The Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Azinge, a revered monarch in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has vowed to take on his opponents to the Supreme Court in defense of his throne and the integrity of his community.
The declaration came Wednesday January 1, 2025, during a media parley at his Palace, where he addressed issues challenging his leadership and the legitimacy of his rulership.
The monarch, renowned for his wisdom and advocacy for justice, emphasized that everyone has the right to approach the Court, highlighting Asaba’s reputation for its democratic principles.
He however announced plans to pursue legal redress, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail to protect the sanctity of Asaba’s cherished traditions and unity.
His decision has sparked widespread support among the people, who view the move as a bold stand against forces threatening the peace and heritage of their community.
His words: “Asaba is very, very democratic and accommodating. And when an exercise has been completed and overwhelmingly and unanimously concluded, it is still the prerogative of anybody that feels otherwise to exercise the next right of option.
“And indeed, one or two people, after the host of people sent in their congratulatory message, one or two people opted to exercise the option of going to court, and they did. And for me, that is acceptable and that is understandable.
“And definitely, we will push that to the highest level as the case may be. So we will engage. We will take them in court, and we are prepared to do so, because as far as we are concerned, all the issues raised are very spurious.
“You are on ground, and you should know the reality of this matter, so I don’t need to belabor the fact. I’m sure you know exactly what transpired on August 18th and how Asaba decided that I should be the traditional ruler after my predecessor”, he declared.
It would be recall that the succession to the stool of the Asagba of Asaba has met stiff resistance due to litigations filed at the Delta State High Court, Asaba, by about two aggrieved candidates.
They alleged that the succession process was marred by significant breaches of law and tradition.
They called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to withhold the certificate of recognition and staff of office from Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN.
The first and second runner-ups in the contest for the Asagba’s throne, argued that Prof. Azinge is ineligible to assume the position.
They claimed that Azinge is not the oldest surviving male within his immediate family, as he has three older brothers, making him ineligible under Asaba’s native law and custom, which requires the eldest surviving male to ascend the throne.
They listed the governor and the attorney general of the state as defendants.
They are seeking an order of perpetual injunction to restrain Azinge from presenting himself as the Asagba or performing any traditional duties associated with the position.
They are also requesting an injunction to prevent the governor, deputy governor, attorney general, and their representatives from recognizing Azinge as the Asagba.
Furthermore, they sought the withholding of all rights, privileges, and ceremonial items associated with the position, including the staff of office.
Notably, they argued that the registered declaration of customary law governing succession to the Asagba throne stipulates that only a direct descendant of Nnebisi, the ancestral founder of Asaba, is qualified to occupy the stool.
They alleged that Azinge failed to adequately trace his genealogy as required by law and tradition.
They also claimed that Azinge refused or failed to perform the itu oba ritual, which validates a candidate’s direct descent from Nnebisi.
Additionally, they contended that succession to the throne of the Asagba is rotational among the five quarters that make up Asaba.
They insisted that these requirements disqualify Azinge from being selected, approved, or coronated as the Asagba of Asaba.
The process of the selection of the Asagba, was made open to the glaring of all but arriving at Asagba Prof. Epiphany Azinge, the 14th Asagba of Asaba, who succeeded Prof. Chike Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba kingdom.
