From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has regretted the demise of the Asagba of Asaba, His Majesty, Prof. Obi Edozien, who recently passed on at the age of 99.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described Edozien as an Igbo trailblazer, reflective intellectual giant, purveyor of superior morals, exemplary royalty, outstanding dogged achiever, harmonizer of diverse interests and a quintessential Igbo.
The statement reads: “The Asagba led the Asaba people with unassailable exemplariness, courage, moral rectitude and tenacity. In spite of all the splendours of aristocracy and the magnificence of monarchy at his disposal, the Asagba carried himself with the profoundest of openness and sincerity.
Ohanaeze noted that: “The most ennobling of the Asagba persona is located in his strength of character and unwavering commitment to his modest, inordinate and ethical convictions.
“Asagba was a rare gem who displayed accomplishments both in his chosen fields of endeavor and also in the cultural and traditional duties imposed on him by the circumstances of his birth. Obi was an exceptional blend of the finest Igbo tradition and modernism.”
The statement noted that: “The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is in deep sorrow over the death of His Majesty at a time his wise counsel is most needed.
“He lamented the rate at which the Igbo are losing the finest of the brains that make Ndigbo tick. He extolled the unassailable noble character of the late Asagba. The memories of Asagba shall always be remembered as a role model worthy of emulation.
“The Igbo Leader recalls with nostalgia the heydays of the Asagba; and his full participation in Igbo affairs. The Igbo leader condoles the immediate family of His Majesty, the government and good people of Delta State for this irreparable loss.”