By Austin Ogwuda
ONE of the leading contenders to the Asagbaship stool, Ogbueshi Richard Esealuka has disassociated himself from the protest staged by Concerned Asaba Indigenes, which purportedly kicked against the emergence of Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Azinge’s emergence was sealed on Saturday as he was formally crowned as the 14th Asagba of Asaba after subscribing to the traditional oath of office.
The traditional oath of office was administered at the sacred opechi shrine, witnessed by all the various segments of Asaba community including the traditional title holders.
Ultimately, the formal of presentation of the Staff of Office from the Delta State government to him will follow at a later date.
Esealuka on his part, is insisting that he had no hands in the said demonstration, threatening a legal action against those concerned should they refuse or fail to retract the protest story which had gone viral.
A statement issued weekend titled ‘DISCLAIMER ON MY PURPORTED PARTICIPATION IN THE PROTEST’ obtained by The Townhall reads:
“This is to disclaim the report of my participation in a protest against the choice, election, and selection of Obi Prof Epiphany Chibuogu Azinge SAN OON, Okilolo Ahaba as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
“In a widely circulated post credited to Concerned Asaba Indigenes (CAI) trending across social media platforms, like Facebook and WhatsApp, I, Ogbueshi Richard Chiedu Esealuka, alongside others, are reported to be opposed to the nomination of Prof Epiphany Chibuogu Azinge SAN as the next Asagba Ahaba.
“I categorically state that nothing can be further from the truth, as I, Ogbueshi Richard Chiedu Esealuka was present when the 5 Ebos that constitute Asaba chose Obi Prof Epiphany Chibuogu Azinge SAN, neither am I against the choice, considering that it was done with the consensus of the Ebos.
“Similarly, I want to state that since the selection, I have never been in any discussion with anyone concerning opposing or resisting the choice of Prof Azinge, therefore, the report of my participation by Concerned Asaba Indigenes is only a figment of their imagination.
“I, therefore, demand a retraction of my name from that publication, alongside an apology, for having not been consulted before being mentioned.
“Failure to retract my name will be met with stiff legal consequences”.
Signed:
Ogbueshi Richard Chiedu Esealuka.