Imo Police Detain Monarch Over Chieftaincy Dispute
Operatives from the Tiger Base unit of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a traditional chief, Chris Obasi, amid a fierce kingship dispute in the Eziama Ikeduru autonomous community.
According to Punch, Obasi was apprehended at his home in Graceland Estate, Ajah, Lagos, around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
His sister, Adaeze Francis, confirmed the arrest and claimed it stemmed from an ongoing battle over the royal stool of their late father, the former traditional ruler of Eziama Ikeduru.
Adaeze alleged that her brother’s cousin—whose identity was not disclosed—has been leveraging political influence to undermine Obasi’s claim to the throne and prevent the Imo State government from recognizing him as the legitimate monarch.
“The kingship matter has been long-standing. My brother, being the only son of the late king, was crowned after our father’s one-year memorial. But his cousin has persistently tried to take the title, even dragging him to court,” she said.
The dispute was already in court but faced delays due to the recent passing of the presiding magistrate. The next hearing is now set for May 27.
A family member, speaking anonymously, backed Adaeze’s account and alleged that the cousin managed to secure the staff of office from the state governor through political ties and handed it over to his elder brother, further escalating tensions.
In a related development, three other individuals—Chukwunonso Okemmadu, Soronnadi Ohiri, and Agrey Oparaugo—were also reportedly arrested in connection to the kingship conflict.
Obasi’s legal counsel, Prof. Francis Dike (SAN), said he had been informed by police that the arrest was based on a petition accusing Obasi of allegedly financing terrorism—a charge the lawyer said he had not yet seen in writing.
“The police say my client is being held over allegations of sponsoring terrorism, but they haven’t shown us the petition.
We were told he can’t be accessed or considered for bail until Monday due to the government’s interest in the case and the Vice President’s visit to the state,” Dike stated.
As of now, the Imo State Police Command has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest or the underlying allegations.
Imo Police Detain Monarch Over Chieftaincy Dispute