Lagos, Nigeria: In a bizarre twist that stunned Lagos residents and rattled traditional circles, police have detained a 65-year-old man who brazenly attempted to install himself as the ‘Obi of Lagos’—a title that does not exist within the city’s recognised traditional hierarchy.
The command deputy spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said that the suspect and three accomplices were apprehended on Wednesday.
“The 65-year-old principal suspect, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo, was apprehended alongside three co-conspirators of ages 41, 51 and 65,” he said.
Oluseyi said 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 at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.
“Acting on the information, the police promptly sealed off the venue to forestall any breach of the peace and to protect unsuspecting members of the public from being misled.
“In furtherance of this preventive action, the command deployed an adequate workforce, including conventional police operatives, Eko Strike Force teams, and other tactical squads, to the premises earmarked for the ceremony.
“Their presence was to guarantee that the event did not hold as planned and to ensure that public order and peace within the area were not compromised,” he said.
According to the image maker, the suspects are currently in detention, and the investigation is progressing into their nefarious activities.
“The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and they will be charged in court accordingly,” he said.
The spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police(CP), Mr Olohundare Jimoh, urged the public to beware of impostors exploiting traditional institutions.
“CP Jimoh warns members of the public to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements who attempt to exploit revered cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains.
“The commissioner reiterates that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State, and capable of breaching the peace of the society,” he said.