By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Asagba of Asaba
As Delta State capital (Asaba) will officially witness the final traditional installation and coronation of the 14th Asagba of Ahaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi(Prof.)Epiphany Azinge,OON,SAN on the 5th October 2024,I join all sons and daughters of Ahabaland, including the residents of this ancient city in celebration.
Asaba is renowned for its unique traditional system, which has made succession to the throne a stress-free process(Democratic), contributing significantly to the relative peace in the land. Undoubtedly, Obi Azinge’s ascension comes with its own challenges, which I have previously referred to as human factors. Now, before Asagba is the developmental agenda of Ahabaland.
It is essential for my readers to understand that Asaba is not just an ordinary city; it is a megalopolis, that deserves a King with international influential status and a superlative iconic personality, of which Okilolo Ahaba fits into the shoes and Obi Azinge 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.
HRM Obi Azinge who is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa 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 Prof Epiphany Azinge had not only bagged some degrees in Law, he had also become a Professor of repute in the world. He has 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 is top notch.
Obi Azinge climbed an ascension ladder of royalty as Okilolo Ahaba, spending years in royal learning through the ascension ladder. As I have highlighted in various write up, the years Obi Azinge spent climbing the ladder is a notable tradition of royal learning. He has been entrusted with numerous royal responsibilities, preparing him well for this significant role. While age will not pose a challenge to him, Azinge’s years of royal learning and the support of various administrative arms derived from the previous Asagba will ease his responsibilities.
It is also noteworthy that Obi Azinge understands how these royal administrative arms work. We can all recall how he stood before Asaba people at various quarters during his official declaration with a humble heart and bold vision, not as a mere individual but as a servant leader who is ready to dedicate his life for the betterment of our beloved community, Asaba and Anioma in general.
He is aware of the challenges facing his people but he believe that together they will overcome these obstacles and build a stronger and more prosperous Asaba Community as Delta State capital. He has been involved in the activities of the Council of Traditional chiefs. His deep involvement in these royal administrative arms over the years shows that he is not an outsider; he is well-prepared to deliver, especially with the support of these bodies.
In this new dispensation, I look forward to the new Asagba, with the cooperation of the Asagba-in-Council and traditional stakeholders, including the State Government for the development of Asaba as the capital of an oil rich state. Our expectations are high for the new Asagba, and I believe it is the duty of all sons and daughters, including the residents of Asaba, to support His Majesty as he ascends the final throne of our ancestors on the 5th October,2024 as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Long live the King.
Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu!!!
