By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The week-long celebration of the coronation anniversary of the 14th Asagba of Asaba,His Royal Majesty Obi(Prof)Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge,(SAN,OON), which commenced on the January 1st 2025 by 11:00 am with Cultural Carnival at Main Bowl,Asaba township stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The colourful ceremony featured the traditional paying of homage to the revered Monarch, play presentation, novelty football match as well as presentation of music concert, was rounded up on Sunday January 5th 2025, with Thanksgiving Service held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West End, Asaba. by 12:00 noon.
Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev Michael Odogwu Elue, led a team of priests from different parts of the Diocese in the celebration of the first class coronation. Bishop Elue, who highlighted the importance of appreciating God in good and bad times, congratulated the 14th Asagba on his successful selection and coronation, urging him to remain steadfast in serving God, the people of Asaba and humanity at large.
Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi and a host of other Very Important Personalities, attended the service.
The grand finale of the celebration took place at the Dome Event Centre, where the entire Asaba community, represented by different traditional institutions and groups, cutting across the men, women and youths, as well as guests from mostly the Eastern parts of the country, were hosted to a reception.
The outing provided the opportunity for some of the personalities present to speak on His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge.
First to make his remarks was a former Secretary to the Delta State Government and now the Director General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick, who noted that the passing of the 13th Asagba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien, created a measure of apprehension in the community regarding who should be able to fit into the exalted position.
Chief Ukah said the event of the past five days proved that there could not have been a better choice for the throne than Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge.
Next to speak was former Governor of Anambra State and one-time Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige.
He said Asaba got it right by unanimously choosing Prof Azinge as their king and prayed God to grant him a peaceful and prosperous reign in good health
Also speaking, former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and brother-in-law of Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, said Asaba people should count themselves lucky to have a worthy, highly respected and connected son in Prof Epiphany Azinge, stressing that the Nwodo family of Enugu state was proud of him as a son-in-law.
For her part, the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Tech) Asaba, Prof Josephine Okeakwa, described Asagba Prof Azinge as a very transparent and truthful man who abhored corrupt practices and shady deals, emphasizing that his love for Asaba was beyond comparison.
Another Another speaker was Senator Peter Nwaoboshi,who also alluded to the eminent qualification of Prof Epiphany Azinge,in all fronts, for the throne, expressing confidence that his reign would take Asaba to enviable heights in no distant time.
Other seakers were Prof. Paul Idonije and a former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka,Responding on behalf of the Asagba, the Odogwu of Asaba, Obi Nwanze Oduah, thanked sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora for participating actively in the five-day celebration, saying that it was a rare show of solidarity.
The Odogwu also thanked guests from within and outside of the state for gracing the occasion and assured them that the Asagba would not betray the confidence reposed in him.
