Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (left), presenting Staff of office to the new Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof Epiphany Azinge (2nd right), while his Wife, HRM Dr. Valerie Azinge looks on during the ceremony in Asaba on Thursday. Pix Enarusai Bripin
Discounting the raging succession controversy dogging the revered crown of the Asagb of Asaba, Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday (Thursday, November 28) presented the staff of office (symbol of authority) to the newly crowned Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, (SAN), at Ogwa-Uku Ahaba, the ancestral palace of the traditional ruler of the Asaba people. Professor Azinge was crowned the 14th Asagba of Asaba on the 5th of last month (October 5, to be precise) following the passing of the 13th Asagba, the revered Obi professor Chike Edozien, a medical doctor and academic, on February 7 this year. Azinge’s coronation is, however, being disputed by opponents who have stridently criticised the selection process that led to Azinge’s emergence, describing it as a total negation of the Asagba traditional selection process emplaced by Asaba forefathers to ensure a peaceful leadership transition at any one point in time. Perhaps, the most fervent case against the new Asagba’s ascent is that, contrary to tradition, he has three older brothers before whereas the tradition says only the first surviving son of a royal family must be crowned the Asagba, to avoid a situation where elders would be required to bow before their younger brother the king, as the tradition demands. Presenting the staff of office, the Governor said that one of his administration’s goals is to make the State an investors’ destination, pointing out that, to achieve such a goal, there must be safety of life and property, peace and harmony in the State, a situation which traditional rulers are best suited to bring about in their various kingdoms. Governor Oborevwori, therefore, emphasized that all hands must be on deck to ensure that communities and urban centres are safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors. While congratulating the new Asagba of Asaba on his successful ascension to the throne of his forefathers, the Oborevwori noted that Asaba is witnessing an influx of strangers. He said: “I note with pleasure that Asaba has become the city of choice for many people who find it a safe place to raise their families. “By the same token, some undesirable elements are exploiting the exponential growth of the city to infiltrate the city with their own sinister agenda. “Hence, you must remain vigilant and alert to any form of security threat that could destabilise the kingdom, and, by implication, the state capital. “Please, do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities or persons in your communities to the relevant authorities. We do not want anything that will truncate the peace and security that we have been enjoying. “This charge is also applicable to all the traditional rulers in the state and their subjects, for the sustenance of peace and security. “One of the goals of this administration is to make Delta State the preferred investors’ destination. To achieve this goal, all hands must be on deck to ensure that our communities and urban centres are safe and secure for domestic and foreign investors. “Towards this end, everything must be done to avoid inter- and intra-communal clashes. It is important that our traditional institution maintains a regular interface with the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council for effective strategies to contain any emerging security threat. This is the pathway to building the Delta State of our dreams.” He described the new traditional ruler as a dynamic personality, thought leader, purpose-driven and a consensus builder, adding that he was optimistic that the monarch would make the people of Asaba and the entire State proud. “These traits will serve him well to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, while breaking new frontiers in the administration of the kingdom. “His urbane outlook and statesman-like disposition are essential qualities needed in the traditional ruler of a domain that is home to people of different tribes and tongues. “I am fully persuaded that the kingdom of Asaba under his leadership will attain new heights in community development, peaceful co-existence, and enhanced government-community relations,” he added. The Governor, who underscored the importance of the traditional institution, said: “The role of the traditional institution in the current democratic dispensation cannot be over-emphasized. “Traditional rulers are not only custodians of our customary laws, norms, and traditions, they also play the role of intermediaries between the government and the people at the grassroots. “They greatly assist the government in creating awareness about the government’s policies and programmes, especially in the areas of immunisation, environmental sanitation, empowerment schemes, and security.” He appealed to all indigenes of Asaba to give their maximum support and cooperation to the new Asagba, saying: “You have done well in ensuring that there was mutual understanding and harmony in the succession processes leading to his selection and subsequent enthronement. “For him to succeed on the throne, he needs more of your support. The kingdom is yours to promote and protect. I, therefore, urge you to resist any attempt to cause disaffection in the kingdom. You must always bear in mind that the success of the Asagba is also your success.” Welcoming guests earlier, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili, congratulated the Asagba on his selection, crowning and presentation of staff of office and charged him to remain a father to all his subjects.
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