By Austin Ogwuda
Prof. 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.
The Asagba-in-Council announced his selection as the most qualified among the total of ten contenders in the race, who hail from Ugbomanta quarters, whose turn it is out of the five quarters (ebos) to produce the next Asagba after Obi Prof. Chike Edozien who had 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 at Ezenei quarters, Asaba.
As at the time of this report, dance troupes were thrilling people at the residence of the Asagba-designate Prof Azinge.
Recall that The Townhall few days ago ran this report:
*Journey towards ascension of the Asagbaship throne: Prof. Epiphany Azinge takes the Obiship title
ONE of the leading contestants to the revered Asagba of Asaba throne, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, who was the former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) has commenced the of process of taking the Obi title (red cap) which is the highest traditional social rank amongst the Ahaba people, Obiship institution.
Azinge is one of traditional Chiefs in the Asagba’s cabinet with the title of ‘Okilolo Ahaba’.
He commenced the journey on the 5th of August, 2024 and the rigorous process undertaken stage by stage according to the traditional and customs of the people will be concluded by the time he proceeds to the Udo sacred ekpele site secluded traditional ground, where he will ultimately don the indigenous anklet known as “eli li ukwu.”
As required by custom, his spouse, Dr. Valerie Azinge (SAN), would also benefit from the Obiship position as Okpoho Eze.
The journey is currently on and by obtaining the Obiship title, he is well positioned for the contest over the battle over who becomes the next Asagba of Asaba.
Other contenders apart from Prof. Epiphany Azinge, Mr. Tony Ogugua Konwea; Prof. Emmanuel Onwuka and Ogbuechi Chinedu Esealuka among others are in the race.
Additional report from Ike Philip Abiagom
