BY CHIKA KWAMBA
One of the candidates seeking to become the 14th Asagba of Asaba, Ogbueshi Anthony Ashiofu has urged other contenders to adhere to all traditional rites required for the throne, emphasizing that none of the process should be boycotted if they are qualified.
Ogbueshi Ashiofu made the call when he declared his intention to become the next Asagba, following the demise of HRM Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, in an event which took place at the Ogwa (village hall) of Umudiake Quarters in Asaba.
Witnessing Ashiofu’s public expression of interests were men, women and youths drawn from the six villages that make up the Ugbomanta Quarters; Umudiake, Umuonisha, Ogbeosowa, Oludi, Ogbeogwugwu, and Ogbeawo.
In his words, “The Asagbaship race we are all contesting for must be done with transparency and truth. I align myself with the disposition and position of the Obi, and if you want to become the Asagba of Asaba, you must fulfil all traditional requirements. “You must be properly certified by going through the traditional rites. There is no shortcut to it. You must stand before the deity to prove yourself and swear to the gods of Ugbomanta’’ Ashiofu said.
The Asagba-hopeful, reeled out his plans if chosen as the next traditional ruler of Asaba. He stressed the significance of peace and unity in developing the land, amongst other things, just as he vowed to accommodate other Nigerians residing in the Delta State Capital.
He also pledged to leverage his connection with the international community and partner with the state government to ensure rapid development in Asaba by attracting industries to help curb employment among the youths.
Additionally, he promised to boost the value of lands in Asaba through infrastructural development and an enabling environment for business, capitalizing on his knowledge as a surveyor. “We have all it takes. All we need is to fix our roads, drainages, electricity and other things that will attract foreign investors here’’.
Affirming Ashiofu’s qualities and efforts for the development of Asaba, Thomas Azuka and Dr John Salami recounted how he singlehandedly sponsored his trip abroad to further his studies as well as the employment of Asaba youths.
