Imo police detain factional monarch in chieftaincy dispute

Operatives of the Tiger Base division of the Imo State Police Command have arrested one of the traditional chiefs laying claim to the Eze royal stool of Eziama Ikeduru autonomous community, Chris Obasi, Sunday PUNCH gathered.

Obasi’s sister, Adaeze Francis, who confirmed the development to our correspondent on Thursday, said the police operatives arrested him around 8pm on Wednesday at his residence in Graceland Estate, Ajah, Lagos.

She said the arrest was connected to the protracted kingship tussle between her brother and his cousin, whom she accused of using every means possible to prevent the state government from recognising Obasi as the rightful traditional ruler.

“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,” Francis said.

The lady explained that her brother was dragged to the magistrate court over the kingship tussle some months ago, and the case was scheduled for Friday.

However, the presiding magistrate died, leading to an adjournment till May 27, 2025.

Another member of the family, who pleaded anonymity, also corroborated Francis’ claims, stating that Obasi’s cousin had used his political connections to get the staff of office from the state governor.

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 used his political connection to the state governor to get the staff of office and hand it over to his senior brother,” the family source said.

He claimed that, in connection with the kingship dispute, three people were arrested from the community on Friday night by the police and were being held in the same custody with Obasi.

The source gave the names of the arrested individuals as Chukwunonso Okemmadu, Soronnadi Ohiri, and Agrey Oparaugo.

However, Obasi’s lawyer, Prof. Francis Dike, SAN, said the police informed him that the series of arrests were linked to a petition submitted to the state command, accusing Obasi of terrorism financing.

“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.

He explained that the police told him Obasi could only be seen or considered for bail on Monday, as the government was said to be interested 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.

Efforts to get the Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, for a reaction proved abortive as he did not answer his calls nor respond to messages sent to him as of the time of filing this report on Saturday night