Asaba, Ibusa Move Closer To Ending Long-Standing Boundary Disagreements
Asagba Optimistic Over Lasting Peace
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, has expressed confidence that the long-standing land disputes between the Asaba and Ibusa communities will soon be amicably resolved through sustained dialogue and traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms.
The revered monarch gave the assurance while receiving the Onwa of Ibusa, Chief Barr. Fred Ajudua, his wife, Hon. Barr. Mrs. Princess Ajudua, and members of their delegation during a courtesy visit to the Asagba’s Palace in Asaba.
According to the monarch, both communities share deep historical, cultural and familial ties that should continue to serve as the foundation for peaceful coexistence rather than conflict.
Shared History Should Strengthen Unity
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with Chief Ajudua, Asagba Azinge recalled that their friendship dates back to their days at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, adding that the relationship had grown beyond personal friendship into one shared by both families.
He noted that Chief Ajudua remains one of the foremost personalities representing Ibusa in engagements with Asaba, making his contributions to peace-building particularly significant.
The monarch commended the Onwa of Ibusa for his previous efforts at reconciliation over boundary issues, describing those interventions as invaluable to the quest for lasting peace between the neighbouring communities.
Call for Wider Community Engagement
Asagba Azinge urged the Ibusa leader to extend discussions beyond palace-level engagements by interacting with the leadership of Asaba villages that share common boundaries with Ibusa.
According to him, broader consultations involving affected communities would accelerate efforts to achieve mutually acceptable solutions and eliminate unnecessary tensions.
He stressed that traditional institutions exist primarily to foster peace, resolve disputes and strengthen communal harmony, expressing optimism that all outstanding issues could be settled through sincere dialogue.
The monarch maintained that both kingdoms have a collective responsibility to preserve their longstanding brotherly relationship for future generations.
Ibusa Leader Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Earlier, Chief Fred Ajudua thanked the Asagba for the warm reception and reaffirmed Ibusa’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with the Asaba Kingdom.
He also apologised on behalf of an individual from Ibusa who recently used offensive language against the Asaba Kingdom on social media, explaining that an official rebuttal distancing the community from the remarks had already been issued.
Chief Ajudua described the Asagba as an outstanding traditional ruler and wished him a peaceful and successful reign.
He explained that the visit underscored Ibusa’s determination to strengthen relations with Asaba and support ongoing efforts aimed at resolving all outstanding land-related disagreements.
The meeting concluded with a goodwill exchange and a group photograph, symbolising the renewed commitment of both communities to dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
