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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Mourns Asagba Of Asaba
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described His Majesty, Prof. Obi Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, the Asagba of Asaba, “as an Igbo trail blazer, a reflective intellectual giant, purveyor of superior morals, exemplary royalty, outstanding dogged achiever, harmonizer of diverse interests and a quintessential Igbo,”
In a statement signed by Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, PhD; the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, that mourned the late monarch who passed on at 99, the socio-cultural, added that “the Asagba led the Asaba people with unassailable exemplariness, courage, moral rectitude and tenacity,” saying that “in spite of all the splendours of aristocracy and the magnificence of monarchy at his disposal, the Asagba carried himself with the profoundest of openness and sincerity.”
The statement continued: “The most ennobling of the Asagba persona is located in his strength of character and unwavering commitment to his modest, inordinate and ethical convictions.”
Ohanaeze said “Asagba was a rare gem who displayed accomplishments both in his chosen fields of endeavor and also in the cultural and traditional duties imposed on him by the circumstances of his birth.”
The statement read further: “In Obi was an exceptional blend of the finest Igbo tradition and modernism.
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; FNIST; KSG (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) is in a deep sorrow over the death of His Majesty at a time his wise counsel is most needed. He lamented the rate at which the Igbo are losing the finest of the brains that make Ndigbo tick. He extolled the unassailable noble character of the late Asagba. The memories of Asagba shall always be remembered as a role model worthy of emulation.
“The Igbo Leader recalls with nostalgia the hey days of the Asagba; and his full participation in Igbo affairs.
“One of the most amazing of the Asagba mystique is the unique capacity to harmonise the diverse interests and ethnic groups that are resident in Asaba, the Delta State capital; the burgeoning Asaba modernity with the cultural values of the ancient Kingdom; and above all, his hock with the grassroots in spite of his intellectual zenith, nobility and meritorious public service.
The above sublime attributes of his Majesty have found full expressions in the serenity and investment-ambience of Asaba since he ascended the throne of his forefathers over 30 years ago. His reign has catalyzed the transformation of Asaba into a vibrant social and investment hub in the South South of Nigeria.
“Born on July 28, 1925, at a very young age of 37 rose to the enviable rank of a university professor and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan and subsequently the chairman; Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos; the Foundation scholar, University of Benin; Professor of Nutrition, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, Cambridge, MA; Head, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and a Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina, USA; among others. Until his death, Asagba was a Member, Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
“While we look forward to a befitting burial, Ahaejiagamba urges His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State and His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to immortalize His Majesty, Prof. Obi Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR as a veritable source of inspiration to the younger generations.
“The Igbo leader condoles the immediate family of His Majesty, the government and good people of Delta State for this irreparable loss.
“Ahaejiagamba, on behalf of Ndigbo all over the world, prays to God for the repose of the soul of His Majesty, Prof. Obi Joseph Chike Edozien in his bosom.”