Azinge's ascension as 14th Asagba, evidence of Asaba's robust traditional institution - Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN ~ Truth Reporters

 

Seamless ascension of 14th Asagba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, SAN, evidence of Asaba's robust traditional institution - Chief Anthony lkemefuna ldigbe, SAN, Akuluauno of Asaba.

By Andy Emephia

As the people of Asaba ( Ahaba), in the Delta State Capital, continue to bask in the euphoria of the coronation of one of the nation's foremost legal icons, one time Director General of the Nigeria lnstitute of Advanced Legal Studies, and President of the Commonwealth ,Arbitrary Tribunal in London, the first black man to so hold such position, Obi Professor Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, as the 14th Asagba of Asaba, after the joining of his ancestors by the highly revered Obi Professor Chike Edozien, an accomplished first Nigerian Professor of Medicine, the 13th, prominent indigenes of the community have been very ecstatic at the seamless transition

Chief Anthony lkemefuna ldigbe, SAN, the Akuluauno of Asaba, is one of those who added voice to the robustness of Asaba's traditional institution. He spoke with Journalists at the venue of the coronation of the new Asagba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, on Saturday October 5th, 2024.

EXCERPTS

(1) What is your take today, over this coronation of the 14th Asagba?

It is an honour and privilege to witness in my lifetime the coronation of an Asagba of Asaba. We grew up learning about our culture and tradition around succession and coronation.  Most of it was by oral history, though there are a couple of historical documents. The 13th Asagba, before his departure to meet our ancestors, did a comprehensive documentation of the process. It is a thing of joy to see our 14th Asagba, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge SAN, seamlessly go through the process leading to the formal handover we are witnessing today, confirming the robustness of our traditional system.

(2) What does it portend for the Asaba people, considering the rich intellectual and cultural resume of Obi Azinge?

One gift that exists in abundance in Asaba is its human resources. Recall that the first tertiary institution in Nigeria in the form of a seminary for the training of priests was established in Asaba. The quality of training a priest goes through is equivalent to that of a secular university graduate. The educational institutions in and around Asaba and the presence of the Royal Niger Company headquartered there gave the people a headstart in education and involvement in bureaucracy and professional work. Asagba Epiphany Azinge SAN is a product of that system. I recall him as my prim and proper Senior Prefect at Saint Patrick's College, SPC, Asaba. We used to bet on finding a stain on his usually spotless white shirts. No one won the bet! He is an exceptional person. I have no doubt that he would build on the outstanding legacy of the 13th Asagba. His reign portends greater focus on improving the commercial status of Asaba in addition to its significance as the political capital of Delta State. I hope to work with him on several levels as a Palace Chief and a leader in the Chamber of Commerce movement in Nigeria to assist him to realise his vision for Asaba.

(3) Finally , your word of advice for the 14th Asagba , and indeed Asaba people , on this momentous occasion ?

My advice to the 14th Asagba is to always pray for wisdom and courage, and he will succeed in the role.

(4) Very finally, as an Olinzele, the Akuluauno of Asaba, how will you help His Majesty to succeed as he ascends the throne of his ancestors ?

As Olinzele, my role is to support the institution. I do this through providing advice when consulted and also rendering my services as requested or directed. There are some Olinzele roles that come with particular traditional offices. Mine is adhoc save for attendance and contribution to Olinzele and Asagba in Council meetings. However, in my 20 years as Olinzele, I realised that they found my secular professional skill and experience as a commercial lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria helpful. I don't know in what capacity the 14th Asagba would find me useful or helpful or even if he would require my services given that he is also a seasoned lawyer and SAN. However, as a loyal subject, I am always available to serve my people as directed or requested by Asagba.