Maiden Edition of Asagba Prof Azinge Annual Lecture Series Holds Ahead of Monarch’s 70th Birthday

As activities preceding the birth anniversary of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON; gather momentum, the life of the Monarch has been described as one  devoted to serving the people of Asaba, the Anioma nation,  Delta State and Nigeria as a whole. 

Governor Sheriff Obborevwori made the remark on Wednesday at the maiden edition of the Annual Lecture Series of Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, with the theme: “Traditional Rulers and Constitutional Governance: Towards a Blend of Modernity and Cultural Relativism”, organised by the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, to mark his 70th birth anniversary.

Obborevwori, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Johnbull Tonukare; noted that Asagba Prof Azinge’s reign had been a source of wisdom, dignity and cultural rebirth, adding that he had not only preserved the proud heritage of the Asaba people but also projected it onto the national and global stage.

He said as Governor of Delta State, he deeply appreciated the vital role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, development, and cultural identity, emphasizing that the Asagba of Asaba stood tall among his counterparts, not only as a custodian of tradition but also as a modern leader who had skillfully blended heritage with progress.

“Your Majesty’s contributions to education, inter-ethnic harmony. and youth development are well known and widely admired. Under your leadership, Asaba has grown into a capital city that beautifully reflects both its rich past and its bright future.

“This lecture series, as part of your 70th birthday celebration is a fitting tribute to your intellectual legacy. It reminds us that leadership is not just about power or position; it is about ideas, engagement, and the courage to shape society through knowledge and vision.

“Let us, therefore, use this moment to renew our commitment to the ideals that His Royal Majesty represents: unity in diversity, respect for tradition, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. 

Let us draw inspiration from his life’s work to build a Delta State where every community flourishes, every culture is valued, and every citizen has a sense of purpose.

“Your Majesty, on behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I offer our heartfelt congratulations. May your reign continue in peace, good health, and prosperity! May your wisdom continue to guide us, and may your legacy endure for generations to come”, the Governor prayed.

In his remarks, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa; noted that traditional rulers were not given enough role to play in the governance of the nation, emphasizing the need to find a mid-course between the past and present to make them more relevant to the system.

Dr Okowa said the earlier the government recognised that the traditional rulers played key advisory role, as well as help in conflict resolution, mobilisation of the people for community development and peace, the better it would understand that a lot could be achieved in partnership with them.

He encouraged the traditional rulers to come up with proposals that would propel the government to truly appreciate their role in the society and accord them the deserved recognition, pending the conclusion of the Constitution review expected to assign a role to the Monarchs.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe CFR; who chaired the event, spoke about the ancestral relationship between Asaba and Onitsha, and congratulated him on his 70th birth anniversary and on the kingship journey the had started, which, according to him, was the greatest honour God had conferred on him.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Prof Ben Oghojafor; said the lecture series was designed to create an interface between the Asagba and the University, with a view to modernizing the culture of the people to fit into the present day reality.

Responding, Asagba Prof Azinge thanked all who turned up to listen to the refreshingly highly analytical and thought provoking lectures and interventions packaged to honour him on his 70th birthday.

Asagba Prof Azinge used the medium to pay special tribute to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for establishing the Dennis Osadebay University, describing it as one of his greatest legacies which the people of Asaba would not forget in a hurry.

The keynote speaker at the event was Prof Demola Popoola of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.