The new Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, who formally mounted the throne amid cheers on Saturday, has sent a strong warning that on no account should gossips be tolerated in his palace.
Obi Azinge made the declaration shortly after the coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Speaking after the Ochendo Asagba (Regent), Engr. Louis Edozien transferred the staff of office held by the late Asagba, through the Onihe of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Atu to him at an impressive ceremony, he said, “I want to thank the 13th Asagba of Asaba who joined our ancestors. His vision is matchless; it is as if he (Obi Prof Chike Edozien) will live forever. He encouraged us to start from where he stopped.
“I also want to commend the Ochendo (Regent) of Asaba since the demise of the 13th Asagba, your father, especially for the transparent manner in which you handled the transition of Asagba of Asaba.
“On August 18, 2024, in this palace, Asaba indeed elected me to step into the shoes of my predecessor. The quality you saw in me is that I have dedicated myself to carrying out this function for the benefit of my people. I will never betray your trust.
“I will operate an open-door policy. My palace is open for advice, but I will give zero tolerance to palace gossip, and I will welcome constructive criticism”.
Continuing, the new Asagba called on all aggrieved Asaba indigenes who contested with him to join hands with him to move Asaba forward.
According to the Obi, “There is no contest without hitches. Some have congratulated me and thereby enjoined other contestants in joining me in moving Asaba to the highest. There is enough work to be done, and I cannot do it alone”, he stated.
He gave assurance that he would use both his local and international connections to bring more development and give Asaba its rightful place as one of the oldest cities in the country.
Part of the highlights of the coronation included the presence of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Ovie Omo-agege, Peter Obi, Peter Nwoboshi, among others.
