By Sonia Odita
Former Director General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Chief (Prof) Epiphany Azinge SAN, has rained glowing tribute on the traditional ruler of Asaba, HRM Prof. Chike Edozien, CFR, JP on his birthday.
Azinge who is the President General of Asaba Development Union worldwide described Azagba as an outstandingly exceptional Monarch and an intellectual giant.
“He is a quintessential reformer, a leader of distinction, consummate administrator, a man of courage and fearless disposition, a visionary king, an influential opinion leader, mobilizer. Enabler and easily the greatest Asagba in the history of Asagbaship in Asaba.” He said
Saluting him in Asaba traditional culture and dialect, Azinge, a first class traditional title holder in Asaba described the Azagba as the Lion that watches over the city, the keeper of Asaba and the King of all Lions.
“Your Royal Majesty, 98 years ago. You were born to fulfill a purpose in the history of Asaba. 31 years ago you ascended the throne of Authority of Asaba kingdom and today, you are the face of Asaba globally.
“With wisdom, knowledge, nobility, dignity and sagacity, you have ruled this kingdom with pride and distinction. Just as there was the lion of the tribe of Judai, you are the LION of the kingdom of Asaba. As the lion is the king of the jungle, so have you dominated your environment with intellect, courage, wisdom and cascading leadership and administrative skills.
“You are the Lion that does not roar but still get things done. Your legacy is a testament of your focused leadership and commanding grasp of the history of Asaba.
“Your Royal Majesty, you are the lion and the jewel of your people and your subjects. When a righteous man is on the throne, the people rejoice. Asaba is privileged to have you on the throne at this point in time.
“By your achievements, you have already achieved immortality and written your name in the book of life. History certainly will be kind to you.
Today, Asaba celebrates you. Today, Asaba salutes you on your birthday.
Today, Asaba pays public tribute to you.
Today Asaba rejoices with you at 98 years anniversary.
“Your Royal Majesty, I hereby toast to many more years of good health and happiness. I toast to years of peaceful and glorious reign on the throne.
I toast that we shall all gather to celebrate your centenary and beyond.
I toast that God will bless and keep you.
I toast that Asaba will continue to witness great reforms under your leadership.
“I toast to enduring legacy of your majesty and that the future will be better than today.
Let us all therefore toast to a great king, an accommodating ruler, a father figure, a mentor, a leader, a unifier and by the grace of God, the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
All hail our king. Long live the great lion of Asaba.”