•Prof Azinge
Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN) was, yesterday, installed as the 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom, Oshimili South LGA in Delta State.
The royal father assured his subjects that he will work to impact meaningfully on the wellbeing of the indigenes and residents of the ancient town, reports The Nation.
Obi Azinge, who spoke at the colourful coronation ceremony performed by the Onihe of Asaba (kingmaker), Chief Ubaka Attoh, pledged commitment to preserving the traditions and culture of Asaba.
He said he would leverage on his traditional status, exposure and contacts to attract infrastructural development to the town, including a federal university in Asaba.
According to him, no one in his domain would be marginalised, stressing that his reign will witness inclusiveness of all ethnic groups to the development of Asaba, Delta State capital.
Obi Azinge emerged as the successor to the exalted position of the traditional ruler of Asaba following the demise of the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien, on February 14, 2024.
He urged other contenders to sheath their swords and work with him for the good, unity and development of Asaba and his people.
The coronation ceremony was graced by former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, palace chiefs, titleholders, indigenes, traditional rulers from across the country.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has hailed the selection of Prof. Azinge as the 14th Asagba, stressing that the people of Asaba made the right choice.
In his congratulatory message to Azinge, a Professor of Law and former Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Kalu reiterated that the kingmakers and indeed, the people made the right choice in Azinge who also holds the chieftaincy title of Okilolo of Asaba.
“It is with immense joy and profound reverence that I celebrate your historic coronation as the 14th Asagba of Asaba esteemed kingdom. Your Majesty, your remarkable journey from the lecture hall to the throne inspires us all. Your dedication to education and public service has prepared you well for this noble role.
“As a distinguished law professor, your exceptional academic prowess and unwavering commitment to justice have inspired countless minds. Today, your ascension to the throne marks a new era of wise leadership, ushering in a brighter future. May your reign be characterised by wisdom, strength, and justice. May your legal expertise illuminate the path to progress, and may your compassion embrace the needs of all subjects.
“Please accept my warmest congratulations as you embark on this magnificent journey,” Kalu said.
He was born on November 13, 1957. Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), OON, hails from Ugbomanta quarters, Asaba, Oshimili South LGA, Delta State, Nigeria.
He attended St. Patrick’s College (SPC) Asaba between 1970 and 1975 and then proceeded to the University of Lagos in 1976, where he obtained a degree of Bachelor of Laws with a Second Class Upper Division.
He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1980 and proceeded to the University of London for his LL.M degree specialising in Comparative Constitutional Law and Shipping Law in 1983 and completed his PhD in 1986, writing his doctoral thesis on ‘Electoral Laws in Nigeria’.
He began his academic career at the University of Benin in 1981, where he taught several Courses, including the Nigerian Legal System, Legal Process, Jurisprudence, Constitutional Law, Labour Law, Public International Law, and Administrative Law.
He also taught Information Technology Law and the Law of Taxation at the University of Abuja.
To demonstrate his extreme passion for education he also taught the Nigerian Legal System at the Nasarawa State University, free of charge.
At the University of Benin (Uniben), he held several positions in academics and administration.
He was appointed Special Assistant to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice where he served from 1991 to 1997.
A Member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice (2004 -2008), a Member of the NBA Continuing Legal Education Committee (2003 -2006), Chairman of the NBA Section on Business Law and its Sub Committee on Sports and Entertainment. He was elevated to the status of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2006. He has published extensively in diverse areas in local and international journals and is also the editor of several books.
In May 2009, he was appointed the 5th Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) editing over sixty-three (63) books and journals.
