Ugochi Okoro
The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, mourns the death of His Majesty, Prof. Obi Joseph Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba.
Asagba, who died at the age of 99, was a Member, Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, expressed his deep sorrow over the death of His Majesty, saying it occured 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.
According Chief Iwuanyanwu,
“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 .One of the most amazing of the Asagba mystique is the unique capacity to harmonise the diverse interests and ethnic groups that are resident in Asaba, the Delta State capital; the burgeoning Asaba modernity with the cultural values of the ancient Kingdom; and above all, his hock with the grassroots in spite of his intellectual zenith, nobility and meritorious public service’.
The above sublime attributes of his Majesty have found full expressions in the serenity and investment-ambience of Asaba since he ascended the throne of his forefathers over 30 years ago. His reign has catalyzed the transformation of Asaba into a vibrant social and investment hub in the South South of Nigeria.
Asagba born on July 28, 1925, at a very young age of 37, rose to the enviable rank of a university professor and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan and subsequently the chairman; Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos; the Foundation scholar, University of Benin; Professor of Nutrition, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT, Cambridge, MA; Head, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and a Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina, USA; among others.
Chief Iwuanyanwu urges His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State and His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to immortalize His Majesty, Prof. Obi as a veritable source of inspiration to the younger generations.
The Igbo leader condoles the immediate family of His Majesty, the government and good people of Delta State for this irreparable loss.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, on behalf of Ndigbo all over the world, prays to God for the repose of the soul of His Majesty, Prof. Obi Joseph Chike Edozien in his bosom.
