Business activities in Asaba, Delta State capital, and its environs on Tuesday crippled, following the official announcement of the death of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien.
Schools, shops and other business concerns were shutdown even as the movements in and out of Asaba including tricycles and motorcycles were restricted.
The popular Ogbogonogo and Oko markets among others were under lock and key as early as 5am in preparation for the announcement of the death of the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
At the palace, there was procession led by the Odogwu of Asaba, Chief Nwanze Odua, in a red attire dancing around the palace.
Announcing the death of the monarch at about 5pm, the Onihe of Asaba, Obi Ubaka Attor, said iroko has fallen.
“Iroko has fallen, the Asagba of Asaba has gone,” he declared.
Reading a statement, the Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili, said, “With heavy hearts, we announce the transition unto eternal glory our highly reverend royal father, Asagba, Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba.
“He was aged 100 years and the 13th Asagba of Asaba who ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba on July 1, 1991”
He said the burial arrangements would be announced by the family and Asaba kingdom in due time.
Attor announced the decoration of Asagba’s first son, Mr. Joseph Edozien, as the regent.
But the second son of the deceased monarch, Dr. Anthony Edozien, stood in due to the unavailability of the regent.
The burial rites, according to a joint statement by Dr. Anthony Edozien, Ogbueshi Patrick Onyeobi (the Iyase of Asaba), and Ogbueshi Patrick Ndili (Ihonor of Asaba), will be announced at a later date.
Last week, a palace source, who is one of the monarch’s top aides, confirmed his death.
The source familiar with the workings of the palace, however, said there would be no public statement on the development until after seven days (Tuesday).
The late monarch, who was born on July 28, 1925, died on February 6. He would have been 100 years old by July 28.
The announcement of the regent was preceded by 21 cannon salutes in honour of the departed monarch with a representative (Ogbu) of each of the five quarters (Ebo) that make up Asaba Kingdom paying their last respects.
Also, President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the Asagba.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, reads: “President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Joseph Chike Edozien (CFR), with deep sadness.
“The President condoles with the family, Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Council, the government, and the people of the state on this painful loss.
“President Tinubu celebrates the impactful life of the late monarch and eminent professor of medicine, acknowledging his advocacy for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians and inimitable role in forging partnerships across divides.”
