By:Ike Philip Abiagom
It was a beehive of activities in Asaba, Delta State at the yesterday, as legal luminary, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge,(OON,SAN,FNIALS,KSG) was on Saturday crowned as the 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Oshimili South LGA in Delta state. Newsbreeze reports that the coronation of Azinge followed his election in August by the five quarters of Asaba Kingdom. In a brief but impressive ceremony, which took place on Saturday at the late Asagba’s Palace in Asaba, the Ochendo Asagba, Engr. Louis Edozien, who held brief since the 13th February, 2024, official announcement of his father’s passing, transferred the staff of office held by the late Asagba, through the Onihe of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Atu, to Obi (Prof) Azinge.
Onoi Ahaba, Obi (Dr ) Benibe Ugboko, presented the keys to the Ogwa Ukwu to the new Asagba(Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge), while the Onyeudo of Asaba, Chief Austin Ndili, who heads the traditional Court of Appeal, also presented the keys to the court to the Asagba designate through the Onihe.
This was followed by the anointing of the Asagba designate by the Onihe after which he was formally crowned the 14th Asagba of Asaba in the presence of former Governor James Ibori, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land,members of the Asagba-in-Council, Obis, Olinzeles, Chiefs,HRM,Obi Dr.Fredrick Chukwuloe Egbunkonye ll,(JP) The Igwe of Abala kingdom, among other traditional title holders and imminent personalities from within and outside the state.
Before transferring the symbol of authority to the new Asagba, the Ochendo recalled the transparent process that led to his emergence from among ten contestants, describing him as the right person for the throne. He expressed confidence that Asagba (Prof) Azinge would diligently continue from where his predecessor stopped in taking Asaba to greater heights and solicited the support of all segments of the community for the new King.
Speaking at his coronation at the Asagba Palace, Ezenei quarters, Obi Azinge paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, late Obi Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, describing him as “a father figure.”
He said the late traditional ruler was a shining light for the community, who worked tirelessly for the peace and overall development of Asaba.
“The late Obi Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba was a great patriot, an accomplished scholar and traditional leader who worked tirelessly for the development of Asaba.
“His vision is matchless. He was a pragmatic leader and very committed in the pursuance of peace and unity of Asaba nation.
“He was a father figure to me and I will forever cherish his leadership vision and ideologies which he held so dearly till death,” Azinge said.
Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, who was flanked by his wife, Agu Nwanyi Valerie Azinge, SAN, thanked the Ochendo for effectively midwifing the peaceful and transparent process that led to his selection and urged other eminently contenders who were not as lucky as he was to join him in giving Asaba a purposeful reign.
“On August 18, I was elected to fall into the shoes of my forebears as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
“Your vote was a call to serve and a clear expression of trust in my capacity to push the frontiers in engagement in our land. The expectations from me are very high, and I want to promise that I will never betray your trust and I will never disappoint the people of Asaba”.
”I pledge to be accessible, open to advice, encourage constructive criticism, and I will use my network of connections to attract federal presence to Asaba.
The new Asagba reiterated his pledge to bring about the needed transformation that would reposition Asaba for greatness, promising to collaborate with the state and Oshimili South local government, as well as other relevant authorities to ensure the realization of set goals.
These include to uphold and promote the traditions and culture of Asaba people, foster unity among the people and promote inclusivity, establish a welfare/development fund for community development, build a befitting permanent palace of the Asagba of Asaba, attract a Federal University to Asaba, among others.
According to him, no one in his domain would be marginalised, stressing that his reign will witness inclusiveness of all ethnic groups to the development of Asaba, Delta capital. He urged other contenders to shield their swords, and work with him for the good, unity and development of Asaba and his people.
The traditional ruler who pledged to work for the peace, progress and unity of the ancient town, enjoined the people of Asaba to join hands together and build a prosperous community.
The coronation ceremony was graced by former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Former Deputy Senate President, Most Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,the Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land and the biggest Industrialist in Anioma land, titleholders, The great Nwodos family from Enugu State (Prof. Azinge`s inlaws) indigenes,traditional rulers from across the country.
Meanwhile, the Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, Agu-wa-ji-ejemba 1 of Anioma land has congratulated His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge on his successful coronation ceremony as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
In his message, the senator acknowledged the deep responsibility that comes with the role of Asagba, describing the new Asagba as the “heart and soul” of Asaba.
He noted that the Asagba’s position extends beyond the ceremonial head, stating that His Royal Majesty will be looked upon as a beacon of wisdom, strength, and unity that will guide the people of Asaba through both prosperous and challenging times. He has hailed the selection of Prof. Azinge as the 14th Asagba, stressing that the people of Asaba made the right choice.
‘It is with immense joy and profound reverence that I celebrate your historic coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba esteemed kingdom. Your Majesty, your remarkable journey from the lecture hall to the throne inspires us all. Your dedication to education and public service has prepared you well for this noble role.
“Congratulations! May your reign be long and fruitful and may it signal a new era of great prosperity for your people,” he concluded.
