In a historic ceremony at Ogwa-Uku Ahaba on Thursday, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially presented the staff of office to the new Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN). The event marked a significant milestone for the Asaba community as the revered legal scholar ascended the throne of his ancestors.
Governor Oborevwori congratulated the monarch, describing him as a dynamic leader with a vision to enhance the kingdom’s development. “His urbane outlook and statesman-like disposition are essential qualities for a domain that is home to people of different tribes and tongues,” the governor said. He expressed optimism that the new Asagba would consolidate the achievements of his predecessor while fostering community development and peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Asaba, the governor noted the city’s rapid growth and its emergence as a preferred location for families and businesses. However, he cautioned against security threats that could disrupt the peace, urging vigilance from the traditional ruler and residents.
“Some undesirable elements are exploiting the city’s exponential growth with sinister agendas,” Oborevwori warned. “You must remain alert to any form of security threat and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. This charge applies to all traditional rulers in the state for the sustenance of peace and security.”
The governor emphasized the role of traditional institutions in bridging the gap between the government and grassroots communities. He encouraged monarchs to collaborate with the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council to address emerging security concerns and maintain harmony.
Outlining his administration’s vision, Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to making Delta State an investors’ destination, saying, “All hands must be on deck to ensure our communities are safe and secure for both domestic and foreign investors.”
He described Prof. Azinge as a thought leader and consensus builder whose leadership qualities would elevate the Asaba kingdom and strengthen ties between the government and the people.
The governor also lauded traditional rulers for their critical roles as custodians of customs and intermediaries for disseminating government policies, including health initiatives, sanitation programs, and empowerment schemes.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and members of the Asaba community, who celebrated the new chapter in their history under the leadership of Prof. Azinge.
Prof. Epiphany Azinge, OON, SAN, a man of remarkable achievements, was born on November 13, 1957, in Aba, Abia State, though his roots are deeply tied to Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. His educational journey began at St. Patrick’s College, Asaba (1970–1975), followed by the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree with a Second Class Upper Division in 1980.
After being called to the Nigerian Bar, Prof. Azinge pursued advanced legal studies at the University of London, earning an LL.M degree in 1983 with a focus on Comparative Constitutional Law and Shipping Law. He further distinguished himself academically by completing a PhD in 1986 with a dissertation on “Electoral Laws in Nigeria.”
Prof. Azinge’s illustrious teaching career began at the University of Benin in 1981, where he lectured on various legal disciplines, including Constitutional Law, Jurisprudence, and Public International Law. His academic contributions extended to the University of Abuja, where he taught Information Technology Law and the Law of Taxation, and to Nasarawa State University, where he offered his expertise in the Nigerian Legal System free of charge.
Beyond academia, Prof. Azinge’s legal expertise found a national platform when he was appointed Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (1991–1997). During this tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping critical legislation, such as the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, the Advanced Fee Fraud Act, and the Money Laundering Act.
His professional accolades include elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2006, membership in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and Chairmanship of the NBA Section on Business Law. He has also contributed to several legal committees.
In 2009, Prof. Azinge was appointed Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, where he demonstrated unparalleled dedication to legal scholarship. During his tenure, he published and edited over 63 books and journals, solidifying his legacy as a thought leader in Nigerian legal education.
Prof. Azinge’s community engagement is equally inspiring. He founded The Sojourners Medicate Foundation, which supports accident victims and provides scholarships to underprivileged Nigerians. His achievements earned him numerous honours, including an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Commonwealth University, Belize, in 2013, and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2014.
In 2015, he was appointed to the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal, further affirming his global standing in the legal profession.
Until his elevation as the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Azinge held the traditional title of Okilolo of Asaba. Selected from a pool of 10 contenders, his ascension marks a new chapter for the Asaba kingdom. With his wealth of experience in law, education, and community service, Prof. Azinge brings a visionary approach to the throne, poised to lead his people with wisdom and purpose.
