The city of Asaba, the capital of Delta State, experienced a significant slowdown in business activities on Tuesday following the official announcement of the passing of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien.
Schools, shops, and other businesses were shuttered, and movement in and out of Asaba, including the operation of tricycles and motorcycles, was restricted. Popular markets such as Ogbogonogo and Oko remained closed as early as 5 am in anticipation of the announcement of the demise of the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
At the palace, a solemn procession led by the Odogwu of Asaba, Chief Nwanze Odua, dressed in red attire, danced around the premises.
The official announcement of the monarch’s passing came around 5 pm, delivered by the Onihe of Asaba, Obi Ubaka Attor, who declared, “Iroko has fallen, the Asagba of Asaba has gone.”
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The Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili, read a statement confirming the transition of the revered royal father, Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien, who ascended the throne on July 1, 1991, at the age of 100.
The statement also announced that burial arrangements would be communicated by the family and the Asaba kingdom in due course.
Following the announcement, 21 cannon shots were fired, and Mr. Joseph Edozien, the first son of the late Asagba, was decorated as the regent.
While a palace source had confirmed the monarch’s passing to the media last week, there had been no public statement until Tuesday’s official announcement.
According to palace tradition, a formal statement is typically released after a mourning period of seven days.
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