New Asaba monarch vows zero tolerance for palace gossip

The new Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, has declared that his reign would give zero tolerance to gossip, especially in the palace.

Azinge made the declaration shortly after taking the oath of office as the 14th Asagba of Asaba on Saturday at the palace.

He said, “I want to thank the 13th Asagba of Asaba who joined our ancestors. His vision is matchless, it’s as if he will live forever. He encouraged us to start from where he stopped.

“I also want to commend the Ochenfo (Regent) of Asaba since the demise of the 13th Asagba, your father, especially for the transparent manner in which you handled the transition of Asagba of Asaba.

“On August 18, 2024, in this palace, Asaba indeed elected me to step into the shoes of my predecessor.

“The quality you saw in me is that I have dedicated myself to carrying out this function for the benefit of my people. I will never betray your trust.

“I will operate an open-door policy. My palace is open for advice, but I will give zero tolerance to palace gossip in my palace, and I will welcome constructive criticism.”

The 14th Asagba promised to use his connection to bring more development and give Asaba its rightful place as one of the oldest cities in the country.

He called on some aggrieved Asaba indigenes who contested to join hands with him to move Asaba forward.

“There is no contest without hitches. Some have congratulated me and thereby enjoyed other contestants joining me in moving Asaba to the highest. There is enough work to be done, and I cannot do it alone,” he appealed.

Highlights of the occasion of the monarch by Onihe (kingmaker) of Asaba, Chief Ubaka Attoh

The dignifying and colourful ceremony was well attended by sons and daughters of Asaba Kingdom and other high-profile dignitaries, including former governor James Ibori.