– By Ifesiokwu Greg.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, commended Asagba Prof. Azinge for the dignity, wisdom and humility with which he had carried the responsibilities of the revered Asaba throne.
The Governor described the monarch as a distinguished legal scholar and administrator whose experience and intellect had positively impacted the traditional institution.
He noted that the Asagba had continued to promote peace, unity and understanding among the people, while preserving the cultural heritage of Asaba and fostering a constructive relationship between the traditional institution and government.
Governor Oborevwori particularly commended the monarch for promoting harmonious coexistence between indigenes and non-indigenes in Asaba, emphasizing the important role of traditional rulers in governance, peace-building and community development.
He assured the Asagba and the Asagba-in-Council of the state government’s continued partnership in advancing the development of Asaba, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security, education, cultural renewal and youth empowerment.
The Governor congratulated Asagba Prof. Azinge on the second anniversary of his coronation and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, good health and a long, peaceful and prosperous reign.
His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, in his remarks identified peace, unity and the collective support of the people as the major pillars sustaining the development and transformation of Asaba Kingdom.
The monarch stated this on Monday while marking his second coronation anniversary, stressing that the occasion was not primarily about celebrating his personal achievements, but about acknowledging the peace that has prevailed in the kingdom and the collective efforts of Asaba people towards the progress of the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Asagba Prof. Azinge expressed profound appreciation to son’s and daughters of Asaba for their unwavering support since his ascension to the throne on October 5, 2024.
According to him, while a traditional ruler could dream, envision and provide leadership, meaningful development could only be achieved when people supported and rally round such visions.
“I may dream the dreams, possibly see visions, but nothing can work out or flourish without the support of Asaba people, and that support I dare say I have received immensely. So I want to thank my people for standing behind me and supporting all the ideas. I can’t express enough how grateful I am,” the monarch said.
He described peace as the most valuable resource of Asaba, noting that sustainable development, investments and social progress could not thrive in an atmosphere of instability and discord.
“Peace is the industry we, as a community, harness, and with it comes all forms of development which would not be possible if there was no peace,” he said.
Asagba Azinge further expressed pride in the growth and transformations of Asaba, noting that the kingdom had continued to witness significant development in different sectors while maintaining its reputation as a peaceful and welcoming community.
He also acknowledged the support and cooperation of fellow traditional rulers across Delta State and beyond, saying that his engagements with them had helped to build bridges of connectivity and promote a common vision for the future of the state.
The monarch equally placed on record his appreciation for the cordial relationship between the traditional institution and the Delta State Government, describing the Asaba community and government as “partners in progress.”
The anniversary celebration also featured goodwill messages from the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; the Second Vice Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Obi Henry Kikachukwu of Ubulu-Uno; the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III of Obosi; and the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Kelvin Obi Ezenyili.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a book titled “Asagba Azinge: Architect of Traditional Governance,” alongside a documentary showcasing the achievements of the monarch since his assumption of office.
The anniversary also featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, with traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, community leaders, sons and daughters of Asaba, and other distinguished guests in attendance.
The gathering included traditional rulers from Delta and Anambra States, members of the National and State Assemblies, local government chairmen, political leaders and other prominent stakeholders.
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