BY PATRICK MGBODO
The race for the Asagba of Asaba throne, on Monday saw a significant leap as the Umuonisha (Isieke Village) of Ugbomanta Quarters nominated its candidate following a rigorous screening process.
To this end, the village presented Ogbueshi (Engr.) Anthony Konwea before an eager crowd of men, women, youths, and children as the preferred candidate to become the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Presenting the Asagba-nominee to the village, the Diokpa (head) of Umuonisha, Ogbueshi Olisamedua Uwaechia said it was the turn of the Umuonisha Village to produce the next Asagba of Asaba based on an age-long rotational arrangement, having been zoned to the Ugbomanta Quarters.
‘’He (Konwea) met all the criteria to become the Asagba of Asaba. He is the best candidate’’ Ogbueshi Uwaechia said, adding that the Umuonisha Village has also communicated their intentions to the Okpala-Ukwu of Ugbomanta.
‘’I do not know of any other candidate from Ugbomanta. The only candidate we know is Ogbueshi Anthony Konwea. Seniority has always played a role in our existence as a people; even at ordinary meetings. If seniority plays a role in the zoning of Asagba to Ugbomanta, then at the lower level, zoning by seniority should also decide. In that case, it is the turn of Isieke.
‘’Therefore, we call on our beloved brothers in Ugbomanta to lend their fraternal support to Isieke and ensure that this sacred, equitable order of rotation by seniority is not breached. We can accomplish a seamless transition by abiding by this solemn rotational protocol.
‘’Our ancestors taught us that Equity and Justice are the answered prayers of the gods. Today (yesterday), Isieke proudly presents Anthony Konwea, a worthy son of Umuonisha and Ugbomanta’’ he said.
In his acceptance speech, Ogbueshi Konwea, the 13th direct descendant (oba) of the progenitor of Asaba, Nnebisi, said he would ensure that the Asagbaship throne gets a redefinition, promote Asaba cultural heritage to global heights, and empower the youths for self-reliance.
Among other things, the Asagba-nominee said he would use his expertise in the oil sector to attract more development to the Asaba Community, and partner with the Delta State Government to broaden opportunities for the Asaba people.
‘’I earnestly solicit the support, cooperation, and understanding of my fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters in Isieke, Ugbomanta Quarters and Asaba in this difficult but achievable task. We can overcome all odds as a team and create an enviable Asaba. It is my utmost desire that Asaba shall rejoice again in the end’’ he said.
Remarking on the sidelines, Ogbueshi Chucks Okonkwo who spoke for the youths, said Ogbueshi Konwea has all it takes to become the 14th Asagba of Asaba, even as he charged the youths to support the Umuonisha Asagba-nominee for greater exploits.
Likewise, the Ochendo (placeholder) of Ogbeogo Village in Umuonaje Quarters, Ogbueshi Chukwuma Ndah, commended the Isieke community for electing Ogbueshi Konwea. ‘’We are confident that he (Konwea) will do well’’.
Corroborating other respondents at the historic event, the head of Umuonisha Okwulagwe (youths), Mr Victor Adaba, expressed absolute confidence in the candidacy of Ogbueshi Konwea, citing some of his (Konwea) impeccable leadership qualities.
Others who spoke to The Pointer, including Mrs Victoria Ogugua, said since it was the turn of Umuonisha Village, the Umu-Ada (women) would support Ogbueshi Konwea to become the next Asagba of Asaba.
