By Pat Onukwuli
In the annals of history, where kings and leaders emerge from the shadows of youth, there is often a lingering question—can one predict who will wear the crown? In the case of Professor Epiphany Azinge, OON, SAN, newly crowned as the 14th Asagba of Asaba, the answer might be anunquestionable yes. Although destiny’s hand is often unseen, Azinge’s path to kingship was hinted at long ago, during his days as the Senior Prefect at the famed Saint Patrick’s College, Asaba, in the mid-seventies.Azinge was always destined to lead. The rest of us were simply witnesses to the making of a king.
Under the stern watch of Principal R.O. Asenime, a figure as unyielding as he was wise, Azinge did more than fulfil his duties—he embodied leadership. As head boy, he seamlessly wove the principal’s ideals into the fabric of daily school life, leading not with an iron fist but with a firm, strong sense of purpose. An extraordinary command of English marked his leadership, his oratory skills as sharp as a well-honed blade, slicing through the noise of youthful rebellion with clarity and precision.
When the students strayed, Azinge would step forward with his signature “Declaration of State of Emergency,” a phrase that might have sounded anxious to some but was a true reflection of his understanding of order and discipline. But Azinge did not walk this path alone; he was always the strategist, flanked by the Assistant Senior Prefect, Labour Prefect, and Deputy Labour Prefect. Together, they formed a council, ensuring that the ship of Saint Patrick’s College sailed smoothly.
As a freshman, fresh from the other side of the Majestic River Niger, I found myself both awed and inspired by Azinge. His presence was more than commanding; it was transformative. His swagger as he walked was not mere bravado; it was the walk of someone already chosen by fate. His private cubicle in Ogbolomani House was a sanctuary, not to be intruded upon, a space where leadership was not just a role but a mantle worn with dignity. I often found myself intrigued by his immaculate appearance, constantly searching for a speck of dirt on his crisp white long-sleeve shirt, a search that was always in vain. It was as if his outer cleanliness was a mirror of the purity of his leadership—untainted, inspiring, and reshaping the thoughts of those like me who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Azinge’s reign as Senior Prefect was about maintaining order and instilling a sense of purpose in all of us. He showed us that leadership was not about titles or power but about service, discipline, and the ability to inspire others to be their best selves. It was clear, even then, that Azinge was destined for greatness, not just in the corridors of academia or law, but in the hearts of his people. He carried the Saint Patrick’s Motto, Veritas in Caritate,” or truth in love,taken from Ephesians 4:15.
Today, as he ascends the throne as the 14th Asagba of Asaba, we see not just a king but a leader whose journey was written in the stars long ago. His early days at Saint Patrick’s College were not just a prelude but a prophecy. In a world where the future is often shrouded in mystery, Azinge’s rise to kingship reminds us that authentic leadership is always visible, even in youth. His life proves that, sometimes, the seeds of greatness are planted early, and with proper guidance, they grow into mighty oaks—trees that stand tall, offering shelter and wisdom to all who seek it.
Prof. Epiphany Azinge’s journey is that of student leader to crowned king. He should not be just an ordinary king, as his journey to the throne is marked by decades of discipline, scholarship, and a soliddedication to justice and leadership. His strict personal traits, honed through years of academic excellence and public service, now find their highest purpose in the leadership of the Asaba Ancient Kingdom.
Therefore, as he mounts thethrone,he should carrythe weight of the crown andan ancient kingdom’s collective hopes and dreams. There will be many challenges, but so are opportunities. As he takes his place among the revered kings of Asaba, he must carry with him the lessons of the past, the strength of his convictions, and the love of his people. The crown will be heavy but rests on a head prepared for this moment through years of dedication and service.
In the wake of his coronation, he must embrace all who dwell within the borders of his kingdom. He must remember that the Asaba he leads today is not the Asaba of old. This city has become a multi-ethnic conurbation and has expanded exponentially since 1991, when it became the capital of the oil-rich Delta State. His leadership must embrace all, welcoming the many voices of this vibrant community. To be king for all, he must resist the pressures that seek to divide, to favour one group over another.
Again, in the spirit of unity, he must also be gracious in victory. The path to the throne was not a solitary journey; others sought the same honour, each with their dreams and visions for Asaba. As king, he must extend the hand of fellowship to those who stood as his rivals, for he will find strength in their support. A king who is magnanimous in victory truly understands the essence of leadership. He must lead not just with authority but with humility, recognising that the throne he now occupies is a sacred trust bestowed upon him by the ancestors and the people.
Asaba is a town steeped in history. Once the capital of the Southern Protectorate of Nigeria, its streets lined with the stories of old, where the past meets the present was in a dance as old as time itself. This is a town where education took root early, with institutions like Zappa Primary School, established as far back as 1871, shaping the minds of generations. He should not fail this ancient community and must look to the past for guidance. His predecessor, the 13th Asagba, Prof. Chika Edozien, who joined his ancestors at the age of 99, left a legacy of longevity and wisdom. Azinge must draw inspiration from Edozien’s reign, seeking to emulate the qualities that made him a beloved and respected leader.
He should mirror Alfred the Great of the Anglo-Saxon Wessex, who was both an academic and ruled judiciously. He should heed the advice from The King’s Fund: “The greatest kings are those who rule with wisdom and humility, for they understand that the true measure of leadership is not in power alone but in the judicious and compassionate exercise of that power.” Ultimately, his leadership will be judged not just by the years he spends on the throne but by the impact he makes on the lives of his people.
May his reign be long, may it be prosperous, and may it be a beacon of hope and unity for all who call Asaba home. Just as the River Niger flows, steady and unyielding, so too shouldhis leadership guide his people through the ebb and flow of life, ensuring that Asaba remains a place where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony, where the past is honoured and the future is embraced.