By Okolie Isaac
*Pix above: Obi (Prof.) Epiphany C. Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS
Following the age-long tradition of the Asaba people, the Asagba-in-Council, announced Obi (Prof.) Epiphany C. Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, as the Asagba of Asaba Designate.
Recall that after the conclusion of the funeral rites of Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, the late Asagba of Asaba, the Asagba-in-Council, convened a meeting, for the purpose of selecting the next Asagba. Ugbomanta, the quarter whose turn it was to produce the next Asagba of Asaba was given a mandate to nominate a candidate/ candidates for the approval of the Asagba-in-Council.
Following this directive, the Office of the Diokpa of Ugbomanta Quarters, nominated two names among the various contestants who expressed interest, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge and Ogbueshi Anthony Konwea were nominated for the final approval of the Asagba-in-Council. Discontented with the “process of the nomination(s),” some of the other contestants, aggrieved, embarked on a demonstration, and petitioned the process leading to the nomination of the two names mentioned above.
For all minds to be at peace, the Ochendo decided that all candidates would be given fair chances at the poll and declared ten of them eligible to be voted for. To allow for a transparent and fair process of nomination, the Ochendo Ahaba (Regent) Anthony Edozien Prince Louis Edozien, asked each of the five Quarters in Asaba, to go into a close section, cast votes, and nominate their candidate of choice, also considering the petitions before it,
The house resolved to allow the inclusion and participation of all the initial aspirants in the process of selection. Upon their return, the five quarters in Asaba, through a very clear and transparent process, voted in favour of Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, OON, FNIALS, which led to his proclamation as the next Asagba of Asaba.
LONG LIVE THE KING!
*Tag: Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, OON, FNIALS
