The ancient kingdom of Igbuzo was agog on Saturday as the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, paid a landmark royal visit to the Obuzor of Igbuzo, His Royal Majesty Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi, in a significant effort aimed at strengthening the enduring relationship between the two neighbouring communities.
The visit, which drew traditional rulers, political leaders, palace chiefs, and community stakeholders, was widely hailed as a historic demonstration of traditional diplomacy and a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the gathering, the Asagba of Asaba stressed the need to preserve and deepen the longstanding bond between Asaba and Igbuzo, describing both communities as brothers connected by history, shared ancestry, culture, kinship, and generations of intermarriage.
According to the monarch, the relationship between both communities has remained a shining example of peaceful coexistence over the years, urging both kingdoms to continue promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation for the benefit of future generations.
“Our relationship is rooted in history, culture, kinship, and shared values. We must continue to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation between our people,” Prof. Azinge stated.
The royal visit also carried emotional significance, as the Asagba reflected on his close relationship with the late Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwoboshi, whom he described as a brother and trusted ally.
He noted that through the late senator, Igbuzo became a second home to him, further reinforcing the close ties between both communities.
In his response, the Obuzor of Igbuzo, Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwoboshi, described the visit as a landmark moment in the history of both kingdoms.
He commended the Asagba for taking deliberate steps to strengthen the age-old relationship between Asaba and Igbuzo and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace through dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.
The Obuzor further pledged his support for peaceful initiatives aimed at resolving boundary-related concerns while emphasizing that unity remains the surest pathway to sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Olorogun Innocent Ifeanyi Esewezie, applauded both royal fathers for demonstrating exemplary leadership through peaceful engagement and traditional diplomacy.
He noted that the renewed collaboration between the two monarchs would not only strengthen the relationship between Asaba and Igbuzo but also inspire other communities to embrace dialogue as a tool for conflict resolution and sustainable development.
The event attracted several distinguished personalities, including the Odogwu of Igbuzo, High Chief Charles Ositadinma Okonkwo; the Ikwele of Igbuzo, High Chief Celestine Okafor; the Onwa Igbuzo, Chief (Barr.) Fred Ajudua, accompanied by his wife, Hon. (Dr.) Princess Pat Ajudua, Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs; the Nshi-Nweze of Igbuzo, Chief Dr. Austin Obidi; the Executive Assistant to the Governor, Sir Joseph Ijeh; members of the Igbuzo Traditional Council, palace chiefs, elders, and other prominent sons and daughters of the kingdom.
Residents and stakeholders who witnessed the historic visit described it as a commendable step toward consolidating peace, strengthening cultural ties, and fostering greater cooperation between the sister communities.
They expressed optimism that the renewed partnership between both royal institutions would contribute significantly to unity, stability, and accelerated development across Oshimili North and the wider Oshimili region.
