Obasanjo To Chair Asaba Massacre Remembrance As Azinge Marks Second Coronation Anniversary
By AMANDA EZE
FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected to chair the Asaba Massacre Memorial Remembrance Day as the Asagba of Asaba, Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, marks his second coronation anniversary.
The six-day programme will run from 2 to 7 October 2026, and combine community development, cultural activities, thanksgiving and remembrance.
According to the anniversary committee, the programme will also showcase projects associated with the Asagba’s first two years on the throne.
Memorial Day to Close Six-Day Programme
The Asagba’s Private Secretary and Secretary of the 2nd Coronation Anniversary Committee, Ogbueshi Engr. Dr. Jude Mgbeze, disclosed the programme details in Asaba.
He said 7th October would serve as the Asaba Memorial Remembrance Day and bring the anniversary activities to a close.
Obasanjo, a former Head of State and two-term President, is expected to chair the occasion, while Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will serve as Chief Host.
The choice of 7th October also places the anniversary programme within the period traditionally associated with remembrance of the 1967 Asaba Massacre.
The massacre occurred during the Nigerian Civil War, when hundreds of Asaba civilians were killed in October 1967. Memorial organisations continue to preserve the history and memory of the victims.
Projects Take Centre Stage
Before the memorial programme, the anniversary will turn attention to projects attributed to the Asagba’s two years on the throne.
2nd October has been scheduled for project commissioning.
Mgbeze said the projects include a cemetery and a smart primary school in the Akwuose area of Asaba.
The monarch has also beautified Ogbeke Square into a modern relaxation and tourist location.
In addition, the Kainebisi Roundabout, formerly known as the traffic light junction, has been upgraded with sponsorship from Providus Bank.
The Asagba is also constructing a 1,000-capacity event centre at the permanent Asaba Palace ground for community activities.
Jibunoh to Receive Olinzele Title
The programme will continue on 3rd October with the conferment of an Olinzele title on Chief Dr .Newton Jibunoh, popularly known as the Desert Warrior.
Jibunoh, who is also the Nna Obodo of Akwukwu-Igbo, will receive the title in recognition of his contributions to Asaba’s development, according to the anniversary committee.
The recognition forms part of the broader effort to use the anniversary to celebrate individuals whose activities have contributed to the community.
Thanksgiving & Reception
A Thanksgiving Mass will hold on 4th October at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, West End, Asaba.
The official coronation anniversary reception will follow on 5th October at the new event centre within the permanent Palace premises.
A cultural parade has also been scheduled for 6th October at the permanent Palace ground.
Mgbeze said the parade would mark the official opening and ongoing operational use of the site.
Women Gain Greater Traditional Recognition
The anniversary committee also highlighted what it described as the monarch’s gender-inclusive approach to traditional leadership.
Mgbeze said women now participate in the Asaba-in-Council and can receive chieftaincy titles in their own right.
He said the recognition was no longer dependent on whether a woman’s husband held a traditional title.
That development, as presented by the committee, represents one of the changes it associates with Azinge’s tenure.
A Celebration of the Monarch
Chairman of the anniversary committee and Ikukuoma of Asaba, Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa, said the celebration was designed to honour Azinge for what he described as his achievements in office.
According to him, the people of Asaba considered it appropriate to use the anniversary to express appreciation to the monarch.
He said the Asagba had taken steps that the committee considered significant for the community and its people.
The Palace Secretary and Ihonor of Asaba, Chief P.N.C. Ndili, said the organisers expected a large turnout from Asaba and beyond.
He added that there would be no restrictions for people wishing to attend the scheduled events.
Chief Victor Nwosa, the Anwulika of Asaba, also urged residents to support the monarch and encouraged him to continue with his development efforts.
From Celebration to Remembrance
The anniversary therefore carries two distinct dimensions.
It is a celebration of the Asagba’s second year on the throne and an opportunity to present projects, cultural initiatives and community programmes associated with his tenure.
At the same time, its conclusion will return Asaba to one of the most painful chapters in its history.
With the 7th October memorial, the programme will move from celebration to remembrance.
That transition gives the anniversary a wider significance: it connects the present-day traditional institution with a community history that remains central to Asaba’s identity and collective memory.
