The newly crowned Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has warned that he is open to advice and constructive criticism but will not entertain palace gossip under any circumstance.
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At an elaborate coronation ceremony on Saturday, the Ochendo Asagba (Regent), Engr. Louis Edozien, transferred the staff of office, symbolising the mantle of leadership, through the Onihe of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Atu, to the newly installed monarch.
Amid cheers from the crowd, Obi Azinge paid tribute to the late Asagba, describing his vision as “matchless” and asserting that his leadership would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
The monarch further called on all those who contested the throne with him to set aside differences and unite for the progress of Asaba.
“There is no contest without its challenges, but I urge my fellow contestants to join hands with me in moving Asaba forward.
“There is a lot of work to be done, and I cannot do it alone,” he said, extending an olive branch to those who had vied for the position.
Obi Azinge also pledged to leverage his local and international connections to bring further development to Asaba, ensuring that the city takes its rightful place as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected urban centres.
He vowed to continue the visionary legacy of his predecessor, the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien, while issuing a stern warning against gossip within the kingdom.
“I want to thank the 13th Asagba of Asaba, who has joined our ancestors. His vision is without equal; it felt as if Obi Prof Chike Edozien would live forever.
“He encouraged us to continue from where he left off, and that is exactly what I intend to do.
“My palace will have zero tolerance for gossip. I am open to advice and constructive criticism, but I will not entertain palace gossip under any circumstances,” he warned.
Reflecting on his election as the 14th Asagba, Obi Azinge emphasised the trust placed in him by the people of Asaba and his determination to honour it.
“On August 18, 2024, this palace elected me to step into the shoes of my predecessor. The qualities you saw in me are a reflection of my commitment to serve my people. I will never betray that trust.
“I am committed to using all available resources and partnerships to enhance the development of our ancient city and restore its pride of place in the country,” he stated.
He was born on November 13, 1957. Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), OON, hails from Ugbomanta quarters, Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria.
He attended St. Patrick’s College (SPC) Asaba between 1970 and 1975 and then proceeded to the University of Lagos in 1976, where he obtained a degree of Bachelor of Laws with a Second Class Upper Division.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980 and proceeded to the University of London for his LL.M degree specialising in Comparative Constitutional Law and Shipping Law in 1983 and completed his PhD in 1986, writing his doctoral thesis on ‘Electoral Laws in Nigeria’.
He began his academic career at the University of Benin in 1981, where he taught several Courses, including the Nigerian Legal System, Legal Process, Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, Public International Law, and Administrative Law.
He also taught Information Technology Law and the Law of Taxation at the University of Abuja. To demonstrate his extreme passion for education he also taught the Nigerian Legal System at the Nasarawa State University, free of charge. At the University of Benin (Uniben), he held several positions in academics and administration.
He was appointed Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice where he served from 1991 to 1997.
A Member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice (2004 -2008), a Member of the NBA Continuing Legal Education Committee (2003 -2006), Chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law and its Sub Committee on Sports and Entertainment. He was elevated to the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2006. He has published extensively in diverse areas in local and international journals and is also the editor of several books.
In May 2009, he was appointed the 5th Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) editing over sixty-three (63) books and journals.
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