BY PATRICK MGBODO
Her entrails ruptured in wondrous enthusiasm as she struggled to contain the excitement of her good fortune. Many years ago, it seemed improbable that she would witness history, much more carry it in her bulging stomach. Not until last year, the Ogwa Ukwu was shabbily dressed, beaten by age with her once delightful colors fading to a dusty hue, and her crown rusted on her head. Perhaps her date with destiny began earlier when she was redressed, adorned in an immaculate attire befitting the future to come.
The morning had nearly exhausted itself, precisely 11:18 a.m., when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, accompanied by a retinue of dignitaries, entered the Ogwa-Ukwu—the venue where the 14th Asagba of Asaba would be presented with his staff of office. He must have been stunned by the constellation of personalities gathered in the hall, where royalty mingled with politics in a dazzling display of power and culture. As expected, Governor Oborevwori, at ease on familiar grounds, wasted no time in exchanging pleasantries, setting the stage for the day’s grand proceedings.
Before the Governor’s arrival and even earlier than the guests, Asaba—the Delta State capital—had fallen under a shadow of uncertainty following the transition of the 13th monarch, HRM Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, to the great beyond after over three decades on the throne. His departure left a profound void that only a worthy successor could fill. However, in Asaba’s culture, selecting the next sovereign is not as simple as passing the baton from father to son. The kingship rotates among the five major quarters (Ebos) of the republic according to seniority. Thus, it was the turn of the Ugbomanta Quarter to produce the next Asagba.
After months of intense tussles involving at least 10 contenders, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, emerged as the unmistakable choice, winning the collective acceptance of the Asaba people. Following months of preparations, rituals, and his eventual coronation, it remained only for him to be presented with the staff of office—a modern tradition reconciling the age-old institution with contemporary governance structures.
The much-anticipated ceremony commenced with prayers led by the Parish Priest of St. John Bosco Asaba, Rev. Fr. Leonard Biachi. This choice was no surprise to observers, as HRM Azinge, even before his ascension, had consistently showcased his Catholic faith to the admiration of many, who liken him to a modern-day King Solomon.
In traditional African settings, the kola nut holds immense symbolic significance, and its breaking is a prelude to any gathering of importance. While Asaba embraced Western civilization early, it has never abandoned its rich black heritage. True to tradition, HRM Azinge, as the monarch of the host capital, offered prayers over the kola nuts. As these sacred nuts were broken and distributed, the prayers—a blend of thanksgiving and supplication—reached all present, carried by the solemnity of the moment.
Occasionally, the sonorous notes of the local flute wafted across the hall, evoking a mystical ambiance. As libations flowed from the throne, echoing the monarch’s earlier prayers, they carried a heartfelt plea for Asaba’s progress, Delta’s prosperity, and Nigeria’s peace.
Governor Oborevwori, addressing the gathering, acknowledged the loyalty of his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, who oversees chieftaincy affairs. He remarked, “People might feel that I have presented many staffs of office since assuming office 18 months ago without doing so personally. But to set the record straight, this one—Azinge—is special.”
After the formalities of recognition—including Sen Peter Nwaoboshi—the Governor congratulated HRM (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge on his successful ascension to the throne of his ancestors. He extolled the Asaba people for their unique privilege of being led by intellectual luminaries, noting that Prof. Azinge’s predecessor, Prof. Chike Edozien, was an icon in the medical field.
“Prof. Epiphany Azinge, the new Asagba of Asaba, is a legal luminary, and it is a great blessing to the Asaba Kingdom. I have no doubt that he will make Asaba and Delta State proud. His dynamic personality, thought leadership, purpose-driven mindset, and consensus-building abilities will consolidate his predecessor’s achievements while breaking new frontiers in kingdom administration.”
The Governor emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in the modern democratic dispensation. “Traditional rulers are custodians of our customs, norms, and traditions. They act as intermediaries between the government and grassroots communities. They assist in creating awareness about government policies, from immunization drives to empowerment schemes and security measures.”
He added that the state government built a secretariat for the Traditional Rulers’ Council in Asaba to foster collaboration among traditional leaders. “As you receive this staff of office today, I urge you to maintain an open-door policy and extend a hand of fellowship to all. Unity is essential for peace and progress. Rest assured, the Delta State Government will partner with you and other traditional rulers to enact people-oriented laws and policies.”
The Governor concluded with a charge to the Asaba people: “Support your king wholeheartedly. The kingdom’s success is your success. Resist any attempt to sow discord. Asaba is a city of choice for families. Let us remain vigilant against security threats and ensure our communities are safe for investors. Together, we will build the Delta State of our dreams.” With that, he presented the staff of office amid cheers.
Earlier, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Chief Kelvin Ezenyili, congratulated HRM Azinge, emphasizing his professional and academic achievements. “This journey was not easy, but God has made it victorious. We pledge our support for a greater partnership with the local government.” He also appreciated the Edozien family for their legacy.
The presentation of the staff of office to Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, on November 28, 2024, was also described as an epochal event of national significance. The Isama Ajie of Asaba, Chief Chuk Nduka-Eze, praised Governor Oborevwori for personally performing the presentation, marking it as a great honor for the Asagba and the Asaba people.
Chief Nduka-Eze remarked that the transition from Prof. Chike Edozien to Prof. Epiphany Azinge—two men of international repute—signified Asaba’s global recognition. He urged Asaba’s citizens to rally around their king, praying for a peaceful and impactful reign.
Similarly, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji, the immediate-past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oshimili South, among numerous dignitaries, wished the new Asagba success, emphasizing unity and progress for the Asaba Kingdom.
Among those who witnessed the historic occasion were members of the state executive council, including the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine), Hon. Charles Aniagwu, and members of the state House of Assembly, notably Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, representing Oshimili South Local Government Area, and her counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ngozie Okolie. The distinguished audience also included a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, and heads of academic institutions, military personnel, and luminaries from various walks of life.
As HRM Azinge, held the golden scepter with a quiet grace that belied the weight of his new role, it was evident that he embodied the wisdom and composure befitting a monarch. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, for as the adage goes, “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” Yet, the Asagba of Asaba appears more than prepared for this moment, having long steeled himself for the mantle of leadership. It is hoped that, as Governor Oborevwori advised, he will steer the ship of the Asaba Kingdom with tact and diplomacy, navigating its complexities with the profound insight he is known for.
As the hall emptied and guests filed out, an unwelcome silence seemed to replace the earlier symphony of applause and celebration. The royal chamber, once alive with vibrant cultural displays and the hum of dignitaries, now stood still, its ornate decorations casting long shadows in the fading light. There was an air of reflection—an acknowledgment that history had just been made. The echoes of heartfelt prayers and resonant proclamations lingered like a soft whisper, while the last guests, some still clad in the traditional Akwa-Ocha (white cloth) stepped into the evening breeze. It was a scene of quiet reverence, reminding us that with every coronation comes a crown’s weight and a kingdom’s hope.
