Prof. Epiphany Azinge, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), has emerged as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Prof. Azinge was selected among an array of contestants to the exalted Asagba throne. They included Mr. Tony Ogugua Konwea; Prof. Emmanuel Onwuka, and Ogbuechi Chinedu Esealuka, among others, who were in the race.
The Asagba-in-Council announced Prof. Azinge’s selection as the most qualified among the total 10 contenders in the race.
He hails from Ugbomanta quarters of Asaba, Delta State, whose turn it is out of the five quarters (Ebos) to produce the next Asagba of Asaba after the demise of Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, who joined his ancestors months ago.
The Ochendo Ahaba (Regent), Dr. Anthony Edozien, announced the outcome 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.
As at the time of this report, dance troupes were entertaining the people at the residence of the Asagba-designate, Prof. Azinge.
Recall that Prof. Epiphany Azinge commenced the process of taking the Obi title (Red Cap), which is the highest traditional social rank amongst the Ahaba people, Obiship institution.
Azinge is one of traditional Chiefs in the Asagba’s cabinet with the title of ‘Okilolo Ahaba’.
He commenced the journey on August 5, 2024 and the rigorous process undertaken stage by stage according to the traditional and customs of the people will be concluded by the time he proceeds to the Udo sacred ekpele site secluded traditional ground, where he will ultimately don the indigenous anklet known as “eli li ukwu.”
As required by customs, his spouse, Dr. Valerie Azinge (SAN), would also benefit from the Obiship position as Okpoho Eze.
