By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The Asagbaship throne of a dashing monarch in the oil-rich state capital but impoverished Delta region has sparked a resurgence in royalty, tradition and ancestry among some Nigerians.
Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge marked the culmination of Ahaba Eze Title which commenced on the 5th of August,2024 by paying homage to the gods of Ugbomanta – Ihu-ani for traditional rites performed by the Diokpa of Ugbomanta Quarters and other traditional Chiefs.
Thousands of people thronged the streets and dignitaries and well-wishers flew in from around the world as the Ugbomanta people of Asaba in Delta state performed the traditional rites of Iwucha na nsu of a new Eze, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge.
Obi Azinge who had already completed the traditional rites of Iwucha na nsu, had proceeded with itchi rites of seven(7)days (isolation)customary holiday time during which he will have a close relationship with his chi(gods),which is a mandatory ritualistic performances of the Ichi Eze rites of Ahaba tradition and customs.
Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge will embark on the spiritual journey to Ije-Udo sacred ground where he will return with the elili ukwu tied to his ankles. Thereafter, he will be unveiled to the world as the newest Obi Agbogidi of Ahaba. Obi Azinge, who is wearing the red cap for the first time, will receive it after the ceremonies of Obiship are completed. He will then be able to wear the red cap as required by his people’s customary rules and may seldom be seen without it at public events.
As the highest traditional social rank among the Ahaba people, Obiship is typical of the group with high-class, it has a conventional nobleman as the bearer. The Azinge family is never new to living the life of their people’s cultural life but the family, driven by the popular choice in their dynastic, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, is already making headlines as the people of Asaba finds another rare avenue to reawaken, preserve and promote one of its cherished cultures to the world in the 21st century.
He promised to promote the culture of the people; and take active steps to build a lasting legacy based on the promotion of our rich and unique culture. As Obi Azinge’s Itchi rites of Obiship continues in his Ahaba hometown, the cultural participant has sent his salutations to the entire Asaba people.
Prof. Azinge, the newest Eze Ahaba, is presently in seven days Itchi rites as part of a big cultural observances and once the traditional process that would reveal him to the community as Obi is concluded, he will be brought to the UDO ground, where he will ultimately don the indigenous anklet known as “eli li ukwu.” As required by custom, his spouse, Dr. Valerie Azinge (SAN), would also benefit from the Obiship position.
The Iroko of a personality Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN,OON) is now on customary voyage to Ahaba Obiship/Ezeship rites and the entire Ahaba people, who are enthusiasts of their forefathers’ tradition, will be very happy to welcome Obi(Prof.)Epiphany Azinge (SAN,OON)for completing all the rites and ceremonies of Asaba culture.
