Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge is the traditional and spiritual head of Asaba, Delta State capital. The Delta State capital shares border with Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State and Eastern Nigeria.
In this article, Wrethers brings to you the interesting and captivating life of Professor Epiphany Azinge.
Early Life and Educational Background
Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN was born on the 13th of November, 1957, in Aba, Abia State Nigeria. He completed his secondary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Asaba, from 1970 to 1975 and gained admission to study law at the University of Lagos, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1980.
Upon law school completion and call to the Nigerian Bar, he furthered his education at the University of London and bagged a Master’s degree in Comparative Constitutional Law and Shipping Law in 1983.
Azinge did not stop there, due to his quest for excellence. He later completed a Ph.D. at the London School of Economics, focusing his thesis on Electoral Laws in Nigeria.
Asagba of Asaba Title
Professor Epiphany Azinge was crowned as the 14th Asagba of Asaba on Saturday, 5th of October. His coronation comes after his appointment as the next Asagba through a selection process by the Asagba-In-Council and the five quarters of the Asaba kingdom, which took place on August 18, 2024.
This happened after the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Professor Joseph Chike Edozien joined his ancestors on the 7th of February, 2024.
The coronation ceremony was held at the Asagba palace and was attended by notable personalities, including former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, and former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. During the ceremony, Professor Azinge was presented with the traditional staff of office and the keys to the Ogwu-Uku, symbolizing his authority as the new monarch.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Azinge paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Prof. Chike Edozien, and promised to uphold justice, fairness, and the cultural heritage of the Asaba people. He also expressed his commitment to fostering unity, promoting inclusivity, and working towards the development of Asaba.
Asagba Of Asaba’s Wife
Professor Epiphany Azinge is married to Dr. Valerie Azinge, a distinguished legal practitioner and academic. Dr. Valerie Azinge has made significant contributions to the legal field in Nigeria, and prides herself in family law and women’s rights. She is also known for her involvement in various legal reforms and advocacy for gender equality.
Career and Achievements
Professor Epiphany Azinge has had a distinguished career in law and academia. Here are some key highlights:
- Academic Career:
- Lecturer and Professor: Professor Azinge began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Benin, where he eventually became a professor of law. His areas of expertise include constitutional law, administrative law, and comparative constitutional law.
- Publications: He has authored numerous scholarly articles and books on various legal topics, contributing significantly to legal scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.
- Legal Practice:
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN): In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the highest honors in the Nigerian legal system.
- Legal Reforms: He has been actively involved in legal reforms and has served on various committees and panels aimed at improving the legal framework in Nigeria.
- National Judicial Council (NJC):
- Director-General: He served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), where he played a pivotal role in advancing legal research and education in Nigeria.
- International Engagements:
- Consultant and Advisor: Professor Azinge has served as a consultant and advisor to various international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, on matters related to constitutional law and governance.
- Awards and Recognitions:
- He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to law and education, both within Nigeria and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the new Asagba of Asaba?
- The new Asagba of Asaba is Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN
- When was Professor Epiphany Azinge crowned as the Asagba of Asaba?
- He was crowned on 5th October , 2024.
- Who did Professor Epiphany Azinge succeed as the Asagba of Asaba?
- He succeeded the late Professor Chike Edozien, who was the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
- What are Professor Azinge’s plans as the new Asagba?
- He plans to uphold and promote the customs, traditions, and culture of the Asaba Kingdom, foster unity, promote inclusivity, and establish a welfare and development fund for community development.
- What is the significance of the Asagba title?
- The Asagba is the traditional ruler and representative of the people of Asaba, playing a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage and leading the community.
- Who attended the coronation ceremony of the new Asagba?
- The ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, and former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.
- What is Professor Azinge’s professional background?
- He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a professor of law, and has served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.
- What did Professor Azinge promise in his acceptance speech?
- He promised to uphold justice, fairness, and the cultural heritage of the Asaba people, and to work towards the development of Asaba.
- How was Professor Azinge selected as the Asagba?
- He was selected through a transparent process by the Asagba-In-Council and the five quarters of the Asaba kingdom.
- What are some of the key symbols of authority handed to the new Asagba?
- He was presented with the traditional staff of office and the keys to the Ogwu-Uku, symbolizing his authority as the new monarch.
