Lagos-Based Igbo monarch exercises judicial powers, frees Ogun state native from Kirikiri prison

……recent action by the “igwe” in Lagos sparks controversy

March 23, 2025

A surprising incident has raised eyebrows in Nigeria, as an Igbo monarch based in Lagos has exercised judicial powers to free an Ogun State native from Kirikiri Prison.

The monarch, who was addressed as “Igwe” in a video, has sparked controversy over the role of traditional monarchs in the Nigerian justice system, particularly when it comes to jurisdictions outside their own region.

The Igbo traditional ruler in Lagos claims to be the Eze of Amuwo Odofin, a title that has raised eyebrows among many Nigerians

At the heart of the controversy is the question of jurisdiction and authority.

Traditional monarchs in Nigeria, such as the Obas in Yoruba land, typically wield significant influence and power within their own domains.

However, their authority does not usually extend to other regions.

Many people have taken to social media to express their opinions on the matter. Some, like X user @ADELEKE, view the Igbo monarch’s actions as an overstep, stating, “Igbos having igwe in Lagos is a big slap on our faces, are we that hungry that we gave them all power in our land, such thing can never happen in the East.”

Others, like “flowing lava,” are skeptical about the monarch’s claims, asking, “But who gives him such power to be a king.. Just asking?”

However, not everyone shares these views. User “Biafra Extant” argues that the Igbo monarch’s actions should be appreciated, rather than criticized, saying, “Yorubas and Ungratefulness these are the people he singlehanded release from prison both Igbos and yoroba,but you have tuned it to be claiming ownership, how many of your obas or northerners has done such in yoroba land ? Ungrateful people, I blame our igbo people who don’t learn.”

This incident has highlighted the complexities and nuances of traditional monarchies in Nigeria, and the need for a clearer understanding of their roles and authorities in the modern Nigerian state.