HRM Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN OON, the Asagba of Asaba, at the Asagba-in-Council meeting held on Sunday, the 16th of February 2025, notified the Council of important decisions that were taken at his Executives Council meeting.
Recall that the learned silk, had earlier banned the activities of female traditionalists referred to as Ndi Ezenwanyi who are not of Asaba origins and directed that the male counterparts who are not registered with the appropriate bodies, as regulated by the Otu-Ihaza, will not be allowed to practice in Asaba.
Furthermore, the revered Asagba of Asaba also put a stop to the indiscriminate access to the Onishe Shrine, as he directed that anyone who wishes to visit the shrine must get clearance from the Otu-Ihaza Ahaba.
While presenting these decisions at the Asagba-in-Council meeting for ratification, the 14th Asagba of Asagba, Asagba Epiphany Azinge, also informed the Council about the Operation Know Your Neighbour initiative.
Nna Agu told the council that since the State does not have the law that allows for criminal hideouts and buildings to be destroyed, it is expedient that we know our tenants, neighbours and people living around us. He enjoined our people to use the initiative to fish out suspected persons and report them to the appropriate quarters. Asagba Azinge made it clear that should any criminal be identified, the landlord will also be held liable for not being proactive in fishing out such a tenant.
The Asagba also notified the Asagba-in-Council that henceforth, any Asaba blood who converts a land dispute into a criminal dispute and involves the Police from Abuja without recourse to traditional dispute resolution avenues will be excommunicated. Nna Agu decried the preponderance of such acts, which does not paint us in good light.
Following comments and suggestions, Nna Agu promised to set up a committee that will handle cases of land disputes amongst ndi Ahaba, going forward. Furthermore, Nna Agu also notified the Council of the need to take the campaign of keeping Asaba clean to our homes.
It was ratified by the Asagba-in-Council that henceforth, there will be no indiscriminate packing of refuse, and indiscriminate throwing of dirt either from our houses or vehicles as there will be financial consequences.
It is also expected that Keke and other public transport modes should have waste baskets .The Otu-Ihaza Ahaba has been mandated to enforce this directive.
On the issue of drug menace in Asaba, HRM haven held a very important meeting with the NDLEA, informed all present, that a clampdown is imminent, on all who deal on illicit/hard drugs in Asaba.
As decided in a meeting of the NDLEA Commander with the Asagba Executive Council, all persons dealing on drugs, and all places used will be identified. While the law will take its course with the help of the NDLEA, we as a community will make sure nobody stays in any house used to propagate illicit drugs again. Agu informed the Council that every Ebo and Satellite areas have been mandated to set up vigilante groups.
This is expected to be in full swing in all Ebos and Satellite areas on or before the next Asagba-in-council meeting. The disturbing criminality issues of scavengers we popular refer to as ‘ Ndi Iron Condemn was also brought to the fore. As decided at the Asagba Executive Council and ratified by the Asagba-in-council, Nna Agu directed that they are effective immediately banned from Ime-Ogbe Ahaba. Our people with this declaration are expected to expel them with civility.
All these decisions of HRM and his Executive Council, as ratified by the Asagba-in-Council were taken in good conscience for the good of our people, in consideration of our disposition as a very hospitable people.
