His Royal Majesty,Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, the 14th Asagba of Asaba is the kind of king monarchs aspire to be. The popular saying that a golden fish has no hiding place has been proven right with the identification of the sterling qualities of Obi(Professor) Epiphany Azinge, SAN,OON and his benevolent activities towards the advancement of human development. It has also been said that hidden treasures are always found deep down and those who intend to bring them to the fore need to dig deep to bring forth the precious stones that are always coated in dirt.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Prof. Azinge a completely self-made man of substance and one who parades a distinguished, intimidating and robust profile which has been gained within a space of 44 years of his venturing into Law profession could be described as a man who has washed his hands well and deserves to eat with not only his elders but also his fathers.
Obi Epiphany Azinge is ever ready to dedicate his life for the betterment of his beloved Community Asaba. Prof. Azinge who is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. He is the founder and senior partner at Azinge & Azinge, a law firm in Abuja, the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009 and 2014. Obi Azinge’s blood is a blend of eminent son of Ahaba who comes from a lineage of nobles,with himself standing as a modern-day embodiment of the true Ahaba Identity. He is a true son of Asaba who is willing and capable of working with Asaba people to overcome challenges facing the community from lack of adequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, healthcare deficiency, to educational shortcomings.
A cursory look at the life of this esteemed ruler is proof that when there are kings who are not limited in wisdom, power, goodness and love for subjects, then monarchy would be the best of all systems of government. During his traditional oath of office at the Opechi as the 14th Asagba(King)of Asaba on 24th of August 2024,multitudes of Asaba citizens throng home from around the world to celebrate and felicitate with their beloved king. They do this not out of duty or enforced obligation, but out of deep love for their king and land.
But Azinge’s path to the throne was not one paved with velvet and inlaid with a thornless bed of flowers; no, it was rough, the journey was tough, and the experience could sometimes be bitter, as with that of men with great destinies. But these only served as stepping stones to his future, unanimously given, the throne.
It would be remembered that even though Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge had earlier been nominated along with nine others by the Asagba-in-Council
According to him, beyond the already established processes came another letter from the Okpala-Uku nominating ten candidates according to their grades.
They are: Prof. Epiphany Azinge (90%) Ogbueshi Anthony Konwea (75%) Chief Ikechukwu Ashiofu (74%) Prof Onwuka Emmanuel (72%) Ogbueshi Chiedu Onwuegbuzia (62%) Ogbueshi Chinyelugo Nwajei (60%) Ogbueshi C. R. Esealuka (59%) Ogbueshi Ikechukwu Maduemezia (50%) and Obi Ikechukwu Nwajei (Nil).
The Ochendo said the second letter suggested that all the candidates should be considered and directed members of the two frontline age grades in the selection process; Otu Ihaza and Ichiokwa, from each of the five Ebos to meet with the Obis and Olinzeles from their quarters at different locations within the palace to elect the candidate of their choice.
Announcing the result, Dr. Edozien said: “By the authority vested in me as the Ochendo Asagba and the authority vested in me by the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict, 1979,I hereby pronounce Prof. Epiphany Azinge as the 14th Asagba of Asaba designate.
Obi Prof. Azinge great destiny prevailed and the kingmakers unanimously selected him in conformity with the custom and tradition of the Asaba community, the provisions of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979.
But in the midst of all these, he had many documented and undocumented trials and travails. Looking back,
Obi Azinge’s extraordinary destiny serves history in preservation. His is a life to be wished for, a legacy that must be preserved, and a story that must continue to be told for generations to come.
Not many kings want their life story in the public domain, instead, as second-in-command to the gods, they prefer that air of mystery to ensure that their rule remains absolute and their personal affairs secret. But Obi Prof. Azinge is a different kind of king – an erudite. He authored his biography, laying his cards bare and ensuring that many can learn the lessons of history through his life’s story.
As he ascend the throne as the 14th Asagba of Asaba , it is only fitting that one should say ‘Nna Agu! Long may the crown sit on the head, long may the shoes fit the wearer, and long may he reign.” But in prayer, many would secretly say to the creator “May I be as great as the king, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba Land.
Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu!!!
