My brother is the rightful heir to the throne, being the only son of the late king. After the one-year memorial of our father, he was crowned according to tradition. But since then, his cousin has been trying to usurp the crown through influence and manipulation.
Operatives of the Tiger Base unit under the Imo State Police Command have reportedly arrested Chief Chris Obasi, one of the contenders to the Eze royal stool of Eziama Ikeduru Autonomous Community of the State.
The arrest was said to have taken place on Wednesday evening around 8 p.m. at Obasi’s residence in Graceland Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
Confirming the development, Obasi’s sister, Adaeze Francis, attributed the arrest to the protracted kingship dispute within the community. She alleged that her brother’s cousin, also laying claim to the throne, had resorted to all possible means to prevent the state government from recognising Obasi as the legitimate traditional ruler.
“The arrest is clearly connected to the kingship tussle,” Adaeze said. “My brother is the rightful heir to the throne, being the only son of the late king. After the one-year memorial of our father, he was crowned according to tradition. But since then, his cousin has been trying to usurp the crown through influence and manipulation.”
Adaeze further disclosed that her brother had previously been taken to a magistrate court over the chieftaincy matter, with a hearing scheduled for Friday. However, following the death of the presiding magistrate, the case was adjourned to May 27, 2025.
Another family member, who requested anonymity, supported Adaeze’s account and accused Obasi’s cousin of using political connections to obtain the staff of office from the state government, allegedly bypassing traditional protocols.
“The late king passed away four years ago, and after his memorial, Chris Obasi, being his only son, was traditionally installed as king,” the family member said. “But shortly after, his cousin, leveraging his ties with the state government, secured the staff of office and handed it to his elder brother instead.”
The source also claimed that, in connection with the dispute, three other individuals—Chukwunonso Okemmadu, Soronnadi Ohiri, and Agrey Oparaugo—were arrested by the police on Friday night and are currently being held alongside Obasi.
Obasi’s legal counsel, Prof. Francis Dike, SAN, confirmed that his client was in police custody and that the arrest was allegedly linked to a petition accusing Obasi of terrorism financing—a charge Dike described as suspicious given the ongoing kingship conflict.
“I was informed by the police that a petition has been filed against Mr. Obasi, accusing him of sponsoring terrorism. However, I have not seen the petition myself,” Dike stated. “According to the officers, my client cannot be visited or considered for bail until Monday because the government is said to have an interest in the matter.”
The lawyer added that security protocols linked to the Vice President’s visit to the state over the weekend have delayed administrative processes, further complicating efforts to secure bail for his client.
As of the time of this report, the Imo State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the allegations.
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