Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday joined others to celebrate the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on his 70th birthday, applauding his reign as one defined by peace, humility, and purpose.
The thanksgiving Mass held at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba, to mark the royal father’s platinum jubilee, drew dignitaries from across the country, who came to honour the revered monarch for his seven decades of life marked by wisdom, integrity, and service.
Gov. Oborevwori, who spoke at the event, said the Asagba’s life reflects uncommon devotion to God and humanity, noting that his leadership had brought peace and unity to Asaba Kingdom and Delta State at large.
He said it was good for the Asagba to return thanks to God for His grace and faithfulness, having attained the biblical age of three score and 10 in strength and sound health.
“I am very happy for this celebration because it is important that when God takes you to a particular level in life, you come back to appreciate Him.
”This thanksgiving is special because it is not just another birthday, it is an offering of gratitude for seventy years of divine mercy, strength, and grace,” the governor stated.
He extolled the life and leadership of the monarch, noting that his reign had been marked by peace, humility, and understanding.
“Your majesty, your life is a living testimony of wisdom,” Gov. Oborevwori said.
“From the classroom to the throne, you have demonstrated excellence, honesty, and service. As a lawyer and teacher, you helped shape minds and institutions across Nigeria and beyond. As a royal father, you have guided your people with grace, fostering unity and progress in Asaba and Delta State.”
The governor praised the Asagba’s consistent support for the state government and his remarkable devotion to duty.
He also commended the monarch’s wife, for her steadfast support, and thanked the people of Asaba Kingdom for their loyalty to their monarch, saying their love and unity had made his reign peaceful and successful.
In a brief chat with journalists, Mr. Peter Obi described the Asagba as a man of great impact whose life has been a source of inspiration to many.
“The Asagba is a leader whose wisdom and humility have touched countless lives. His commitment to peace, knowledge, and service stands as a model for leadership in Nigeria,” Obi said.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection on a life devoted to God and humanity.
Drawing his message from Psalm 90, the Cardinal said, “the Bible reminds us that seventy is the sum of our years. It is a time to look back with gratitude and look forward with faith.”
He lauded the Asagba for his steadfast faith, wisdom, and compassion, calling him “a true monarch who has served God and humanity with love, integrity, and commitment.”
