Asagba Prof Azinge Urges Critics of Oborevwori Administration to Appreciate the Complexity of Delta State 

The Asagba of Asaba, HRM, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has defended the development strides of the Delta State Governor,  Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, commending him for the prudent management of the state’s resources. 

Speaking during an interview, the Asagba urged critics to appreciate the complexity and vastness of the state before making comparisons with more compact states, saying that Delta’s multi-city structure made even distribution of development more demanding and should be considered when assessing the performance of the Oborevwori administration.

Asagba Prof Azinge stressed that Delta State should not be assessed through the narrow lens applied to states with single dominant urban centre. 

He held  that; “Delta State is not like a one-city state. You have Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Abraka, Asaba, Ibusa, and so many others. Any government that takes care of all these numerous cities with the limited resources available is doing exceptionally well”.

The Monarch explained that the state’s spread of urban communities, coupled with its expansive geography, made equitable development a complex and gradual process. 

The highly revered traditional ruler contrasted Delta with Lagos and Rivers with more centralized economic hubs that naturally concentrated development, adding  that; “Asaba alone can compare to any other city, talk less of Warri, Ughelli, Sapele, among so many others”.

While acknowledging that some communities particularly in what he described as the “wild land” areas of Delta might feel underserved, the Asagba maintained that the current administration was making deliberate efforts to extend infrastructure and economic development to all parts of the state.

He cited the recent groundbreaking ceremony of the Kwale Free Trade Zone, describing it as “no mean feat and a move that will generate far-reaching economic impact”.

The Asagba called for patience, understanding, and realistic expectations, noting that the government must carefully balance resource allocation across diverse regions to prevent feelings of marginalization.

“Let us underscore the point: Delta is not a one-city state. The way and manner resources are managed and spread must ensure every part of the state is satisfied”, he said.