By: Ike Phiip Abiagom
Asagba of Asaba
The Iroko tree is hardly seen blossoming in an arid land;it does not get its sprout on its strength, but divinely positioned for greatness. So are great humans who do not choose where they are born. Not only do the circumstances of their birth influence their steady rise to greatness, but the environment and people around the place of such birth could not be wished away in the formation of such human Irokos.
It is neither an accident nor mere happenstance that my subject for today become not only one of the most powerful monarchs in Nigeria but also the most learned; perhaps.
As a blue blood, and heir apparent to one of the most powerful thrones in Anioma-land, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge knew that he may be king one day. He dreamed the dream. He knew what he saw in the dream. And he was happy living in the world of his dream. Even though some thinkers believe that a man is no better than his dreams, the Obi Azinge knew that what he saw in the dreamscape was none of those fantasy stuff that many dreams are made of. He was convinced that though noble birth confers great honour and privileges on members of an eminent Azinge family, it is neither a warranty nor collateral for merit or competence or expertise.
As a young man, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge knew quite early that, truly, royalty brings instant recognition and puts the beneficiary in that echelon where money, women and influence reign. But he refused to be carried away by any of those in the knowledge that though some of those things may make you one of the most sought-after men around, what secures the future for the loyalty is his strength of character, personal convictions and the goals he sets for himself. With these at the back of his mind, Obi Prof. Azinge brushed aside all royal fantasies and tastes and upped the ante for himself. He desired more than the traditional stool. He aimed for the sky. He resolved to be king in a different kingdom – the academia. However, if providence ever permitted him to sit on the throne of his forefathers, he wanted to do so with a Professor of Law in his bag. He wanted to be an academic of an uncommon hue, the first Professor of Law monarch in Nigeria.
Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge is like the Biblical Joseph, the dreamer, who followed his dream. He resolved that if he was ever chosen by God to rule his people, he would want his name specially emblazoned in the Royals’ Hall of Fame for his good deeds, not only for his native Asaba but also the entire Aniomaland. And he lived the dream. He burnt the midnight oil and scored big.
By the time he was chosen to succeed late Asagba,HRM Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, JP who joined his ancestors on February 13, 2024, having ruled from July 1, 1991, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge had not only bagged some degrees in Law, he had also become a Professor of repute in the world. He had written dozens of books on Law and government.
The sterling qualities of HRM Obi(Professor) Epiphany Azinge, SAN,OON,the indefatigable legal scholar and his benevolent activities towards the advancement of human development. It has also been said that hidden treasures are always found deep down and those who intend to bring them to the fore need to dig deep to bring forth the precious stones that are always coated in dirt.
Obi(Prof.)Azinge a completely self-made man of substance and one who parades a distinguished, intimidating and robust profile which has been gained within a space of 44 years of his venturing into Law profession could be described as a man who has washed his hands well and deserves to eat with not only his elders but also his fathers.
Obi Epiphany Azinge is ever ready to dedicate his life for the betterment of his beloved Community Asaba. Prof. Azinge who is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. Obi Azinge has also been decorated with numerous national and international awards,the most treasured is Exemplary Performance award of OON by former Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan. He is the founder and senior partner at Azinge & Azinge, a law firm in Abuja, the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009 and 2014. Obi Azinge’s blood is a blend of eminent son of Ahaba who comes from a lineage of nobles,with himself standing as a modern-day embodiment of the true Ahaba Identity. He is a true son of Asaba who is willing and capable of working with Asaba people to overcome challenges facing the community from lack of adequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, healthcare deficiency, to educational shortcomings.
It is believed that if the town, whose indigenes are noted for academics and dynamic achievements, and which contributes enormously to the economies of the South-South and Nigeria, is given accelerated development, the terrible scourge of youth unemployment now plaguing Asaba would be history. The massive population of jobless youth turning to Yahoo and land grabbing, prowling the place, and making life miserable for compatriots and prospective investors, would reduce. And once that is achieved, peace would reign. Inhabitants would sleep with their two eyes closed. And everybody would live happily thereafter.
I want to end this tribute by joining other Anioma sons and daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to congratulate our worthy and progressive 14th Asagba of Ahaba, who will be handed the final traditional staff of office(ofor)of Ahaba on the 5th of October 2024.I pray God Almighty, who has been Asagba’s help in ages past and his hope for the future, will fill his days with joy and peace; keep him in sound mind and good health, and further fortify him to lead Ahaba and Anioma land to unprecedented growth and immeasurable prosperity. I also pray I will be there to felicitate with the paramount ruler when he celebrates his final official coronation.
Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu !!!. Asagba, Igadi kaa echi; Ise.
