THE POSITION OF THE PALACE
The Palace of HRM, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN OON has received lots of feedbacks pointing towards the dissatisfaction of a section of our people on the activities of HRM since the demise of Obi Nwanze Oduah ,the Odogwu of Asaba and the most senior palace Chief.
While the palace understands the concerns of some of our people , it is noteworthy to clear the air for a better understanding of all and sundry. First let it be known to all that as far as the Palace is concerned, Odogwu Ahaba is not dead. The information available to the Palace is not available to the public, hence their position on the activities of HRM which is quite understood.
Second, the Asagba is the head of all the principalities and powers in Asaba and the information available to him is not available to anyone. Since Thursday when the incident occurred, Nna Agu cancelled all Council meetings, palace engagements and visitations. He held series of meetings with leaders of thought geared towards unravelling the cause of death of the Odogwu and information available to him is that a lot of cleansing and sacrifices must be done before Odogwu can be buried. Infact, if not for his intervention, a section of the youths were already set to unleash mayhem on the town. That was immediately handled while consultations are still ongoing.
The truth is that there are indications that the perceived death of Obi Nwanze Oduah is not a natural one. Key Asaba leaders of thought and traditionalists have advised the palace that Obi Nwanze Oduah should not be laid to rest within the next one week as we all think, pending when the cause of his perceived death is unravelled as they advised that it will spell doom if he be buried without inding the cause of death (which is ongoing) and if need be, do everything that is traditionally necessary (if confirmed that it’s unnatural), before Odogwu can be laid to rest in peace.
From the forgoing, the palace was advised by a think-tank of leaders of thought and traditionalists to view Obi Nwanze Oduah as being alive and therefore HRM had to honour a long-standing appointment to Chair the International ZIK leadership price awards holding in Lagos, which is ofcourse a plus for Asaba . Not every information is for public consumption as some of the information at the disposal of the palace is deep and more than meet the eyes. From all indications, Odogwu may not be buried within the next one month and will have to be taken back to the mogue. This is to tell us how serious the issues are, but like was stated earlier, not all information is for public consumption.
Nna Agu understands the concerns of Ndi Ahaba as someone who has human face and cannot despise his reliable second man at death, not when he died in active service, having slumped by his side, protecting him. It should be understandable that the throne cannot be on a standstill for the next one month. Nna Agu has been advised not to officially say the Odogwu is dead and kick-start mourning period. As far as the Palace is concerned, Obi Agbogidi Nwanze Oduah, Odogwu Ahaba is alive and until those who are in the forefront of it all are done with their findings and get back to HRM, the status quo ante remains as far as the running of Ani Ahaba is concerned.
Deep down, HRM is saddened by the turn of events. But at the same time, there are traditional protocols which he must adhere to, for the good of Asaba. Sooner than later, things will start unfolding and we all will understand this very position of the palace of HRM. Our people are advised to beware of mischief makers who have ceased this opportunity to misinform people. These same people called Odogwu names when he was alive, but have suddenly become his defenders at death. But its all understandable, for our people say that when one is not there when a corpse is interred, when asked to exhume, they start from the legs.
The palace appreciates well-meaning Ndi Ahaba who have called in to ascertain the true position of things for clearer understanding, instead of mischief making. Be rest assured that in the coming days and weeks, we all will certainly be on the same page, including the mischief makers, that is if they will be humble enough to retract their present ill-positions against a throne that means well for Ani Ahaba.
Long live Ani Ahaba!
Long live Asagba Azinge!!
Nna Agu! Nna Agu!! Nna Agu!!!
Signed: Palace Media.
