Oborevwori, Okowa, monarchs hail two-year reign
By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha
ASABA — The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Professor Epiphany Azinge, has attributed the development recorded in Asaba over the past two years to peace, describing it as the foundation upon which progress in the kingdom has been built.
Azinge spoke on Monday in Asaba while marking the second anniversary of his coronation, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, traditional rulers and other stakeholders commended his leadership, peace-building efforts and developmental initiatives.
Reflecting on his two years on the throne, Azinge said the responsibilities of traditional leadership were demanding, noting that each day on the throne came with significant challenges.
“Let me make this public confession, that a day on the throne is like a lifetime. One can then easily come to terms with that saying that ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,’” he said.
The monarch said the anniversary was not primarily about celebrating his achievements but about recognising the importance of peace to the development of Asaba.
“Firstly, to underscore the fact that it means so much for peace to reign in a kingdom, and that we’ve had peace in this kingdom in the last two years means so much to me.
“Peace is the industry that we harness, and with peace comes all forms of development. So we will not be recounting our developmental trajectory today if there had been no peace in this kingdom,” Azinge said.
He thanked residents and other stakeholders for their contributions to maintaining peace in the kingdom, saying the progress recorded was a collective achievement.
“I want to applaud and I thank all that have made this possible for peace to reign,” he said.
Azinge also commended the people of Asaba for their support, stressing that his vision for the kingdom could not be achieved without their cooperation.
“I may dream the dreams, possibly see visions, but nothing can work out, nothing can thrive, nothing can flourish without the support of Asaba people,” he said.
The monarch said his reign had also focused on strengthening relationships with traditional rulers across Delta State and beyond as part of efforts to promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
“I’ve been able to engage with them one after the other, and together we’ve been able to chart a path for the future of our state,” he said.
Azinge reaffirmed his support for the Delta State Government, describing the people of Asaba as partners in progress with the administration.
“We have seen ourselves and the people of Asaba as partners in progress in whatever is going on in this state,” he said.
Representing Governor Oborevwori at the event, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, commended Azinge for his commitment to peace, security and harmonious coexistence in Asaba.
Erijo said the monarch had, in two years, “carried the responsibilities of this sacred stool with dignity, wisdom, and humility,” while promoting “peace, unity, and understanding among the people.”
Former Governor Okowa also commended the monarch, saying Azinge’s reign had demonstrated that traditional leadership could contribute significantly to community development.
“In just two years, there’s been a lot of transformation,” Okowa said, adding that Azinge was “rewriting traditional governance the way we thought it was in the past.”
He particularly praised the monarch’s peace-building efforts, saying: “There is peace in Asaba. But beyond Asaba, you’ve been connecting with your fellow traditional rulers in so much humility.”
The Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, represented by Obi Henry A. Kikachukwu, also commended Azinge, saying, “Within two years, we have witnessed remarkable developments.”
Azinge, however, attributed the progress to divine grace and the support of the people.
“Whatever we may have achieved, I will always say it’s not by my might. It’s by the special grace of God,” he said.
He added: “I will remain very humble, I will continue to make sacrifices on behalf of my people because I’m here to serve you.”
Also present was His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Kingdom and Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Iweka III offered prayers for Azinge, saying: “May those who don’t agree that you’ll be sitting on that throne, may they eventually agree more than those who agreed before. It shall be well with you.”
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