* HRM, Prof Edozien 

 * Says “There Is Only One Traditional Ruler In Asaba

 By Nosa Eresoyen, Asaba

The traditional stool of Asaba kingdom, host community of Oshimili South Local Government and capital of Delta State, has frowned at “deliberate” attempts by some leaders of non-native communities domiciled in its territory to defile the throne of the Asagba by according itself equal status. It described such actions as provocative.
Speaking at the special security meeting convened by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, who was represented by the Iyase (Traditional Prime Minister) of Asaba, Chief Patrick Onyeobi, said “it is disturbing and provocative for the head of any community residing in Asaba clan to call himself His Royal Highness”.
According to the Asagba, the preferred authority of Asaba clan recognized by government and the law is HRM, the Asagba of Asaba, adding that Oshimili South Local Government Area is divided into two clans with Oko and Okwe forming the other clan.
“Of late, however, there appears to be a deliberate attempt by the leader of one of the communities resident in Asaba to open old wounds and raise tensions in the otherwise peaceful community”, he said. Infuriated by such act s of insolence perpetuated by the leader of the Arewa community, reflected in a letter addressing himself as “His Royal Majesty, Obi Edozien cautioned that Asaba has been very hospitable and has demonstrated it over the years, despite its ugly experience during the civil war, even as he hoped for fruitful deliberations to be communicated upon conclusion to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the local government and copy the governor of the state.
While welcoming stakeholders to the meeting, the Asagba said that media reports in recent times “have exposed ugly developments close to the capital city” citing Onitsha-Olona and Ndokwa areas as examples of herdsmen’s menace in the state, adding that it has become imperative to speak out and make positive suggestions in order to assist the law enforcement agencies work out the way forward.
“The immediate security challenge is a product of farmers-herdsmen confrontation which is seriously threatening the peace and security of many parts of the country and we must take measures to ensure that this does not affect our community