By Austin Ogwuda
…as he declares 7 days of mourning
… orders closure of all markets in Asaba as mark of respect for Odogwu’s burial tomorrow (Thursday)
THE palace of the Asagba of Asaba on Wednesday broke silence over the death of the Odogwu Ahaba, Obi Chief Peter Nwanze Oduah, who suddenly collapsed and died during the 70th birthday anniversary reception of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge (SAN) few days ago.
Briefing newsmen in Asaba on Wednesday (today) the Asagba said, “You will recall that on 13th November, 2025, Asaba lost one of her most illustrious sons in the person of Odogwu Ahaba, Obi Chief Peter Nwanze Oduah.
“Given the circumstances and the vacuum created it has been a very traumatizing experience for the whole of Asaba and for me in particular considering not just his position as the 2ic in the Asaba hierarchy, but also because he was personally related to me as a cousin.
“So, we mourn the passing of one of the most Asaba-centric personalities of our time. Odogwu gave his best for the good of Asaba and I dare say that he also gave his life for Asaba. He was a warrior both in characterisation and in action. He led the security of Asaba from the front and was always prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of Asaba, as it concerned security.
“He also championed the eradication of drugs in Asaba by boldly confronting the drug peddlers, the barons and even the addicts.
“In all these”, he went on, “he gave his best. A fearless personality, and a pillar to the throne in all sense of that expression. Asaba will mourn him and will do so for a very very long time. A big vacuum has been created and a big Iroko has fallen in Asaba.
“We take solace in the fact that he charted a path for us all by his life and by his actions and utterances, and certainly we are bound to continue along that line.
“On this occasion, I want to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife and children, the people of Umuonaje, especially the Umuagulu people and Mogbo family in particular for the loss of their dear son.
“I have been reliably informed and I have given my consent that in accordance with Asaba tradition his body will be lowered tomorrow, Thursday, 20th November, 2025.
“Consequently, I want to proclaim that the markets in Asaba will be closed tomorrow in honour of Odogwu Ahaba for purposes of his interment because we want all residents of Asaba to feel the impact of his demise and also that starting from tomorrow, Asaba will observe a mourning period of one week”, the Asagba stated.
