By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
Since the demise of the last Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, there has been media reports indicating that a number of heavyweights have shown keen interests in becoming the next Asagba of Asaba. However,the lingering question remains: who wears the crown?
This is because the Asagba of Asaba throne is one of the highly reverred traditional rulers in Nigeria. It would be recalled that on February 7, 2024, HRM Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba, gave up the ghost, throwing the door open for jostling for succession. According to close followers of events, this development has triggered a feverish and fierce race amongst the contenders.
According to traditional reports, in Asaba, it is Umuezei, Umuagu, Umuaji, Umonaje, and Ugbomanta that are said to be the only five ‘Ebos’ or quarters among which the selection is for the throne is rotated. However, it’s not clear how this selection process will go this time around.
Thus, as the dynamics stand, no one can project for sure who will wear the crown as the next Asagba of Asaba.
The New Diplomat profiles three aspirants who have reportedly shown interest from one of the quarters that is being speculated as the likely quarter that might produce the next Asagba of Asaba.
Epiphany Azinge
As son of the soil, Prof. Epiphany Azinge who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the prominent contenders for the throne. Also he is an academic, lawyer and was the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies(NIALS). Currently, he is the National President of the Asaba Development Union (ADU) Worldwide. To some, this might be a noticeable advantage.
Emmanuel Onwuka
Professor Emmanuel Onwuka is another contender for the Asagba of Asaba throne. He hails from Isieke, Ugbomanta. Having served as an esteemed academic especially in the medical field, he is highly appreciated for his exceptional contributions to the development of scholarship. This is also a strength that could come to play. Indeed, he is also well liked by many.
Chinedu Esealuka
Oguechi Chinedu Esealuka is said to be another important contender for the throne. He is said to be an important figure to reckon with in Asaba, particularly in the Ugbomanta quarters. Some maintain that his strong understanding of Asaba’s historical and cultural heritage could be an advantage.
Conclusion
As the days go by, the unending question on the lips of many is: Who Wears the Crown?
Given the caliber of persons in contention for the exalted throne of Asagba of Asaba, many have continued to raise posers. Perhaps, the picture might become clearer in the days ahead as people await who would be crown as their new Asagba of Asaba.
