- Extends Olive Branch To Rivals
BY PATRICK MGBODO
The new Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, yesterday ascended the throne of his ancestors, extending an olive branch to his former rivals and urging them to put aside their differences for the greater glory of Asaba. HRM Obi Azinge made this appeal in his maiden address at his installation ceremony, which marked the culmination of the kingship rites performed by the Asaba community under long-standing customs and traditions.
According to the new Asaba monarch, ‘’The contest for the throne of the Asagba of Asaba was not entirely without hitches. Whilst some of my brothers have since congratulated me, few still feel aggrieved for one reason or another.
‘’As the Asagba of Asaba and a sovereign with deep compassion and goodwill, I want to invite my brothers to sheathe their swords and join me as I strive to build a new Asaba. Together and collectively, we can achieve a lot by pulling together for the greater glory of Asaba.
‘’There is a lot of work to be done and even as your king, I cannot do it alone. A new dawn is on us and it is time to strive to achieve the greatest happiness of the greatest number of Asaba people. I need your support as I embark on this journey as your king. May God be our helper’’, he said.
In the cause of his declaration to contest for the exalted throne Asaba, HRM Azinge made several pledges which he repeated during the installation ceremony, also promising to be accessible, open to advice, encourage constructive criticisms and show zero tolerance for gossip in the palace.
‘’I will continue to support the Delta State Government as we strive to make Asaba the state capital of our dreams. I will push and network with the Federal Government to attract more institutions.
‘’I will make justice and fairness to all the mantra of my leadership and I will work tirelessly for peace to reign both in Asaba and among the Asaba people’’ HRM Azinge said, even as he demanded corresponding obligations from the Asaba people.
HRM Azinge paid glowing tributes to the 13th Asagba of Asaba, the late HRM Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, while also acknowledging his son and Ochendo-Asagba, Chief Louis Edozien, who midwifed the transition.
Dignitaries who witnessed the historic event firsthand include a former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; former member of the Senate, Barr Peter Nwaoboshi; member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Hon Ngozi Okolie and his counterpart in the state House of Assembly representing Oshimili South, Hon Bridget Anyafulu.
Others include the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Chief Kelvin Ezenyili; former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the local government, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, among so many others.
The high point of the event was the presentation of all instruments of office, decorations and eventual coronation of HRM Obi Azinge by the traditional chief priest (Onihe) Chief Ubaka Atoh, who was assisted by the Odogwu of Asaba, Chief Nwanze Oduah and witnessed by the generality of the traditional Asaba community.
