OBI OF LAGOS SAGA : South – West Ezes In Diaspora, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leaders, Publish Disclaimer , Distances Their Associations From Engineer Chibuike Azubuike’s Actions. Watch Videos Below

 By Emmanuel Edom 

This is indeed not the best time for the detained self styled “Obi Of Lagos”, Engineer Chibuike Azubuike and his Co- travellers, as torrents of disclaimers from angry Igbo Leaders and Associations , have continued to flow like torrents.

The latest disclaimer and condemnation is coming from “The Association of Eze Ndigbo ‘Na Uzoije, (Diaspora), Southern Zonal Chapter”.

At a media parley held yesterday, September 11,2025, in Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, the group  made up Igbo traditional rulers/Custodians of Cultural heritage and leaders from 12 South-West and South-South states outside Igbo land, swiftly disowned Mr. Chibuike Azubike and his cohorts, over his recent claim to the title of “Obi Ndigbo Lagos” and plans to raise N1.5 billion for their Palace and hold an Ofala festival tomorrow being Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Speaking with one voice, their  President, Eze John Greg Ezebuadi, other representatives like Eze Ikem Agbasi, Eze Sunday Ojukwu, Eze Peter Umeh and Eze Dr. Peter Olikenyi, confirmed that Engineer Azubike is not a member of their association and does not represent the Igbo community in Lagos.

Also On ground to collaborate the position of the Ezes, were the South – West Coordinator, Ohanaeze Ndigbo World Wide, Chief Everest Ozonweke and the Secretary – General , Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State Chapter, Chief Robert Obasi.

In a communiqué read by their President, Eze Ezebuadi, who is also the Ezeudo of Iba LCDA, the Group appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, and the public to disregard Azubike’s claims.

He said, “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 leaders also , unequivocally maintained that Igbo traditional and cultural new yam and Ofala festivals are reserved for recognised cultural leaders, describing Azubike’s actions as misleading and damaging to the reputation of the Igbo community in Lagos.

In that regard, The Association further apologized to the Lagos State Government, the State Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police,AIG , Zone 2 , Captains of Industries of Igbo extraction, and other dignitaries whose names were reportedly linked to Azubike’s actions.

Determined to forestall future occurrences, the Ezes vowed to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of its structures, starting from the local government level, to ensure that Igbo cultural practices align with the values and traditions of their host states.

While reinterating their resolves to put a stop to such incidents and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening existing harmonious relationship and ties with their host communities, the Leaders also stated thus:

“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  further said.

It would be recalled that shortly after Azubuike’s purported ‘Obi Of Lagos ‘ event went viral and raised controversy in the social media, Operatives from the lagos State Police Command, last Wednesday,arrested and detained some of the principal actors.

However,Engineer Azubuike, his accomplices, such as: Chief Martins  Nwodika , Chief  Chibuzor  Ani and Chief Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, who are already in police net, will soon be arraigned in a court of component jurisdiction, according to the Police.