The Asagba of Asaba, Prof Obi Chike Edozien, has officially been confirmed d3ad.
This comes 7 days after the palace announced that the traditional ruler was not d3ad but only hospitalised.
The monarch’s d3ath was officially announced this afternoon, Tuesday, February 13, by the Onihe of Asaba, Obi Ubaka Attor.
The announcement was followed with the traditional 21 cannon salute also known in the Anioma language as Nkpoloani.
The Onihe immediately after, wailed that “the Iroko has fallen, the Asagba of Asaba has gone.”
Attor noted that the family and Asaba kingdom would make the burial program public in due time. He thereafter announced the decoration of Asagba’s first son, Joseph Edozien, as the regent.
Residents confirm that business activities in Asaba, the Delta State capital, and its environs have been suspended while schools, shops and markets were shut down. Movements in and out of Asaba, including tricycles and motorcycles, are also restricted restricted.
Popular Ogbogonogo and Oko markets, among others, were under lock and key following the death of the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
The rituals and ceremonies that preceded the announcement of the passing of monarch at the palace, were led by the Odogwu of Asaba, Chief Nwanze Odua.
The Odogwu is the chief warrior of the kingdom. He was accompanied by other high ranking chiefs.
Also confirming the demise, the Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili, in a statement, said, “With heavy hearts, we announce the transition unto enternal glory, of our highly revered royal father, Asagba, Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba.
“He was aged 100 years and the 13th Asagba of Asaba who ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba on July 1, 1991”