Emergency Asagba-In-Council Meeting Sets Firm Tone For Asaba In 2026
Governance, Order, and Community Discipline
Emergency Council Session Opens 2026
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, on Saturday presided over an emergency meeting of the Asagba-in-Council, setting a decisive tone for governance, discipline, and development in the new year.
The meeting, which commenced at about 1:10 p.m. at the Palace, opened with the traditional breaking of kolanut and libation. In his opening remarks, the Asagba welcomed council members to the first meeting of 2026, thanked them for their prompt attendance, and offered prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity for Ndi Ahaba.
Minutes of the previous council meetings held on October 19 and November 30, 2025, were read by the Council Secretary, Ogbueshi Nabo Eso Ojei, and were duly adopted following motions moved and seconded by council members.
Clarifications on Titles and Iwaji Rites
Addressing matters arising, the Asagba clarified critical issues relating to traditional rites and title obligations. He reiterated that for Iwaji celebrations, Ndi Eze are required to provide a cow, Ndi Olinzele two goats, while Alor title holders must present one goat.
For Ndi Odoziaku elevated to Olinzele, the monarch announced that each must provide a cow for their Ebo and pay ₦250,000 to the Asagba-in-Council for ratification. He further clarified that female Olinzeles married outside Asaba are required to perform their Iwaji rites in their fathers’ houses.
The Asagba also re-emphasised that iron condemn vending remains banned and warned that any Ebo found harbouring scavenging trucks would face sanctions.
Security, Schools, and Vigilante Structures
On security, the Asagba disclosed that discussions with Ndi Anya Asagba in satellite areas had yielded progress, particularly on the formation of vigilante groups and the establishment of police posts. He announced plans to build two primary schools and three police posts in Asaba, revealing that the police authorities are willing to deploy personnel once the structures are provided.
Funds generated from prospective Olinzele title holders, he said, would be committed to the construction of the schools, while the Security Trust Fund would handle the security posts, pending further government intervention.
Ikenga Iyase Incident and Sanctions
The monarch briefed council on the Ikenga Iyase incident, confirming that the sacred symbol, which was forcefully removed without authorisation, had been returned within 24 hours.
He announced firm sanctions: the principal offender, Mr. Ndubuisi Onwufuju, has been stripped of his Alor title and barred from contesting the Iyase position, while Ogbueshi Chiedu Chichi has been suspended from Ezeship for one year, with conditions for reintegration.
“No individual is bigger than the community,” the Asagba warned, stressing the need for discipline, while noting that genuine remorse could attract consideration.
Beaches, Resources, and Community Consent
Turning to the issue of Asaba beaches, the Asagba questioned why a few individuals had monopolised the community’s natural resources without broad consent. He maintained that while federal licences may exist, community approval remains mandatory.
Failure to present valid consent documents, he warned, would result in forfeiture of remaining beach resources to Ndi Ahaba.
Security Trust Fund and Community Support
The Chairman of the Asaba Security Trust Fund, Chief Philips Ejike Nwokolo, informed council that ₦50.5 million had been realised from donations and pledges. He detailed acquisitions, including motorbikes, walkie-talkies, and plans for stipends for vigilante members.
He also announced donations from Asaba sons and daughters at home and abroad, including vehicles and uniforms to strengthen internal security.
Cultism, Burial Rites, and Youth Employment
The Asagba expressed concern over renewed cult activities, warning parents to restrain their children as offenders would face the full force of the law.
He reiterated that titled men must not be buried outside Asaba, warning that families who violate the directive risk losing entitlement to traditional titles.
Addressing unemployment, the monarch announced plans to visit key federal institutions in Abuja to pursue job opportunities for Asaba youths, alongside engagements on SME development and diocesan matters.
Meeting Concludes with Unity Call
Reports from Ndi Okpala Ebo confirmed peace across Ebos, while defaulters on palace levies were given deadlines to comply. The meeting adjourned at 4:24 p.m. with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and communal progress.
