Chibuike Azubuike, who sparked controversy after proclaiming himself “Obi of Lagos” and planning a New Yam Festival in Lagos, has apologised to the Oba of Lagos and the state government, calling the incident a misunderstanding
Chibuike Azubuike, Self-Proclaimed Obi of Lagos, Apologises to Oba and Lagos Government
The self-acclaimed Obi of Lagos, Mr. Chibuike Azubuike, who was arrested by police operatives in September for allegedly attempting to host a New Yam Festival in Lagos, has tendered a public apology to the Oba of Lagos, the Lagos State Government, and the people of Lagos State.
Azubuike had drawn public outrage after circulating invitations to a New Yam Festival scheduled for September 13, 2025, at the Amuwo Odofin area of the state — with his name boldly inscribed as the “Obi of Lagos,” a title traditionally foreign to Yoruba heritage.
The move was widely condemned as culturally insensitive and potentially provocative, prompting swift intervention from authorities and traditional institutions.
In a public notice published in a national daily, Azubuike expressed deep regret for the controversy and clarified that the “Obi of Lagos” title was a printing error and not a self-bestowed designation.
“I, Mr. Chibuike Azubuike, hereby tender this unreserved apology to the Oba of Lagos, Federal Government of Nigeria, the government, and the good people of Lagos State over my unguided proposal to hold the New Yam Festival,” he wrote. “The caption therein as ‘OBI OF LAGOS’ was a typographical error from the print man,” he explained.
Azubuike further stressed that he was not coerced into cancelling the planned festival, noting that the decision was made voluntarily after realizing its cultural implications.
“Contrary to insinuations that it was politically motivated, I am not a politician. Even if I have the intention of joining any political party in the future, I would rather join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the state moves forward,” he said.
The apology comes after weeks of tension surrounding the incident, which many Lagos residents described as an attempt to import non-indigenous cultural practices into the state’s traditional framework.
Observers commended Azubuike’s public contrition, urging other residents and groups to respect Lagos’s multicultural balance and the authority of the Oba of Lagos, regarded as the custodian of the state’s royal and cultural heritage. Read More
