History was made on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Asaba, when a renowned Professor of Law, one-time Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Okilolo of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, was pronounced the 14th Asagba of Asaba designate.
This was at a solemn ceremony presided over by Ochendo Asagba, Prof Anthony Edozien, represented by his younger brother and retired Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Engr. Louis Edozien.
Addressing the Asagba-in-Council and other critical stakeholders, the Ochendo laid bare the processes that led to the selection of his father’s successor.
He said in accordance with the custom and tradition of the Asaba community, the provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, and sequel to the need to fill the vacuum created by his late father, the Asagba-in-Council mandated the Diokpa of Umudaike and Okpala-Uku of Ugbomanta Quarters, Ogbueshi Augustine Ijeh, to midwife the process of selecting the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Prof. Edozie revealed that the Okpala-Uku, in response to the mandate given to him, recommended two candidates; Chief (Prof) Epiphany Azinge and Ogbueshi (Dr.) Anthony Konwea, to the Asagba-in-Council, for the eminent Asagba kingship position.
He added that the letter from Ugbomanta Quarters, which was signed by the Okpala-Uku and four other Diokpas, stated that Prof Azinge had the endorsement of his candidacy from four villages, while Ogbueshi Konwea was endorsed only by Isieke village.
The Ochendo said after accepting the nominations of Prof Azinge and Ogbueshi Konwea, he wrote the Omu, Onoi and Olotor, through the Administrative Council, inviting them to offer prayers to ensure that none of the candidates would pose any spiritual danger to the community, which they did and confirmed that the coast was clear.
He said after the nomination of the two candidates and the spiritual constitutions came petitions from Ugbomanta questioning the actions of the Okpala-Uku, pointing out that one of the petitions was signed by six other contenders to the throne.
While affirming that the Okpala-Uku restricted himself to the mandate given to him, Prof. Edozien disclosed that the petitions were referred to the Judicial arm of the Asagba-in-Council, which dismissed them.
According to him, beyond the already established processes came another letter from the Okpala-Uku nominating ten candidates according to their grades.
They are: Prof. Epiphany Azinge (90%) Ogbueshi Anthony Konwea (75%) Chief Ikechukwu Ashiofu (74%) Prof Onwuka Emmanuel (72%) Ogbueshi Chiedu Onwuegbuzia (62%) Ogbueshi Chinyelugo Nwajei (60%) Ogbueshi C. R. Esealuka (59%) Ogbueshi Ikechukwu Maduemezia (50%) and Obi Ikechukwu Nwajei (Nil).
The Ochendo said the second letter suggested that all the candidates should be considered and directed members of the two frontline age grades in the selection process; Otu Ihaza and Ichiokwa, from each of the five Ebos to meet with the Obis and Olinzeles from their quarters at different locations within the palace to elect the candidate of their choice
At the end of it all, the Ebos whispered their results to the Okpala-Uku, who communicated same to the Ochendo.
Announcing the result, Prof. Edozien said: “By the authority vested in me as the Ochendo Asagba and the authority vested in me by the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979, I hereby pronounce Prof. Epiphany Azinge as the 14th Asagba of Asaba designate.
“In line with the custom and tradition of Asaba, there are many steps that will commence today culminating to his installation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba”.
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