The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, for sustaining and revitalising the long-standing relationship between the Warri and Asaba kingdoms.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Olu of Warri to his palace in Asaba, Delta State, Asagba Azinge praised the monarch for preserving the cordial ties established between his late father, Olu Atuwatse II, and the 13th Asagba of Asaba, the late Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien.
“I am happy about the relationship between your father and my predecessor. I also enjoyed a similar relationship with him. I am glad you are reigniting that bond,” the Asagba said.
The Asagba, who expressed delight at hosting the Warri monarch, described Ogiame Atuwatse III as a “leading light” and lauded his humility and leadership style. He urged the Olu not to relent in strengthening inter-kingdom relations, stressing the need for traditional rulers across Africa, particularly within West Africa, to build enduring alliances.
He revealed his recent visit to Sierra Leone aimed at fostering cultural exchange, adding that the country’s President, who currently chairs ECOWAS, has pledged to convene a conference of West African traditional rulers. According to him, the Olu of Warri would play a key role in such a gathering given the stature of his kingdom.
Asagba Azinge also emphasised the importance of traditional institutions complementing government efforts, noting that their contributions would ultimately shape their legacy and benefit future generations.
Earlier, Ogiame Atuwatse III expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him, noting that his visit was initially intended to be private.
The Warri monarch recalled the strong relationship between his father and the late Asagba, stating that he was committed to sustaining the bond in honour of their legacy.
“I want to continue the relationship between our kingdoms in reverence of what both late monarchs shared,” he said.
He also invited the Asagba to his fifth coronation anniversary scheduled for August and disclosed that he would be visiting Sierra Leone in May at the invitation of the country’s President, describing the alignment of their engagements as significant.
The visit featured the presentation of an Akwa-Ocha gift to the Olu of Warri by the Asaba Kingdom. The Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arayenka, who was part of the delegation, received the gift on behalf of the Olu, who also signed the Asagba Palace visitors’ register.
