Self-proclaimed Obi of Lagos, identified as Chibuike Azubike, alongside three others, are in police custody over alleged arrangements to perform an illegal installation ceremony slated for Saturday in Amuwo Odofin.

In a statement on Wednesday, the deputy spokesperson for the state police command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the venue, also billed for the unveiling of a prototype for the palace building 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.”

He said the 65-year-old principal suspect, who is 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 detained at the command headquarters, Ikeja.

He stated that, “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 stated that the command has deployed conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads to the premises planned for the ceremony, “to guarantee that the event did not hold as planned and to ensure that public order and peace within the area were not compromised.”

Stating that an investigation is ongoing into their nefarious activities, the deputy spokesperson assured that the outcome of the investigation will be made public and that the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, warned residents to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements attempting to exploit cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains, which he said contravenes the statutes of the state and could breach public peace.

The command vowed to continue enforcing the law firmly and decisively against any individual or group engaging in acts that undermine legality, public order, and the integrity of the state.