– By Chukwura Ogechukwu Charles, Palace Media Assistant to HRM.
His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMC, LLD(HC), KSJI, KSG, the 14th Asagba of Asaba, affirmed that culture and traditions remained the strongest unifying force of a people.
His Majesty made this declaration at the colourful Cultural Carnival organized to mark his 2nd Coronation Anniversary, held at the Permanent Asagba Palace ground.
Welcoming the various cultural troupes from different ethnic groups, Asagba Azinge noted that their participation is a testaments to the legendary hospitality of Asaba people, which remains second to none. He expressed profound appreciation to all the groups for felicitating with him and for showcasing their rich cultural heritage, while applauding the Anniversary Planning Committee ably chaired by Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa, Ikuku Oma Ahaba, for a well-coordinated event.
The revered monarch however expressed concern that cultural presentations are often left to womenfolks alone. He stressed the need for greater involvement of male dance groups. He observed that during the performance by the royal Okanga Ahaba, only a few Asaba sons joined the dance while many remained seated, noting that Okanga is a heritage dance for all Ahaba sons and daughters, irrespective of status.
His Majesty recalled that he had previously addressed this issue and had mandated Ogbueshi Joseph Chiagolum Awodu to ensure the active participation of both male and female in showcasing Asaba’s rich cultural heritage.
Nna Agu further noted that the successful outing of the previous day’s Thanksgiving had attracted tremendous accolades and numerous congratulatory calls, proving that the Asaba community is capable of achieving great things for itself when united. “The testimonies of yesterday’s event is that people are now willing to support the Permanent Asagba Palace building project,” he stated.
He announced that the grand finale of his 2nd Coronation Anniversary activities will be the 7th October Remembrance Day in honour of Asaba sons and daughters killed during the 1967 Asaba Massacre, scheduled to hold at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba and that Chief Olusegun Obansanjo, Fromer President of Nigeria and others will be in attendance. He disclosed that he had earlier received a delegation from the Nigerian Army Headquarters on a recruitment sensitization tour and had intimated them of how the effects of the massacre still impact enlistment negatively. He counseled that the military institutions has evolved and urged interested Asaba sons and daughters to take advantage of the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise, which closes on 21st October, 2026.
His Majesty commended all Asaba sons, daughters and residents who turned out en masse to entertain the audience with vibrant displays of cultural heritage.
Cultural displays came from various groups including Otu Egwu Onye Zusia Nwa Agubw Dance Group, Uloko Cultural Dance Group of Ukwuani, Ika Rangers Cultural Dance Group, Ebu Wonder Masquerade, Ever Bright Cultural Dance Group, Cable Bombers Masquerade Group, Egwuoma Ibusa Cultural Dance Group, amongst others.
The Yoruba Community in Asaba, led by Alhaji Morufu Lawan, the Asiwaju Yoruba Community in Delta State, also paid homage to Nna Agu with a colourful cultural display. The Asiwaju, on behalf of the Yoruba residents in Asaba Kingdom, conveyed his goodwill message, praying for long life, good health and a peaceful, prosperous reign for His Majesty.
