By NWAFOR AZINGE

Asagba Azinge Brokers Peace Between Elibujor Family & Umuonaje Quarters

A longstanding disagreement between the Elibujor Family and Umuonaje Quarters has received a major peacebuilding intervention from the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMC.

The monarch brought representatives of both sides together at the Asagba Palace on 5 November 2026, in a reconciliation effort aimed at restoring their relationship and strengthening unity within the Asaba community.

The meeting formed part of Asagba Azinge’s continuing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and resolve disputes through dialogue, customary processes and traditional leadership.

After listening carefully to the positions of both parties, the monarch counselled them to put aside their differences and recognise the importance of their shared heritage.

He reminded the representatives that no family or quarter could prosper independently of the wider community. Moreover, he stressed that mutual respect, unity and adherence to Asaba customs and traditions remained essential to the community’s progress.

As part of the reconciliation terms, the Asagba directed the Elibujor Family to take the necessary steps towards resolving its differences with Umuonaje Quarters. He said the family must demonstrate sincerity, humility and a willingness to comply with the established decisions and customary procedures of the quarter and the Palace.

The monarch further explained that the family’s efforts to resolve the dispute would determine his pronouncement at the next meeting of the Asagba-in-Council. That pronouncement would address whether the family would henceforth be recognised and addressed as the Elibujor Family.

To facilitate an amicable settlement, he granted the Elibujor Family six months to withdraw the court case between the family and Umuonaje Quarters.

Nevertheless, Asagba Azinge made it clear that reconciliation required commitment from both sides. He therefore urged Umuonaje Quarters to receive the Elibujor Family with forgiveness and a genuine spirit of brotherhood.

He maintained that peace built on truth, understanding and mutual acceptance would endure beyond the immediate settlement of the disagreement.

The meeting brought together prominent representatives of both parties. Leading the Umuonaje delegation was its Onu Okpala Onaje, Obi Chidebe Nwanazia, alongside Obi Iweka Emeka and Obi Dr Benibe Ugboko, among others.

On the other side, the Elibujor Family delegation was led by its Diokpa, Ogbueshi Dr Louis Otoh. Other representatives included Obi Fred Mokogwu, Ogbueshi Obi Iyio, Ogbueshi Nkadi and Ogbueshi Dr Amb. Ifeanyi Iyio, among others.

Following the monarch’s intervention, both delegations thanked him for his patience, wisdom and fatherly leadership. They also expressed appreciation for his efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue rather than allowing the disagreement to deepen.

The proceedings concluded with a renewed commitment to peaceful relations, cooperation and unity between the two parties. A group photograph was subsequently taken to commemorate the reconciliation meeting.

The intervention represents another effort by the Asagba to strengthen communal relationships and promote a united Asaba. However, the durability of the reconciliation will depend on both parties honouring the commitments reached and completing the steps required to resolve their differences.