“Asaba Must Not Become A Theatre Of Conflict”: Asagba Condemns Rally Attack
Asagba Condemns Political Violence, Reaffirms Asaba’s Commitment to Peace
HIS Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has condemned Saturday’s political confrontation in Asaba, which reportedly claimed lives and left several people injured. He described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, warning that political hostility threatens the peaceful atmosphere the Delta State capital has enjoyed.
The monarch made his position known on Sunday 8 November 2026, during a briefing with journalists at his palace. He also aligned himself with the Delta State Government and the State Police Command in condemning the reported violence.
Protecting Asaba’s Peaceful Coexistence
Expressing concern over the incident, Asagba Azinge noted that Asaba had grown beyond its administrative responsibilities to become a major metropolitan centre. He described the city as a melting pot of people from different ethnic, cultural, social and political backgrounds.
According to him, Asaba remains one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing state capitals and a peaceful community that must protect its reputation. Consequently, he urged residents, political actors and other stakeholders to make every effort to safeguard lives, property and peaceful coexistence.
The traditional ruler stressed that citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly remain fundamental democratic principles. However, he insisted that political activities must never become excuses for intimidation, violence or hostility.
“I join the Government of Delta State in condemning the hostility that people encountered in the course of pursuing what ordinarily should be a very peaceful undertaking,” he said.
Constitutional Rights Must Be Exercised Peacefully
The monarch further explained that political participation should remain open to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or ideological differences.
He recalled that people who had consulted him on political activities in Asaba had consistently received his advice that political competition should focus on issues rather than hostility.
He maintained that citizens must enjoy their constitutional freedoms, including the right to express opinions, associate with others and assemble peacefully. Nevertheless, those rights must be exercised in an atmosphere that respects the safety and dignity of other people.
Asagba Azinge, a constitutional lawyer, also advised organisers of political rallies and processions to engage the police and seek their cooperation in maintaining public order.
He clarified that such engagement should not necessarily amount to seeking police permission. Rather, it should provide an opportunity for organisers and security agencies to work together, protect participants and prevent avoidable confrontations.
Political Actors Urged to Reject Intimidation
Addressing politicians, supporters and other stakeholders, the monarch called for issue-based campaigns, tolerance and responsible political conduct.
He warned against attempts to turn Asaba into a theatre of political conflict, insisting that the city must remain open to peaceful political competition without intimidation.
“We will allow free contestations devoid of any form of intimidation,” he declared, urging political actors to build an atmosphere in which residents could look forward to free, fair and credible elections.
Asaba Remains Open to Diverse Political Opinions
Reaffirming the community’s commitment to inclusiveness, Asagba Azinge said Asaba would continue to accommodate people with different opinions, political affiliations and ideological persuasions.
However, he cautioned that political differences must never undermine the peace, security and unity of the community.
The monarch also expressed the hope that the political party that ultimately wins at the polls would emerge through a peaceful and credible process. He prayed that Asaba would continue to enjoy the tranquillity for which the city has become known.
His message was clear: political competition is welcome, but violence and intimidation have no place in Asaba.
