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Tag: Asagba of Asaba

  • At 70, Asagba of Asaba shines in wisdom, service — Oborevwori

    At 70, Asagba of Asaba shines in wisdom, service — Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, on his 70th birth anniversary, describing his reign as one of peace and humility.

    Governor Oborevwori spoke on Thursday at the Thanksgiving Mass held at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba, to mark the royal father’s platinum jubilee.

    He stated that Asagba’s life is a shining testament to wisdom, integrity, and purpose.

    The governor said it was good for the Asagba to return thanks to God for His grace and faithfulness, having attained the biblical age of three score and ten in strength and sound health.

    He said, “I am very happy for this celebration because it is important that when God takes you to a particular level in life, you come back to appreciate Him. This thanksgiving is special because it is not just another birthday, it is an offering of gratitude for seventy years of divine mercy, strength, and grace.”

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    The Governor extolled the life and leadership of the monarch, noting that his reign had been marked by peace, humility, and understanding.

    “Your Majesty, your life is a living testimony of wisdom,” he said. “From the classroom to the throne, you have demonstrated excellence, honesty, and service. As a lawyer and teacher, you helped shape minds and institutions across Nigeria and beyond. As a royal father, you have guided your people with grace, fostering unity and progress in Asaba and Delta State,” he said.

    Oborevwori praised the Asagba’s consistent support for the state government and his remarkable devotion to duty.

    “There is no invitation too small for His Majesty to honour. He attends every event, even at short notice, that humility and commitment inspire us all. I am proud to celebrate you not only as a traditional ruler but as a symbol of what it means to combine talent, purpose, and service for the good of society,” he added.

    Quoting Proverbs 16:31, the Governor described the monarch’s gray hair as “a crown of glory gained through a righteous life,” and prayed that God would continue to grant him strength, wisdom, and long life.

    He also commended Her Majesty, the Asagba’s wife, for her steadfast support, saying, “your wife has stood by you faithfully. I have known her for many years, and I must thank her for being a pillar of support in your journey of service to God and humanity.”

    Governor Oborevwori further thanked the people of Asaba Kingdom for their loyalty to their monarch, saying their love and unity had made his reign peaceful and successful.

    “To the good people of Asaba Kingdom, I say thank you for your support and for standing firmly with your monarch. Your Majesty, happy 70th birthday. May these years bring you more joy, peace, and fulfillment”, he concluded.

    Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection on a life devoted to God and humanity.

    Drawing his message from Psalm 90, the Cardinal said, “The Bible reminds us that seventy is the sum of our years. It is a time to look back with gratitude and look forward with faith.”

    He lauded the Asagba for his steadfast faith, wisdom, and compassion, calling him “a true monarch who has served God and humanity with love, integrity, and commitment.”

  • Asagba to lead 5km fitness walk to celebrate maiden anniversary

    Asagba to lead 5km fitness walk to celebrate maiden anniversary

    The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge will celebrate the first anniversary of his ascension to the throne with a significant five-kilometre fitness walk on Saturday, October 4.

    The event is organised by the Asaba Long Distance Race Media Committee, led by Wing Commander Peter Iweze (rtd).

    The fitness walk is set for Saturday, with the procession starting at 7:00 a.m. from the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

    Participants will walk to the Traffic Light junction and back, plus an additional 400 meters around the stadium track.

    The Asagba will personally lead the walk, accompanied by nobles and Obis from surrounding communities, emphasizing community involvement and support.

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    A 10-kilometre road race that was initially planned alongside the anniversary celebrations has been rescheduled for December 6, 2025, adhering to international standards set by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).

    The fitness walk is not only a royal celebration but also aimed at promoting healthy living among the residents of Asaba.

    Dr. Moses Nwanze, the event consultant, assured participants of thorough preparations for a successful and enjoyable exercise.

    Nwanze said the event underscored the commitment of the Asagba to foster community health and engagement while celebrating his first year as the traditional ruler.

  • JUST IN: 99-year-old Asaba monarch Edozien passes on

    JUST IN: 99-year-old Asaba monarch Edozien passes on

    The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Professor) Chike Edozien, who will clock 100 years on July 28 this year, has passed on, The Nation has learnt.

    There has been growing apprehension over the health of the 99-year-old monarch in the last couple of years.

    Palace sources have declined to comment on the matter until the traditional protocol regarding his passage is followed.

    Asaba indigenes were seen discussing his demise in hushed tones after news about his death was broken.

    Recall that on the 9th of January this year, a committee dubbed ‘The Asagba of Asaba Centenary Birth Anniversary Committee’ rolled out a programme of events in connection with the centenary anniversary headed by the Ojiba of Asaba, Chief Ben Okonta.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu mourns as Asagba of Asaba joins ancestors

    President Bola Tinubu received the news of the passing of the monarch with deep sadness.

    The president has condoled with the family, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, the government, and the people of the state on the death of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien.

    In a statement by President Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu celebrated the impactful life of the late monarch and eminent professor of medicine, acknowledging his advocacy for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and inimitable role in forging partnerships across divides.

    He said: “His Majesty lived a full life defined by the loftiest ideals of peace, unity, patriotism, honesty, and dignity. This is a sad loss, coming at a time when Nigeria needs more peace-builders and bridge-builders.”

    While praying for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed, the President urges the Royal Family and all those who mourn this gaping loss to take solace in the legacies of His Royal Majesty.