“Obi of Lagos” Apologises to Oba, State Govt Over Igbo New Yam Festival Controversy

The controversial figure, Chibuike Azubuike, who has been at the centre of a cultural and political storm in Lagos, has finally issued a public apology to the Oba of Lagos and the Lagos State Government. Azubuike, who was previously arrested in September by police for his alleged involvement in a fraud case, published the unreserved apology in a national daily.

The controversy surrounding Azubuike, who was widely known as the “Obi of Lagos,” initially erupted after he announced plans to host an Igbo New Yam Festival in the Amuwo Odofin area of the state. This move was met with immediate backlash from segments of the Lagos populace who saw the action as an inappropriate attempt to impose Igbo cultural practices in a state with a profound Yoruba heritage.

Dependable NG reports that in his public notice, Azubuike expressed deep regret for his actions and assured the public and the authorities of his commitment to conducting himself responsibly going forward. His written apology was sweeping, directed at “the Oba of Lagos, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government and the good people of Lagos State” over his “unguided proposal” to hold the New Yam Festival, which had been scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Significantly, Azubuike used the apology to address the controversial title that earned him the moniker, “Obi of Lagos.” He emphatically denied that the title was self-assumed, clarifying that it was entirely the result of a printing error in the original announcement. “The caption therein as ‘OBI OF LAGOS’ was a typographical error from the print man,” his statement explained, seeking to distance himself from the contentious cultural claim.

Furthermore, Azubuike stressed that his decision to cancel the planned festival was voluntarily made, dismissing previous insinuations that he had been pressured by state authorities or motivated by political maneuvers to abort the event. While clarifying his political neutrality, he concluded his statement with a clear indication of his future political leanings, adding: “Contrary to insinuations that it was politically driven, I am not a politician. However, if I ever decide to join politics in the future, I would align with the ruling All Progressives Congress to contribute to the progress of Lagos State.”