By: Ike Philip Abiagom
On Sunday, the Asaba traditional council, the Asagba-in-Council, announced the emergence of a foremost legal luminary the former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, a Professor of law, holds the traditional chieftaincy title of the Okilolo of Asaba ,(Obi)Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN,as the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba designate.
The Asagba-in-Council announced his selection as the most qualified among the 10 contenders in the race, who hail from Ugbomanta quarters and is to produce the next Asagba after Prof. Chike Edozien, who had since joined his ancestors.
The Ochendo of Asaba, Anthony Edozien, made the announcement on behalf of the Council and said the selection process was in accordance with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, which applies to Delta State.
Mr Azinge, a former director general of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, was selected from a poll of 10 contenders to the royal stool. Among the contenders were Tony Ogugia Konwea, Emmanuel Onwuka, a professor, and Chinedu Esealuka.
A cross section of Asaba indigenes both at home and in diaspora were united in their clamour that the next Asagba of Asaba should be accessible, accommodating, cosmopolitan and exude uncommon affection for the people. He must evince the statesman like virtues of wisdom and temperance. And more importantly, the process of selecting the (Obi)Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN,as the 14th Asagba (King) of Asaba designate was fair, transparent and equitable.
