Southern Igbo Leaders Disown Self-Acclaimed ‘Obi Of Lagos’

Igbo traditional rulers and community leaders from southern states outside the core Igboland have publicly distanced themselves from Mr. Chibuike Azubike, a man who recently declared himself as the “Obi of Lagos State” and announced plans to hold an Ofala festival on September 13.

Operating under the aegis of the Association of Ezendigbo Na Uzoije, Southern Zone, the leaders condemned Azubike’s actions, asserting that he neither represents the Igbo community in Lagos nor holds any recognised position within their ranks.

In a communiqué released by the group’s president, Eze John Ezebuadi, the Ezeudo of Iba LCDA, the association described Azubike’s claims as “baseless” and an affront to the dignity of the Igbo traditional leadership structure in Lagos and beyond.

“We categorically state that Mr. Azubike is neither a member of our Association nor does he represent Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State. His claims are baseless and an affront to the dignity of our organisation,” the statement read.

The association also raised concerns about Azubike’s proposed N1.5bn fundraising project tied to the Ofala festival, calling it deceptive and unapproved by any legitimate Igbo cultural body.

They clarified that cultural events like the new yam and Ofala festivals are reserved strictly for recognised and traditionally instituted leaders.

The leaders further issued an apology to the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Police, and various Igbo dignitaries whose names were reportedly linked to Azubike’s activities without consent.

“We will no longer tolerate actions that offend our hosts or tarnish the image of Ndigbo. The days of entertaining such unscrupulous claims are gone. Anyone engaging in acts that undermine our community or misrepresent our culture will be held accountable,” the communiqué added.

Azubike was arrested by the police on Wednesday following strong objections from a Yoruba cultural group.

The arrest was made after the Yoruba Nimi Empowerment Foundation publicly condemned his planned Ofala festival, describing it as a dangerous provocation and a direct affront to Yoruba cultural heritage.

The group had called on security agencies and the Lagos State Government to act swiftly to prevent what it described as an illegal distortion of indigenous institutions.

Azubike, 65, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was apprehended alongside three associates: Chief Chibuzor Ani (57), Chief Martins Nwaodika (65), and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi (41).

All four suspects are currently in custody at the state Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

The group had finalised arrangements to unveil a N1.5bn palace for the “Obi of Lagos State” and host a New Yam/Ofala Festival on Saturday, at Apple Hall in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

The state Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, who confirmed the arrests in a statement, said police operatives, including tactical teams and members of the Eko Strike Force, swiftly sealed off the venue to prevent any public disturbance.

Southern Igbo Leaders Disown Self-Acclaimed ‘Obi Of Lagos’ is first published on The Whistler Newspaper