Asagba Lists Asaba’s Development Gains, Challenges Monarchs To Lead With Integrity
From Rulership to Governance: Asagba Azinge Showcases Asaba’s Community Development Drive
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has called on traditional rulers nationwide to adopt people-centred leadership, strengthen cooperation and uphold accountability as they pursue development in their kingdoms.
Addressing members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) during a courtesy visit to his palace on 24 October 2026, the monarch argued that effective traditional leadership must go beyond the exercise of authority to deliver practical benefits to the people.
Governance Must Respond to the People
Azinge described his leadership philosophy as a transition from traditional rulership to traditional governance. He explained that this approach required monarchs to engage actively with their communities, understand residents’ concerns and respond through appropriate programmes and interventions.
He said regular interaction with Asaba people had helped him identify areas requiring attention and support initiatives aimed at addressing community needs.
Although he brought extensive public service experience to the throne, the Asagba acknowledged the responsibilities and challenges that came with traditional leadership. He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the wisdom and strength to navigate them.
The monarch also praised the support he had received from Asaba sons and daughters, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora. According to him, community cooperation had contributed significantly to the progress recorded in the kingdom during his two years on the throne.
Palace Initiatives Target Welfare & Youth Development
Highlighting the areas of intervention, Azinge cited healthcare, transportation, security, education and community welfare as sectors in which Asaba had recorded progress.
He also listed palace-sponsored support for vulnerable residents and small businesses, as well as bursaries and scholarships for students from the kingdom.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Asaba Hospitality Academy featured among the initiatives he highlighted. The academy is intended to equip young people with relevant vocational skills and help address unemployment among Asaba youths.
However, the Asagba stressed that the achievements recorded so far should not lead to complacency. Instead, he urged traditional rulers to sustain their efforts and ensure that their leadership remained purposeful, transparent and accountable.
He maintained that communities were more likely to support development when their leaders demonstrated integrity, sincerity and a clear commitment to public welfare.
Collaboration Can Strengthen Traditional Institutions
Beyond developments within Asaba, Azinge called for stronger relationships among traditional rulers across Nigeria.
He commended the visiting delegation for honouring the invitation of the Obi of Obosi, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Chidubem Iweka III, despite the distance involved.
According to the Asagba, closer cooperation among monarchs would encourage the exchange of ideas, improve mutual understanding and help traditional institutions address common challenges.
He urged his colleagues to build bridges between their kingdoms and develop productive partnerships that could contribute to wider community and national development.
The monarch also assured the delegation of a peaceful stay in Asaba, describing the state capital as one of the country’s most peaceful. He commended the Delta State Government for its efforts to maintain peace, security and orderliness across the state.
NCTRN Delegation Pays Homage to Asagba
Earlier, the Etsu of Kwale, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Mizassam, who represented the chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers, expressed appreciation for the reception accorded the visiting monarchs.
He congratulated Azinge on the successful celebration of his second coronation anniversary and explained that the delegation had visited to formally acknowledge its presence in Asaba.
Mizassam disclosed that the traditional rulers had travelled from their respective kingdoms to honour the Obi of Obosi, Igwe Dr. Chidubem Iweka III, at his Iwaji Festival.
He said the delegation also considered it appropriate to pay homage to the Asagba as a fellow monarch and brother.
Concluding his remarks, the Etsu thanked Azinge for making the visitors feel at home and prayed that Almighty God would continue to guide, bless and protect the people of Asaba.
