Epiphany Azinge, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was the former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), has emerged as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
He will be coronated in due course.
However, a prominent Asaba chief and the Okpala Onisha, Ogbueshi Olisaedua Uwaechia, has said it was wrong for the Asagba-in-Council to void the rotation principle in the choice of the new Asagba of Asaba.
A group, Concerned Asaba Indigenes (CAI), also took strong exception to the absence of rotation or zoning within Ugbomanta in the nomination and selection process. “Any qualified man can be selected, regardless of the family, Idumu, or Ogbe from which he hails within Ugbomanta.”
The group added that zoning has been a long-standing device to ensure inclusiveness, equity, and fairness among the contending individuals, villages, and Ebos.
The group lamented that the Asagba-in-Council’s decision to eliminate zoning within the Ugbomanta quarters was unheard of and unprecedented.
Other contenders included Mr Tony Ogugua Konwea, Prof. Emmanuel Onwuka, and Ogbuechi Chinedu Esealuka, among others.
The Asagba-in-Council announced Azinge’s selection as the most qualified among the total of 10 contenders in the race.
He hails from the Ugbomanta quarters, which is due to produce the next Asagba after Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, who has since joined his ancestors.
The Ochendo Ahaba (Regent), Dr. Anthony Edozien, announced the result of the selection process in line with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, applicable to Delta State, on Sunday afternoon at the former Palace of the Asagba of Asaba in Ezenei quarters, Asaba.
As of the time of this report, dance troupes were entertaining people at the residence of the Asagba-designate, Azinge.
Recall that the leading contestant for the revered Asagba of Asaba throne, Azinge, commenced the process of taking the Obi title (red cap), which is the highest traditional social rank among the Ahaba people and the Obiship institution.
Azinge is one of the traditional chiefs in the Asagba’s cabinet with the title of ‘Okilolo Ahaba.’
He began the journey on August 5, 2024, and the rigorous process undertaken stage by stage according to the traditions and customs of the people will be concluded when he proceeds to the Udo sacred Ekpele site, a secluded traditional ground, where he will ultimately don the indigenous anklet known as “eli li ukwu.”
As required by custom, his spouse, Valerie Azinge (SAN), will also benefit from the Obiship position as Okpoho Eze.
Delta: Epiphany Azinge emerges Asagba of Asaba amid controversy
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