By Valentine Utulu
Renowned legal luminary, Prof. Epiffany Azinge (SAN) was on Saturday crowned as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Our correspondent reports that the coronation of Azinge followed his election last August by the five quarters of Asaba kingdom.
At his coronation at the Asagba Palace, Ezenei quarters, Azinge paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, late (Obi) Prof. Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, who he described as a father figure.
He described the late monarch as a shining light of the community, who worked tirelessly for peace and overall development of Asaba.
“The late Obi Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba was a great patriot, an accomplished scholar and traditional leader who worked tirelessly for the development of Asaba.
“His vision is matchless, he was a pragmatic leader and very committed in the persuance of peace and unity of Asaba nation.
“He was a father figure to me and I will forever cherish his leadership vision and idealogies which he held so dearly till death”, Azinge said.
The new monarch, who pledged to work for the peace, progress and unity of the ancient town of Asaba, enjoined the people of Asaba to join hands together and build a prosperous community.
“I will pursue vigorously the establishment of a Federal University of Asaba.
“I will equally be open to advice and will always welcome constructive criticism for the good of our people.
“I will give zero tolerance to palace gossip, and will use my network of connections to attract federal presence to Asaba”, Azinge said.
Earlier in a welcome address, the reagent to the Asagba throne, Chief Louis Edozien, the Ochendo of Asaba, on behalf of the Edozien royal family, paid tribute to the late Obi Chike Edozien.
He said the thirty-three years reign of the late monarch brought unprecedented growth and development to the ancient town of Asaba.
“On behalf of the Edozien royal family, I want to thank the good people of Asaba for the life and time of our late Asagba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien.
“I also want to assure our new Asagba, Obi (Prof) Epiffany Azinge of the support and goodwill of the Edozien royal family as he ascends the throne.
“Let me equally enjoined the good people of Asaba to give our new Asagba the same support they gave to our departed monarch to enable him succeed”, Edozien said.
Highlights of the coronation was the official handover of the ‘Ofor’ traditional staff of office to Obi Epiffany Azinge by the Odogwu of Asaba, Chief Chief Nwanze Odue.
There was also the dressing of the new monarch with the Asagba traditional regalia by the Onihe of Asaba (Kingmaker), Chief Ubaka Attoh.
The new monarch later took the oath of allegiance heralding a new chapter in the Asaba traditional kingdom.