– By Chukwura Ogechukwu Charles, Palace Media Assistant.
IBUSA– In a landmark display of royal brotherhood and unity, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMC, LLD(HC), KSJI, KSG, Asagba of Asaba, today paid a historic visit to His Royal Majesty, Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa Kingdom, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.
His Majesty, Asagba Azinge commended HRM Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi and members of the Ibusa Palace Chiefs for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage in Ibusa.
He also gave special commendation to Chief Fred Chijindu Ajudua, the Onwa of Ibusa Kingdom, and his wife, Chief Dr. Hon. Princess Patience Ajudua, for their pivotal role in making the historic visit possible.
Nna Agu described the engagement as unique, epochal and memorable.
“Asaba and Ibusa Kingdoms have been living as neighbours, in-laws, brothers and sisters as one indivisible entity,” Asagba Azinge affirmed.
“This visit is a reinforcement of that existing bond and unity. It carries the undertone of cultural diplomacy that will ensure peaceful coexistence amongst us.” The revered Monarch stated that he came to build bridges of friendship, togetherness, unity and brotherhood, and to prevent future disunity between both kingdoms over boundary delineations.
He emphasized that peace is paramount and worth every sacrifice. Both monarchs therefore agreed to set up a joint committee to address boundary issues not only between Asaba and Ibusa, but also among other communities within Anioma land.
HRM Asagba Azinge noted that today marks the beginning of further engagements between both kingdoms. He prayed for a long, peaceful reign and sound health for the Obuzor of Ibusa.
Speaking earlier, HRM Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa, warmly received HRM Asagba Azinge and his palace chiefs. He described the visit as epochal and a turning point for both kingdoms.
The Obuzor stated that frameworks have been agreed upon for further engagements concerning boundary delineations, stressing that “Asaba and Ibusa are one entity, so boundary should not bring disunity.”
Also speaking, Chief Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, described the visit as the first of its kind an Asagba of Asaba visiting the Obuzor of Ibusa. He commended Nna Agu for raising the long-standing boundary issues and expressed gratitude with joy.
Chief Esewezie urged that the engagement should not be limited to Asaba and Ibusa alone, but extended to all communities surrounding the capital territory. He also commended Chief Fred Ajudua for providing leadership that ensured the success of the historic visit.
The visit ended with prayers for peace, unity and progress in Asaba, Ibusa, and Anioma land at large, followed by a photo session.
HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, Asagba of Asaba, writing on his verified social media handles, captured the historic visit to Ibusa Kingdom and the Obuzor of Ibusa, Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi, thus:
Today, I made a historic visit to the Ibusa Kingdom—a visit that will forever be remembered as the first of its kind in the history of our two great kingdoms.
This landmark engagement was not merely ceremonial; it was a deliberate demonstration of our shared cultural heritage, mutual respect, and the enduring values that bind our people together. It symbolizes a renewed commitment to unity, peaceful coexistence, and the collective pursuit of progress for our communities.
As neighboring kingdoms, it is imperative that we speak with one voice on matters that promote peace, development, and the welfare of our people. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we can build a future founded on trust, understanding, and cooperation.
Regarding the issue of boundary delineation between the Asaba Kingdom and the Ibusa Community, I wish to assure our people that every legitimate concern will be approached with wisdom, fairness, and sincerity. We are committed to engaging in constructive dialogue and ensuring that the matter is resolved amicably within the shortest possible time, in the interest of lasting peace and harmonious coexistence.
History has presented us with an opportunity to deepen our relationship, and I believe that future generations will look back on this visit as the beginning of a new era of friendship, collaboration, and shared prosperity between the Asaba Kingdom and the Ibusa Kingdom.
May God continue to bless our kingdoms and guide us on the path of peace, unity, and sustainable development.
His Royal Majesty,
Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON
The Asagba of Asaba
