The self-acclaimed Obi of Lagos, Chibuike Azubuike, who was arrested by police operatives in Lagos in September over a fraud scheme, has apologised to the state government and the Oba of Lagos.

Azubuike proposed to hold a New Yam Festival in Lagos in September.

He was criticised for attempting to introduce an Igbo culture in Lagos, a state with Yoruba culture and heritage.

In a public notice published in a national daily, Azubuike apologised for his actions and promised to conduct himself in a good manner.

“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, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, the 13th of September 2025, at Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State.

“The caption therein as ‘OBI OF LAGOS’ was a typographical error from the print man,” he wrote.

He added that he was not coerced into cancelling the festival, but chose to do it of his own volition, adding that it was not politically motivated.

“Contrary to insinuations that it is politically motivated, I’m not a politician, and even if I have the intention of joining any political party in the near future, I should join the ruling All Progressives Congress to ensure the state moves forward,” Azubuike added.