Protest Erupts Over Installation Of New Asagba Of Asaba

Over 200 residents of Asaba have started to protest against the installation of the new Asagba of Asaba, Prof Epiphany Azinge.

Among the contenders unhappy with Azinge’s choice as the Asagba designate are Mr Tony Ogugua Konwea, Prof Emmanuel Onwuka, and Ogbuechi Chinedu Esealuka.

They joined other protesters, saying that Prof Azinge was not qualified for the crown and alleged that the kingmakers disregarded the rotation principle.

Concerned Asaba Indigenes (CAI) has warned of the dangers of installing the wrong person as the new Asagba of Asaba.

In an open letter to the kingmakers, the group warned that between Konwea and Azinge, none was worthy of the crown if any of them was selected in breach of tradition and violation of the customary laws regulating succession to the Asagba stool.

The group took strong exception to no rotation or zoning within Ugbomanta in the nomination and selection process. “Any qualified man can be selected, regardless of the family, Idumu, or Ogbe, where he hails from within Ugbomanta'”

The group added that zoning had been an age-long device that made room for inclusiveness, equity, and fairness among the contending individuals, villages, and Ebos.

The group lamented that the disposition of the Asagba in council that there should be no zoning within the Ugbomanta quarters was unheard of and unprecedented.

Corroborating, a prominent Asaba Chief and the Okpala Onisha, Ogbueshi Olisaedua Uwaechia, said it was wrong for the Asagba in council to void the rotation principle in choosing the new Asagba of Asaba.

Despite these objections, the kingmakers installed Prof Epiphany Azinge, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.

The Asagba-in-Council announced his selection as the most qualified among the ten contenders in the race.

The Ochendo Ahaba (Regent), Dr Anthony Edozien, announced the result of the selection process in line with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, applicable to Delta State, on Sunday afternoon at the former Palace of the Asagba of Asaba at Ezenei quarters, Asaba.

At the time of filing this report, dance troupes were thrilling people at the residence of the Asagba-designate, Prof Azinge.