By Ike Abonyi
On October 5th, 2024, history was recorded significantly in Asaba Kingdom in Delta State as a new Asagba of Asaba, 67-year-old Obi, Prof Epiphany Chibuogu Azinge, was installed.
It was a herald of Asaba culture and tradition in its enthusiastic form. Speaking to close friends and relatives shortly after his throne was inaugurated, the new King, a legal icon, Professor of Law, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, gave insight into what friends, relatives, and the Community should expect from his throne.
“I am going to avail my Kingship for evangelism. My reign as Asagba of Asaba will be adequately utilized to propagate Jesus Christ while upgrading and updating the culture and traditions of our people. I will not disappoint my friends and Asaba people because God was preparing me for the position without my knowing. I consulted extensively with my family and others before concluding to make the huge sacrifice of devoting the rest of my life to serving my people in this capacity.”
Among the sacrifices are the limitations the new position imposed on him as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, a law Teacher, and a Professor within and outside the Commonwealth of Nations including his wife, the new Queen of Asaba, Dr. Valeria Azinge, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN who as the new Queen of Asaba is not expected to make a professional court appearance any longer.
“I will use my reign to promote Jesus Christ. I will use it to evangelize the gospel to ensure the true worship of Jesus Christ,” he stressed.
Earlier, shortly after his coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba, the legal luminary addressed the people and unfolded his programmes, which he hopes will develop the town and bring it to the right status as one of the early towns that saw civilization in this country.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in the history of Asaba. In the chronicles of this great kingdom, this day will forever be remembered as a moment of renaissance, cultural rebirth, social re-engineering, and the relentless pursuit of the greatest happiness for the majority of our people.
“I must begin by paying tribute to the memory of my esteemed predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Chike Edozien, CFR, for his 33 years of distinguished and selfless service to our people. His love for Asaba was unparalleled, his passion for reform unprecedented, his vision unmatched, and his pragmatism beyond description. It often felt as though he would live forever. He was a father figure to me and many others, and everything I know, I learned from him. He now belongs to the exalted circle of our ancestors, and I believe his blessings will continue to guide us as we build on his remarkable legacy. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
“I would also like to commend Ochendo Asagba, the regent of the throne, for the exceptional leadership he demonstrated in managing the affairs of Asaba since the passing of his father. His balanced judgment, unwavering commitment to peace, and ability to manage the transition process have been widely recognized. On behalf of the entire people of Asaba, I congratulate you on a highly successful tenure and encourage you to continue lending your wisdom and institutional memory to the service of our community.
“On the 19th of August, in this hallowed palace, the people of Asaba (by an overwhelming 99% vote) entrusted me with the immense responsibility of stepping into the shoes of my ancestors as the 14th Asagba of Asaba. You saw in me the qualities of leadership that will honor the legacy of my predecessor. Your trust in me is a clear invitation to continue pushing the boundaries of engagement and service in our land.
“I recognize the enormous burden that comes with this role, but it is one I am fully committed to shouldering for the progress and well-being of our people. I promise that I will not betray your trust, nor will I ever disappoint the people of Asaba.
”As I accepted this role, I made the following pledges:
– To uphold and promote the traditions and culture of the Asaba people.
– To foster unity among our people, promoting inclusivity and rejecting exclusivity.
– To sow the seeds of love and Jilial loyalty among our people.
– To encourage the establishment of a welfare and development fund for the community development of Asaba.
– To vigorously pursue the building of a befitting palace for the Asagba of Asaba.
– To continue advocating for the establishment of a Federal University in Asaba.
– To extend control and supervision to all parts of Asaba where the influence of traditional authorities may not have reached.
– To strengthen all traditional authorities and institutions like OTU-Ihaza, Asagba-In-Council, and others.
– To be accessible, open to advice, encourage constructive criticism, and show zero tolerance for gossip within the palace.
– To ensure the security of Asaba and its people.
– To foster peaceful coexistence with our neighbors and the good people of Anioma.
To work harmoniously with the Delta State Government in the interest of our people.
I will continue to support the government as we strive to make Asaba the state capital of our dreams.
I will actively push and network with the Federal Government to attract more institutions to Asaba.
Justice and fairness for all will be the hallmark of my leadership.
I will work tirelessly to ensure peace reigns both within Asaba and among the Asaba people.”
“Today, I reaffirm these pledges. So help me God. I pledge as your king never to disappoint the people of this great land that we so deeply revere. I will be the leader you entrusted with the destiny of this land, and I promise to elevate Asaba to greater heights.
“As I make these pledges, I must also remind us that there are corresponding obligations for each of you. We must all learn to live in peace and harmony, to be our brother’s keeper, to uphold Jilial loyalty, to reject division and conflict, and to reward excellence. We must promote the dignity of labor and continue to welcome Nigerians from other tribes, encouraging investments in our town.
“Asaba is a land rich in culture and tradition. I vow to preserve our heritage, uphold our unique customs and traditions, and improve the welfare of our people. I will harness the immense academic potential of our people, create employment opportunities by revitalizing moribund industries, and instill in our people a sense of belonging in the affairs of our state. I will maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with our Local Government Council and its leadership.
“Asaba, as a state capital, is far from the once sleepy, rustic town by the banks of the “Majestic Niger.” Today, Asaba is not only the fastest-growing state capital in Nigeria but one of the fastest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, we must not rest on our laurels. Let us not forget that Asaba was once the capital of Nigeria in the days of the Royal Niger Company. I will continue to support all efforts to enhance the status of Asaba. It will be a welcome development if we improve our power situation and ensure a steady flow of piped water throughout our land. I urge the concerned agencies and authorities to address these pressing concerns as a matter of urgency.
“The contest for the throne of the Asagba of Asaba was not without its challenges. While many of my brothers have congratulated me, a few remain aggrieved for one reason or another. As Asagba, and as a sovereign with compassion and goodwill, I invite my brothers to sheath their swords and join me as we build a new Asaba together. Collectively, we can achieve greatness by uniting for the glory of Asaba.
”My dear compatriots of Asaba, there is much work to be done, and even as your king, I cannot do it alone. A new dawn is upon us, and it is time for us to strive to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number of our people.
“Please, I seek your unwavering support as I embark on this journey as your king, sovereign, and traditional ruler. May God be our helper.
“Long live the Ahaba Kingdom. Long live Ani Ahaba.
“May God protect our land. May our glory never fade.”