Imo Kingship Crisis: Police Detain Factional Monarch Amid Explosive Chieftaincy Dispute

 

The long-standing kingship tussle in the Eziama Ikeduru autonomous community of Imo State took a dramatic turn recently, as security operatives reportedly arrested one of the central figures in the dispute—Chief Chris Obasi. Obasi, who claims rightful inheritance to the royal stool of Eziama Ikeduru, was arrested by operatives of the Tiger Base division of the Imo State Police Command at his residence in Lagos.

According to a detailed report published by Punch Newspaper, Chief Obasi was apprehended at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday at his home in Graceland Estate, Ajah, Lagos. His sister, Adaeze Francis, confirmed the arrest, describing it as a targeted move linked to the intense traditional leadership dispute between her brother and his cousin, whose name has not been officially disclosed but who is reportedly using political influence to secure the kingship position.

"My Brother Is the Rightful Heir" — Family Speaks Out

Speaking passionately about the situation, Adaeze Francis said:

“The whole thing has to do with the kingship tussle. My brother is the rightful heir to the royal stool because our late father was the former king. He was crowned shortly after the one-year remembrance of our father. But since then, his cousin has been doing everything to snatch the crown from him.”

Adaeze alleged that the opposition faction within the family, led by Obasi’s cousin, has used all available means, including legal action and political influence, to prevent the state government from officially recognizing Chief Chris Obasi as the legitimate traditional ruler of the community.

The situation escalated to the courts months ago when Chief Obasi was summoned to a magistrate court in relation to the kingship dispute. According to Adaeze, the hearing was progressing until the unfortunate death of the presiding magistrate caused an unexpected delay in the proceedings.

The next hearing is now adjourned until May 27, 2025, leaving both parties in a legal limbo and intensifying the community's anxiety over the final resolution of the traditional leadership struggle.

“He Was Crowned After the Memorial of His Father” — Insider Reveals

Another source close to the family, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, corroborated Adaeze’s narrative. He revealed that after the death of the former traditional ruler four years ago, the family organized a one-year memorial in accordance with Eziama Ikeduru customs. Following this solemn event, Chris Obasi, as the only male heir, was crowned in a private but culturally significant ceremony.

The source explained:

“The late king died four years ago, and as our tradition demands, we held a memorial for him. Shortly after, Mr. Obasi, his only son, was crowned. But after the ceremony, the man [Obasi's cousin] used his political connection to the state governor to get the staff of office and hand it over to his senior brother.”

This act of presenting the staff of office to someone else outside of the royal lineage, according to the family, contravenes the customary rules and traditions of the Eziama Ikeduru community.

More Arrests Linked to the Tussle

In an even more troubling twist, the source also claimed that three other individuals connected to Chief Obasi were arrested by the police on the same night as part of the ongoing investigation. The arrested persons were identified as:

• Chukwunonso Okemmadu

• Soronnadi Ohiri

• Agrey Oparaugo

These individuals are believed to be strong supporters of Chief Obasi's claim to the throne, and their arrests are seen by many as part of a larger effort to suppress his influence within the community.

Allegations of Terrorism Sponsorship Raise Eyebrows

While many initially assumed the arrest was solely linked to the kingship dispute, a shocking revelation emerged from Chief Obasi’s legal counsel, Prof. Francis Dike, SAN. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, police operatives informed him that Chief Obasi’s arrest was in connection with a petition accusing him of sponsoring terrorism.

“The police said a petition was written against Mr. Obasi, my client, but I haven’t seen it. However, according to the brief I was given, he is being accused of sponsoring terrorism against the state,” Dike stated.

This serious allegation has cast a dark shadow over the already complex kingship crisis. As of now, there is no public evidence linking Chief Obasi to terrorism-related activities, and the source of the petition remains unclear.

Legal Access Denied — Government Allegedly Involved

Adding another layer of controversy to the unfolding drama, Prof. Dike revealed that the police have refused to allow access to his client, citing government interest in the matter.

“The police said nobody would be allowed to see my client for now because the government is interested in the case. They said he has a case against the state. But nothing can be done today (Saturday) because most offices are not open due to the Vice President’s visit to the state. They told us to wait until Monday for his bail,” the lawyer added.

This statement has fueled suspicions that political interference may be at play, especially given the alleged role of Obasi's cousin in securing the staff of office through connections with the state governor.

 

Imo State Police Yet to Release Official Statement

As of the time of writing, the Imo State Police Command has not issued any official statement regarding the arrest of Chief Chris Obasi or the three other individuals. The silence from law enforcement authorities has only intensified public speculation and confusion about the true motivations behind the arrests.

Community in Crisis: What’s Next for Eziama Ikeduru?

The situation in Eziama Ikeduru is becoming increasingly unstable. What began as a traditional leadership dispute has now escalated into a case involving alleged terrorism financing, political power struggles, and a controversial arrest. The community remains divided, with supporters on both sides digging in and awaiting the outcome of the pending court date.

The people of Eziama Ikeduru are calling for peace, justice, and adherence to traditional customs. Many fear that if the issue is not resolved fairly and transparently, it could spark further unrest in the area.

As the court date of May 27, 2025, approaches, all eyes will be on the Imo State judiciary, the police command, and the state government to see how this high-stakes case unfolds. For now, questions continue to swirl:

• Who is the rightful king of Eziama Ikeduru?

• Is there a political agenda behind the arrest?

• Are the terrorism charges real or fabricated?

Only time will tell.

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