while others argue that assuming a traditional title without authorisation is unlawful.
This incident is similar to a case from April 1, 2023, when Frederick Nwajagu, the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate, was arrested for unlawfully parading himself as a titled chief in Lagos.
