Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and other dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond on Saturday shared the joy of the occasion as Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, celebrated renowned environmentalist and businessman, Chief Newton Jibunoh, with the conferment of the traditional title of Olinzele of Asaba.

The conferment, part of activities marking the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of the Asagba, was the monarch’s first chieftaincy conferment since ascending the throne in October 2024.

Explaining his decision to make an exception to his earlier position, Azinge told Jibunoh: “I strongly believe you will add a lot of value and will enrich the tradition and customs of Asaba, because of the ideals you stand for and your attachment to the cultural norms and values of our community.”

He explained to the gathering, “I ascended the throne 5 October 2024. And I made it very clear that I will not confer any chieftaincy until 2027. But nothing is cast in stone.

“When it became absolutely necessary for me to shift ground, I had to because of Chief Newton Jibunoh.”

The monarch described the occasion as historic, saying it had personal significance because of his connection with previous Asagbas.

“Today is historic in many ways than one. This is the first conferment I’m conferring under my traditional rulership. And it speaks volume in many ways.

“Today, I feel reconnected to my forebears, particularly to my immediate predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Prof. Chike Edozie, because on a day like this in 2011, I also knelt before him, to be conferred with the title of Okilolo of Asaba.

“So for me, to do this for the first time since my ascension truly is a reconnection with my forebears and my ancestors.”

Azinge recalled that Jibunoh’s emergence as a chief was unexpected, saying: “He came out of the blues. I was at the Mandela Gardens for something else. And the premonition and every other thing just came, that he deserved to be a Chief of Asaba.

“There and then, without any discussion, I nominated him for a chieftaincy. Mark you, not being from Asaba, it’s not automatic.”

According to him, the traditional procedure requiring approval from the recipient’s home kingdom was followed.

“The tradition in Delta State is that for you to confer chieftaincy title on somebody who is not from your kingdom, you must seek clearance from his own traditional ruler.

“And subject to that approval, you cannot. Happily, I got approval from his own kingdom, his own traditional ruler, that I can proceed and here we are today.

“So I thank you, Jibunoh, for making it easier for me because if you were not in good standing with your traditional ruler, perhaps, this would not have come to fruition.”

The Asagba said Jibunoh’s credentials justified the honour, declaring: “Do you have what it takes to be a chief in Asaba? You do and more than any other thing.

“Your citation has been read, and for me, it’s a chronicle of the journey of a great man and a great man by any standard, globally.”

He noted that the conferment was significant because “we don’t often confer titles on non-indigenes. I believe in human history, this may be about the sixth or so.

“And only about two others are still alive,” he said, naming General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former Delta State Commissioner of Police, Chief Aduba, among previous non-indigene honourees.

Azinge congratulated Jibunoh, urging him to uphold the responsibilities attached to the title: “You’ve taken the oath of allegiance and the oath of office.

“I’ve no doubt whatsoever that you will live up to the tenets, to the values, norms, to the principles so clearly enunciated in the oaths.

“I congratulate you immensely and urge you to stand up to be counted.”

He also welcomed Soyinka and other guests to Asaba, saying their presence demonstrated the national and international goodwill enjoyed by Jibunoh.

Among dignitaries at the ceremony were HRM Abiodun Kola-Desi, Chief Ephraim Obor, Dele Atuba, Jahab Anikulapo, Brigadier-General Hamisu (retd.), Mohammed Aliyu Yakubu, Prince Salisu Ado Bayero, Sunny Irabor and Peter Igho. (Sunday Vanguard)

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