By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor has congratulated Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, on his emergence as the 14th Asagba of Asaba designate at the weekend.
The Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, also congratulated the people of the kingdom for the peaceful selection process of the 14th Asagba of Asaba and the choice of the legal luminary and eminent scholar as their next king.
Rt Hon Guwor said the emergence of Prof Azinge, the Okilolo of Asaba and former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies as the Asagba designate, marked a new era of growth, development and cultural rejuvenation in Asaba.
The Speaker, on behalf of himself, Principal Officers, Members and Management of the State Assembly, pledged legislative support and partnership, ahead of the coronation of the Asagba designate, Prof Azinge as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
“We are delighted to see a renowned scholar and distinguished son of Asaba emerge as the 14th Asagba in such a peaceful process in accordance with the tradition of the people. This marks a new era of growth, development, and cultural revival in the great city of Asaba.
“As the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, I pledge our support and partnership with the Asagba designate in promoting the well-being and prosperity of the people.
“We will work together to address challenges and promote opportunities in line with government’s efforts at ensuring that Asaba remains a beacon of excellence and pride of Delta State and the nation at large”, Rt Hon Guwor stated.
The Speaker emphasized that the choice of Prof Azinge, a former Dean, Faculty of Law University of Benin and currently the Judge of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal as the Asagba designate was a testament to his dedication to the cause of the Asaba kingdom and urged him to remain committed to good leadership and well-being of others.
Rt Hon Guwor urged the people of Asaba as well as residents of the capital city to support the Asagba designate to succeed as the task ahead was enormous and required effective collaboration and the synergy of all stakeholders.
The Speaker, while acknowledging the traditional institution’s role in promoting peace and development in the state, wished Prof Azinge, long, peaceful and prosperous reign on the throne.
“As a House, we will collaborate on initiatives that would enhance the socio-economic growth, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation of Asaba, even as we pray that your reign will be marked by wisdom, peace, and prosperity”, he said.