By Ike Philip Abiagom
The ancient Asaba Community now the state capital of the oil rich Delta State welcomed the indefatigable legal scholar, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge (SAN,OON) into the highly revered and aristocratic Obi title class.
This voyage into the Obiship title by Prof Azinge is a watershed event.
He joins other renowned Professors before him who has taken this most coveted title: The late Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, a world class medical scholar and late Asagba of Asaba; the late Obi (Prof) Chike Onwuachi from the neighbouring Igbuzo community and former Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs; The present Obuzor of Igbuzo, Obi (Prof) Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi, a scientists scientist, and FAO scholar, now on the throne of his ancestors, etc.
Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge marked the culmination of Ahaba Eze title, which commenced on the 5th of August, 2024 by paying homage to the gods of Ugbomanta – Ihu-ani for traditional rites performed by the Diokpa of Ugbomanta Quarters and other traditional Chiefs.
Thousands of people thronged the streets with many dignitaries and well-wishers who flew into Asaba from around the world to witness this ceremony.
It was a beautiful sight to behold as the Ugbomanta people of Asaba in Delta State performed the traditional rites of Iwucha na nsu of a new Eze, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge.
Obi Azinge who had already completed the traditional rites of Iwucha na nsu, proceeded into the itchi rites of seven days (isolation) customary holiday time during which he will have a close relationship with his chi (gods), which is a mandatory ritualistic performances of the Ichi Eze rites of Ahaba tradition and customs.
Thereafter as part of the colourful rituals of Ichi Eze, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge will embark on the spiritual journey, Ije-Udo sacred ground where he will return with the elili ukwu anglet tied to his ankles.
Thereafter, he will be unveiled to the world as the newest Obi Agbogidi of Ahaba, wearing the prestigious red cap for the first time as required of a bonafide Obi Asaba.
Subsequently he will be wearing the red cap as required by his people’s customary rules and may seldom be seen without it at public events.
As the highest traditional social rank amongst the Ahaba people, Obiship institution is a prestigious traditional institution.
Due to their noble status and uncommon pedigree the late very influencial Catholic Bishop of Colonial Nigeria, in the then Eastern Region – the historic figure, Bishop Shannanan referred to Obiship titled holders as the traditional Bishops and noble men, of class, panache and stately stature of their respective communities.
Prof. Azinge, the newest Eze Ahaba, is presently in the procedural seven days Itchi rites seclusion period, part of a big cultural observance required.
After this process is concluded Prof Azinge will proceed to the Udo sacred ekpele site secluded traditional ground, where he will ultimately don the indigenous anklet known as “eli li ukwu.”
As required by custom, his spouse, Dr. Valerie Azinge (SAN), would also benefit from the Obiship position as Okpoho Eze.
The Iroko of a personality Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN,OON) is now on customary voyage to Ahaba Obiship/Ezeship rites and the entire Ahaba people, enthusiastic about their forefathers’ tradition, will be very happy to welcome Obi(Prof.)Epiphany Azinge (SAN,OON) for completing all the rites and ceremonies of Asaba culture.
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