Eze Ndigbo Appeals Conviction Against Lagos Chiefs Law

Ajao Estate Eze Ndigbo Challenges Lagos Chiefs’ Authority

Frederick Nwajagu, known as the Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos, has filed an appeal challenging his recent conviction under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State. In January 2025, the Lagos State High Court acquitted Nwajagu of terrorism charges but found him guilty of unlawfully parading himself as a titled chief, sentencing him to one year in prison—a term he had already served during pre-trial detention.

Represented by his lawyer, Chief Emefo Etudo, Nwajagu argues that Sections 26 to 36 of the Obas and Chiefs Law (1981) infringe upon his constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association, as guaranteed by Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. He contends that his cultural activities within his private residence do not constitute the establishment of a kingship or chieftaincy and that any restriction imposed by the Lagos Chiefs Law on these constitutional rights is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency with the Constitution.

Nwajagu’s appeal seeks to overturn the lower court’s ruling and secure a full acquittal. No date has been set for the appeal hearing.

This legal battle stems from Nwajagu’s arrest in April 2023, following a viral video in which he allegedly threatened to invite members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to Lagos to protect Igbo residents’ properties. While acquitted of terrorism charges due to insufficient evidence, his conviction for unlawfully parading himself as a titled chief has sparked a constitutional debate over the validity of the Lagos Chiefs Law.