By: Ike Philip Abiagom
In a historic ceremony held at the Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba yesterday, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, yesterday presented Staff of Office to the 14th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN,OON.The event, which attracted a large crowd and eminent personalities from across Nigeria, marked a significant moment in the ancient city’s history.
Governor Oborevwori admitted that it was the responsibility of his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, to make the presentation, congratulated the Asagba on his successful ascension to the throne of his forebears.He noted that Asagba Azinge reign was coming at a time Asaba was witnessing an influx of non indigene due to the peaceful atmosphere the state capital had come to be identified with and the infrastructure upgrade thar had taken place in recent times
Oborevwori said one of his administration’s goals was to make the state a safe haven to investors, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure that communities and urban centres were safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors.
He said: “I note with pleasure that Asaba has become the city of choice for many people who find it a safe place to raise their families.
“By the same token, some undesirable elements are exploiting the exponential growth of the city to infiltrate the city with their own sinister agenda.
“Hence, you must remain vigilant and alert to any form of security threat that will destabilise the kingdom, and, by implication, the state capital.
“Please, do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities or persons in your communities to the relevant authorities. We do not want anything that will truncate the peace and security that we have been enjoying.
“This charge is also applicable to all the traditional rulers in the state and their subjects, for the sustenance of peace and security.
“One of the goals of this administration is to make Delta State the preferred investors’ destination. To achieve this goal, all hands must be on deck to ensure that our communities and urban centres are safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors.
“Towards this end, everything must be done to avoid inter- and intra-communal clashes. It is important that our traditional institution maintains a regular interface with the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council for effective strategies to contain any emerging security threat. This is the pathway to building the Delta State of our dreams.”
He described the new traditional ruler as a dynamic personality, thought leader, purpose-driven and a consensus builder, adding that he was optimistic the monarch would make the people of Asaba and the entire state proud.
“These traits will serve him well to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, while breaking new frontiers in the administration of the kingdom.
“His urbane outlook and statesman-like disposition are essential qualities needed in the traditional ruler of a domain that is home to people of different tribes and tongues.
“I am fully persuaded that the kingdom of Asaba under his leadership will attain new heights in community development, peaceful co-existence, and enhanced government-community relations,” he added.
The Governor, who underscored the importance of the traditional institution, said: “the role of the traditional institution in the current democratic dispensation cannot be over-emphasized.
“Traditional rulers are not only custodians of our customary laws, norms, and traditions, they also play the role of intermediaries between the government and the people at the grassroots.
“They greatly assist the government in creating awareness about government’s policies and programmes, especially in the areas of immunisation, environmental sanitation, empowerment schemes, and security.”
“For him to succeed on the throne, he needs more of your support. The kingdom is yours to promote and protect. I, therefore, urge you to resist any attempt to cause disaffection in the kingdom. You must always bear in mind that the success of the Asagba is also your success.”
Expressing his joy and confidence in Ahaba’s future under the reign of new Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof Epiphany Azinge, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,the Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land conveyed his warm wishes for the new Asagba.
He celebrated the people of Ahaba and expressed optimism that the ancient town would witness greater progress and prosperity during HRM Prof Epiphany Azinge’s tenure. He appealed to all indigenes of Asaba to give their maximum support and cooperation to the new Asagba, saying: “You have done well in ensuring that there was mutual understanding and harmony in the succession processes leading to his selection and subsequent enthronement., I wished Asagba Prof Azinge a peaceful and impactful reign.
