August 25, (THEWILL) – Following the demise of Joseph Chike Edozien, a professor of medicine and the previous Asagba in February after ruling over the affairs of Asaba for 33 years, the choice of who occupies the revered stool became a hotly contested one and one that had to be carefully scrutinized. After careful consideration and scrutiny, the Asaba traditional council announced the emergence of foremost legal luminary, Epiphany Azinge (SAN), as the 14th Asagba designate. Some of the 10 aspirants for the Asagba stool besides Konwea included Emmanuel Onwuka, a professor, and Chinedu Esealuka among others. Despite his vigorous campaign to be named the new Asagba, Anthony Ogugua Konwea unfortunately lost out in the race. With all traditional funeral rites for late Edozien now completed, all eyes are now on Azinge who would be crowned at a date yet to be announced. The Ochendo of Asaba, Anthony Edozien, announced the emergence of Azinge on behalf of the Council and said the selection process was in accordance with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, which applies to Delta State. Five quarters (families) of Asaba backed by the Iyagba quarters unanimously selected Azinge, hence his confirmation by the ruling council. A former director general of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Azinge who is a professor of law holds the traditional chieftaincy title of the Okilolo of Asaba. He is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa and is the founder and senior partner at Azinge & Azinge, a law firm in Abuja where his wife Valerie Azinge SAN is also a partner. Azinge was awarded honorary LLD in 2013 by the Commonwealth University, Belize and was decorated with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by President Goodluck Jonathan.
