By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a landmark event that signaled a new dawn of unity and reconciliation, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge (SAN, OON), and the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, on Friday formally reconciled after almost a decade of legal battles and strained relations between the two royal stools.
The reconciliation ceremony, held at the Oshimili South Local Government Council Secretariat in Asaba, was presided over by the Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Hon. (High Chief) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi (Ph.D.), who described the moment as “an epoch-making turning point” in the history of the two ancient communities.
In his address, Hon. Ezenyili expressed joy at witnessing the end of the protracted dispute, which dates back to 2016 and had spanned multiple court cases, judgments, appeals, and cross appeals for nearly ten years.
“Without an iota of doubt, I believe I am the happiest person amongst us all,” he declared, noting that the reconciliation was the product of years of deliberate mediation efforts initiated during his first tenure in 2021.
He commended the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for granting him approval to embark on a second round of peace talks, which ultimately led to the historic accord. He also applauded the spirit of reciprocity displayed by both royal majesties and their palace chiefs during the negotiations.
The chairman further demonstrated transparency by publicly reading the financial statement of the special account created to preserve monthly stipends for both traditional institutions throughout the dispute period. He revealed that the Council had preserved a cumulative total of ₦522,797,882.57 as at September 2025, which would now be handed over to the two kingdoms.
“Above all, I wish to appreciate the Almighty God for using me as a viable tool in brokering peace in Oshimili South,” he added.
In his remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Azinge, lauded the Chairman for his diligence and integrity throughout the mediation process, describing the peace accord as the culmination of a “very uncharted process of engagement” that required open minds and genuine commitment from both parties.
“It got to the point where both parties truly came to the ‘yes’ — meaning that voluntarily, they decided to agree. It wasn’t an easy process, but the desire to reach yes made it possible,” the revered monarch said.
He emphasized that the misunderstanding had never been a dispute between the peoples of Asaba and Oko, but rather a matter of principles surrounding stool-related issues.
“We remain brothers and sisters, inextricably intertwined as part and parcel of Oshimili South. We will always continue to work together in peace and harmony to reposition our environment and prioritize the welfare of our people,” the Asagba declared.
The monarch also publicly acknowledged the Akor of Oko for attending his first coronation anniversary, calling it a gesture of goodwill that underscored the fraternal bond between the two kingdoms.
Also speaking, the Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, expressed gratitude to the Chairman for facilitating the reconciliation process. He fully endorsed the peace accord, urging both communities to put the past behind them and work towards stronger ties.
“Whatever happened in the past should remain in the past. We are ready to collaborate with the Asagba of Asaba in building a stronger relationship for the benefit of both kingdoms,” the Akor pledged.
Friday’s event brought together palace chiefs, community representatives, government officials, and members of the press, all of whom witnessed the signing of what many described as a historic peace pact.
The reconciliation is expected to pave the way for renewed cooperation, socio-economic growth, and cultural harmony between the two neighboring communities, which share deep historical and familial ties.
