Asagba Azinge Leads Igochi Rite, Seeks Greater Progress For Asaba Kingdom
By NWAFOR AZINGE
HIS Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMIC, LLD(HC), KSJI, KSG, has performed the sacred Igochi traditional ceremony at his Royal Palace in Asaba.
The ceremony took place on Monday 14 September 2026, in the presence of Palace Chiefs and kinsmen of the monarch from Umudaike Village, Ugbomanta Quarters, Asaba.
The traditional rite began with the breaking of kolanuts and the pouring of libation.
Nna Agu then invoked the gods of the forebears and offered prayers for peace, harmony, good health and progress for both indigenes and non-indigenes of Asaba Kingdom.
“Progress is a gradual process and Asaba will get there someday,” Asagba Azinge declared during the ceremony.
The monarch also acknowledged Asaba sons and daughters in the diaspora for their continued support and contributions to community development.
He urged them to sustain their efforts and continue supporting initiatives that would promote the growth of Asaba Kingdom.
Asagba Azinge also prayed for good health for Ogbueshi Sunday Onukwu, Ezeugbo Ahaba, and wished him strength to perform his New Yam Festival rites successfully.
The monarch further thanked his kinsmen from Umudaike Village for their solidarity and support.
As part of the ceremony, he presented the Umudaike kinsmen with a giant he-goat, assorted drinks and cartons of beer.
In their goodwill messages, Chief Ambassador Charles Onianwa, Ikukuoma Ahaba, Ogbueshi Uche Nwajei and Ogbueshi Sunday Ijeh praised the monarch’s leadership.
They commended Asagba Azinge for what they described as purposeful leadership and for advancing the affairs of Asaba since his ascension to the ancient throne two years ago.
The ceremony ended with prayers, blessings and royal photographs.
