After 300 Years Apart, Asaba & Ezhionum Reunite In Historic Homecoming
A Reunion Centuries in the Making
ON 7 February 2026, history unfolded at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba as the Asaba Kingdom formally welcomed the Ezhionum community back to what both sides affirmed as their shared ancestral homeland. The gathering marked the first official reunion between Asaba and Ezhionum in more than 300 years, closing a long chapter of separation shaped by migration, conflict and the passage of time.
The occasion was led by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, who received the Ezhie of Ezhionum Kingdom, HRM Comrade Evangelist R.C. Osanwuta (JP), alongside a large delegation from Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Royal Welcome at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba
From the moment the Ezhionum delegation arrived at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, the atmosphere reflected more than ceremony. Traditional greetings, cultural displays and heartfelt exchanges underscored the emotional weight of the reunion. For many in attendance, it was not simply a royal visit but a return home.
Asagba Azinge described the event as a defining moment in the collective history of the Asaba people, stressing that unity among kindred communities remains central to his reign. He recalled that shortly after ascending the throne, his administration initiated peace and reconciliation efforts involving Ezeanyanwu and Ahaba, a process that laid the groundwork for broader historical inquiry.
Shared Ancestry, Reclaimed History
According to the monarch, consultations with elders, historians and custodians of oral tradition revealed consistent evidence of a common ancestry between Asaba and Ezhionum. These findings, he said, dispelled lingering doubts and reinforced long-held but fragmented narratives passed down through generations.
Quoting the Igbo proverb “Nwanne di na mba”—brotherhood knows no boundaries—Asagba Azinge emphasised that blood ties endure regardless of geography. He announced plans to integrate Ezeugboma village of Umuezei quarters fully into the cultural and historical framework of the Asaba Kingdom, describing it as an overdue recognition of shared roots.
Rewriting the Story for the Future
Beyond symbolism, the Asagba framed the reunion as a turning point for future cooperation. He directed the Asaba History and Documentation Committee to formally record the reunion and its findings, with a comprehensive report expected by the end of March 2026.
He also extended open invitations for cultural participation, encouraging the Ezhionum community to attend Asaba festivals and pledging reciprocal attendance at Ezhionum cultural events. According to him, sustained interaction is essential for transforming reconciliation into lived unity.
Ezhionum’s Gratitude and Reflection
Responding, HRM Evang. R.C. Osanwuta expressed profound gratitude to God for witnessing what he described as a “long-awaited restoration.” He thanked the Asagba and the people of Asaba for the warmth of their reception, noting that the visit carried deep spiritual and historical significance for Ezhionum.
The monarch acknowledged the efforts of the Nna Agu, whose outreach and dialogue helped reconnect the communities. He stressed that the reunion was not merely ceremonial but a reaffirmation of kinship that should guide future engagement between both peoples.
Cultural Exchange and Symbolic Gifts
The ceremony featured the exchange of gifts as symbols of goodwill and renewed bonds. Dr. Orin Emmanuel Ndudi, Secretary of the Ezhionum Development Association, presented gifts to Asagba Azinge, while Obi Agbogidi Nduka Samuel Ogochukwu reciprocated with gifts to the Ezhie of Ezhionum.
Cultural troupes including the Otu Onye Weli dance band, Onye Zusia Nwa Aguba dance group, and performances of Egwu Ota added colour and rhythm to the gathering, reflecting a shared cultural heritage that transcended centuries of separation.
A New Chapter of Unity
As the event drew to a close, both communities reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation, peace and collective development. Leaders described the reunion as the beginning of a renewed relationship anchored in truth, mutual respect and shared identity.
For Asaba and Ezhionum, the gathering at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba was not just a remembrance of the past, but a conscious decision to walk forward together—united by ancestry and guided by a shared vision for prosperity.
