The self-acclaimed “Obi of Lagos”, Mr. Chibuike Azubuike, who was arrested by police operatives in Lagos in September over an alleged fraud scheme, has publicly apologised to the Lagos State Government and the Oba of Lagos.

Azubuike, who had announced plans to hold a New Yam Festival in Lagos last month, became the subject of public criticism after his proposal was viewed as an attempt to introduce Igbo traditional culture in a state deeply rooted in Yoruba heritage and customs.

The proposed festival, which was scheduled for September 13, 2025, at the Amuwo Odofin area of the state, sparked outrage from several quarters, including traditional institutions, cultural advocates, and segments of the public who accused him of disrespecting the established cultural order of Lagos.

In what appears to be an effort to clear the air and mend relations, Azubuike issued a formal public apology published in a national daily, where he expressed remorse for his earlier actions and promised to act in accordance with the law and respect for the host community going forward.

“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,” he stated.

Azubuike, who was referred to as “Obi of Lagos” in the event material, clarified that the controversial title was not self-assigned, insisting that it was an error made during the printing of the publicity documents.

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

He maintained that his decision to cancel the festival was entirely voluntary, dismissing suggestions that he had been pressured or coerced by the government or traditional authorities. According to him, his choice was a matter of personal conviction, and he insisted there was no political agenda behind it.

“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.

The businessman concluded by reiterating his respect for the Oba of Lagos and the cultural traditions of the state, saying the misunderstanding had offered him a valuable lesson about the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for established authorities.

“There is no fraud, nor any falsehood. What exists is a delay and nothing more. Yet from this delay, some have chosen to fabricate lies, weaponize rumors, and maliciously mislead the public. Let it be clear: those responsible for instigating and spreading these defamatory claims will be held fully accountable, legally, morally, and shall pay for every damage they have caused.”

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When cement skyrocketed from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000, who absorbs the cost? We do. The buyer does not want to hear this, yet it is reality. During construction, steel surged from ₦500,000 to ₦1.3 million and we did not compromise.

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It is deeply concerning that public institutions are now being misused to settle civil disputes and punish enterprises. What should have remained a private contractual matter has been paraded as crime, turning law enforcement into debt collectors. Sujimoto is pursuing firm legal redress against those behind these malicious falsehoods, and those responsible shall pay for the damages they have caused.

Sujimoto is not merely a company; it is a creed — a fellowship of architects, artisans, and engineers bound by a shared pursuit of excellence. We have empowered thousands, paid over ₦7 billion in wages in the past 12 years, and built monuments that speak where falsehood falls silent.

In a nation where haste is mistaken for progress and ambition for arrogance, it has become easy to weaponize delay. Yet progress, like justice, is slow only to those who lack patience. Our only “crime” is daring to dream beyond the comfort zone of ordinary builders — and for that, we shall never apologise.

Some may not like Sujimoto — his relentless ambition, his boldness, his refusal to follow the ordinary. Some may call him loud, too forward, even audacious. Yet no one can deny his work. His projects speak for themselves — unmatched in vision, execution, and impact. To question the man is human; to question the monument he builds is impossible.

Sujimoto does not build for applause. We build for permanence. And when The Leonardo finally rises — not if, but when — it will stand as a monument to truth: proof that audacious vision outlives the noise, and that gold is forged only through fire.

Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele is the Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, the Czar of Luxury RealEstate Development, and the mastermind developer behind the renowned Giuliano. Our other audacious projects, such as the most sophisticated building in Banana Island, LucreziaBySujimoto, the grandiose Sujimoto Twin Tower, the tallest twin towers in Africa; the regal Queen Amina by Sujimoto, a monument to royal affluence; the magnificent high-rise LeonardoBySujimoto; the Sujimoto Farm; an advanced farm estate system that incorporates housing, farm hospitals, hotels, and markets within an ecosystem, creating opportunities for agro-tourism and affordable housing., among other projects that have etched an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s skylines, a testament to Sujimoto’s unrivalled mastery of modern-day engineering.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the federal government against using the alleged coup plot as a pretext to target opposition figures or silence dissenting voices.

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while the ADC strongly condemns any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic order, the government must not exploit the situation to instil fear or gain political advantage under the guise of protecting national security.

“The ADC has been following reports of an alleged coup plot involving some arrested military officers and claims that a former southern governor is under investigation for allegedly funding them,” the statement said.

Abdullahi warned that, although the ADC opposes actions capable of threatening Nigeria’s constitutional order, it remains concerned about the potential use of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public opinion.

He expressed concern over conflicting statements from government officials, noting that the defence headquarters’ denial of knowledge of any coup plot had raised doubts about the credibility of the reports.

According to him, the government’s silence on the issue has allowed the rumour to spread unchecked, fuelling suspicions that the entire narrative may be politically motivated.

“What appears clear is that the government is using the coup narrative to divert attention from widespread misgovernance and to curry public sympathy,” he said.

Abdullahi added that reports linking unnamed politicians to the alleged plot could be exploited to justify clampdowns or surveillance on opposition figures.

He cautioned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must not allow its “desperation” to hold on to power to endanger democracy or citizens’ rights.

“The government has a duty to clarify the true nature of the alleged coup and address the nation transparently if any threat truly exists,” he said. “It must desist from weaponising national security to silence political opposition.”

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy, saying it would support any legitimate measures aimed at protecting the constitution while rejecting all forms of dictatorship, whether military or civilian.