BY VICTORY OKONJO
THE traditional ruler of Asaba, HRM Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN) has received members of the Azinge family from Umudaike Village, Ugbomanta Quarter at his palace weekend.
The delegation, led by Ada Azinge and Ezinne Ada Okobi, extended New Year felicitations to the traditional ruler and reaffirmed familial bonds.
During the visit , the monarch reciprocated the seasonal greetings with prayers and expressed satisfaction with the visit. He praised the family’s cohesiveness and acknowledged their offerings while commending their dedication to development initiatives within the kingdom.
The Asagba of Asaba reiterated his commitment to advancing Asaba Kingdom, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts from all citizens. He declared his resolve to preserve and strengthen the Azinge family’s historical contributions to the region.
The traditional ruler counseled family members to maintain Asaba cultural heritage and shun negative behaviors, clarifying that his administration would operate without favoritism.
The monarch concluded by expressing appreciation for the family’s continued support, encouraging righteous living, and offering prayers for both the Azinge lineage and the broader Asaba Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Azinge family, Ogbueshi Jerry Azinge (Agu Nwayo) conveyed deep appreciation to the monarch for granting the audience. He explained that following consultations with the family’s Diokpa, Ogbueshi
Engr. Kaikene Azinge (Ogbueshi Nwalotenna), family members had assembled to present New Year wishes.
He described the monarch as an admirable ambassador of the Azinge family both within and outside the community. Ogbueshi Jerry Azinge outlined three primary objectives for the visit. First, he referenced the family’s longstanding custom of holding thanksgiving gatherings every December 25th, followed by communal meals—a tradition maintained since the Biafra War. He noted that December 25, 2025, marked the first occasion when the monarch could not attend due to official commitments, prompting the Diokpa’s directive for the palace visit.
Secondly, he acknowledged the monarch’s festive season generosity, particularly his distribution of livestock to villages. He noted that the Azinge family benefited from this benevolence, which motivated their formal expression of gratitude.
Third, he recognized the ruler’s development projects, including the Drug Rehabilitation Centre and the construction of the Asagba Permanent Palace. He assured His Royal Majesty of comprehensive support from the Azinge family.
“By the authority of the Diokpa, the Azinge family is pledging ₦10m to support your works, and ₦5m towards the Asagba Permanent Palace building project,” he announced.
Ogbueshi Jerry Azinge concluded by informing the monarch about the family’s awareness of his concerns regarding the Ogwa of Umudaike. He revealed that a committee had been established to supervise the Ogwa’s construction, estimated at ₦25m, with the Azinge family pledging ₦5m towards the project.
The visit concluded with praise songs and prayers for the monarch’s continued preservation and prosperity.
