Former Delta State Governor and APC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has described the two-year reign of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, as a period of remarkable transformation and service-driven traditional leadership.
Okowa, who spoke at the monarch’s second coronation anniversary at the Asagba Palace, Asaba, said Azinge had used the traditional institution to drive interventions capable of improving the welfare of the people.
The former governor said the monarch had demonstrated within two years that traditional rulers could serve as strategic partners in community development, particularly through interventions in healthcare, education, youth development and peacebuilding.
In a goodwill message after the anniversary, Okowa said the transformation witnessed at the palace under Azinge had been remarkable.
“In just two years, His Royal Majesty has brought remarkable transformation to the palace while redefining traditional leadership through service, peacebuilding and tangible interventions that touch lives,” Okowa stated.
He added that the Asagba had shown that traditional institutions could play a significant role in addressing challenges confronting their communities.
“From healthcare and education to youth development and community peace, the Asagba has demonstrated that traditional institutions can play a vital role in improving the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
Okowa commended the monarch for his humility, vision and commitment to the development of Asaba, praying for continued wisdom and strength for him.
“I commend His Royal Majesty for his humility, vision and commitment to the people of Asaba. May God continue to grant him wisdom, strength and grace to lead the Asaba Kingdom to greater heights,” he added.
The second coronation anniversary, held on Sunday at the Asagba Palace, attracted chiefs, indigenes and political leaders from across Delta North.
The former governor’s remarks came as the Asagba’s reign entered its third year, with the monarch increasingly being associated with efforts aimed at strengthening the traditional institution and promoting community development.
Prof. Azinge, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, became the 14th Asagba of Asaba in October 2024, following the death of his predecessor, His Royal Majesty Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, in February 2024.
Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, has also maintained his engagement with traditional institutions in the state, particularly on issues relating to peace, community development and the welfare of traditional rulers.
He is currently the APC candidate for the Delta North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.
