EMERGENCY ASAGBA-IN-COUNCIL MEETING: TOTAL BAN ON IRON CONDEMN VENDORS, DRUG ABUSE AND ANIOMA STATE TOP AGENDA. 30/11/25. HRM , Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN OON FNIALS FICMC LLD(HC) KSJI KSG held an emergency Asagba-in-Council meeting today at Ogwa-Uku Ahaba. The meeting started at exactly 1:08 pm with an opening prayer and other traditional protocols. HRM, Asagba Azinge welcomed all present and thanked them for the massive turn out despite the short notice. The minutes of the last meeting was adjourned for next time as HRM informed Council that he wouldn't want the meeting to take much time. A minute silence was observed in honour of late Obi Chief Peter Nwanze Oduah, Odogwu Ahaba who joined his ancestors some weeks ago. HRM started by informing Council about the insecurity situation Asaba witnessed lately. Nna Agu stated that peace is paramount in Asaba Kingdom and that it is the greatest industry the community is enjoying today and won't be compromised for any reason under his watch. He highlighted some insecurity issues that occurred in Asaba, at Koka and Abraka axis and also how Late Justice Ifeoma Okogwu was murdered in cold blood in her residence. His Majesty informed the Council that he held a security meeting in his palace with all the security apparatus in Asaba and listed the following as decisions taken so far; 1. All iron condemn dump sites in Asaba will be evacuated with immediate effect. 2. Iron condem vendors are totally banned in Asaba henceforth. 3. No trucks Will be parked overnight on Asaba soil. HRM mandated Ogbueshi Uche Nwajei, Onoi Ahaba and Ogbueshi Nnamdi Chukwuedo, Asaba Community Vigilante (ACV) Chairman to see that the aforementioned are seriously monitored by vigilante groups. He also urged ndi Okpala Ukwu who are yet to form vigilante groups in their various quarters to endeavour to do so with immediate effect. Nna Agu mentioned reports from security personnel on how Asaba sons have the character of selling and reselling a particular piece of land to different individuals which results to conflicts. HRM bemoaned such acts, and directed that it be stopped henceforth as the consequences will be severe. He went further to state that even if the culprit found guilty of such an act is a high ranking chief, he will be derobed before the Asagba-in-Council. The security meeting also pointed out drug abuse as a major problem that breeds insecurity. HRM noted with dismay that drug barons earlier decimated are all back to business, but sounded a warning that they will be raided in the shortest possible time, as the rehab centre where addicts will be kept is almost ready for use, as against the last time that they were released because of lack of rehab facilities. HRM also informed Council that he spoke to Anya Asagba of Koka/Akwuofor axis and that there is need for a police post in the area, and the formation of an internal security network. Nna Agu also mentioned that the Asaba market at Oko Road is another soft spot for criminals because of the brothels and illicit drug activities going on there. HRM pointed out that the matter will be referred to the Local Government as they are in charge of the markets. Nna Agu also informed Council that Koka needs to be illuminated at night. and he had reached out to the authorities of the Rural Electrification Project who have accepted in principle to provide two thousand solar lights to go round Koka and parts of Ime-Ogbe. On the murder of Justice Okogwu in her Asaba residence, Nna Agu notified Council that preliminary investigation points towards a security man she got from a private security company, and that investigation is still ongoing to unravel the actual culprit(s). Nna Agu reiterated the need for the Operation Know Your Tenants that he initiated months ago and also advised that we know our security guards well too. HRM harped on the need for all to make sure Asaba is secured always, particularly as we approach Christmas which comes with lots of celebrations and initiatives from our people in the diaspora, and such cannot be jeopardised because of insecurity. Responding to issues raised, Obi Onyemanaogeme Ajufoh pointed out that in enforcing the ban on truck drivers parking overnight , the help of security agencies will be needed. Obi Nwajei concurred with Obi Ajufoh and added that the Asaba Community Vigilante ACV can't carry out the duty alone. He also advised that a monitoring team be set up to check those who resell a particular land to different individuals. On his own part, Ogbueshi Ifeanyi Iyio called for more manpower for ACV, suggesting that we can recruit from outside if need be, as was the case when he worked with the local security outfit. HRM stated that the most important thing is the will to make laws after which implementation modalities will be looked into as we must be seen to have the capacity to implement the laws we make. Nna Agu mentioned that dissemination of information to our people is a key factor, nothing that if Okpala Ebos and ndi Diokpa Ogbe take the resolutions of Asagba-in-Council to their respective places, implementation would be half solved as our youths should be seen stopping Iron Condemn vendors in various areas instead of waiting for the ACV to implement the ban. HRM rejected suggestions to get the police to work with the ACV in enforcing the laws, saying that all our ACV needs is support in terms of facilities/logistics as they have been doing much with little or no assistance from our people. HRM also notified Council about a meeting he had with the Asaba political class and Ndi Olinzele on the proposed Anioma State. He stated clearly that information available to him is that the proponents are ready to sacrifice Asaba as capital for the SouthEast to agree on Anioma as its 6th State. Briefing the Council further about resolutions reached at the meeting, Onwa Ahaba, Chief Peter Onwusanya stated thus; 1. That it was resolved that we want Anioma State , but not in the SouthEast. 2. That they got reliable information that those behind the Anioma State Agenda promised the SouthEast the Capital. 3. That a publication will be made to register our displeasure and rejection of the idea. 4. That a press conference will be held immediately after the Asagba-in-Council meeting to register our stand. 5. That a peaceful protest will be held by our youths on Monday, 1st of December 2025, by 8am starting from the Inter-Bau roundabout. 6. That petition letters will be sent to the Presidency, the Senate-President and the Majority leader. Ihonor Ahaba, Chief Patrick Ndili further clarified that HRM is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State ,but that he is of the opinion that it be left within the Southsouth if created, for very salient reasons that are personal to him and for the good of our people. He urged Council members to take the message to their various homes to assuage the falsehood being peddled around that Nna Agu is opposed to the creation of Anioma State. HRM stated clearly that he won't impose the Anioma State idea on anyone as comments he made are his personal thoughts. He told the council that everyone is free to vote according to what they want when it's time for a referendum. On AOB, Ogbueshi Wing Commander Iweze Rtd. enlightened the Council on the forthcoming Asaba International 10km Road Race which is slated for the 6th of December 2025. He also hinted at the formation of an Asaba football club. Obi Nwajei thanked Nna Agu for his stance on Anioma State, particularly as it concerns the status of Asaba as capital. He suggested that proceedings of Asagba-in-Council meetings be made available to Okpala Ebos ,so that they can take it to their Ebos for proper information transmission. Obi Nwajei also seized the opportunity to plead with HRM to reverse the law on monetization of items for events in Asaba. The red cap Chief also complained that the Ochendo of his Ebo does not carry him along even as he is an Eze Ahaba. Nna Agu promised to look into the ban on monetization of items, but that the status quo should remain for now. He pleaded with ndi Okpala Ebo to always liaise with the Obis in their villages for ease of administration and respect as red cap chiefs. Nna Agu directed the head of Asaba Urban Renewal, Alibo Ahaba Chief P.C. Oliko to see that Asaba is kept clean this period, particularly as the Asaba day celebration draws close. Motion for adjournment was moved by Obi Iweka Enem, seconded by Chief Mrs. Theodora Giwa-Amu, and the meeting which started at about 1:08pm drew to a close at about 3:30pm Long Live Ani Ahaba. Long Live Asagba Azinge. Nna Agu ! Nna Agu !! Nna Agu !!! Signed: Palace Media November 30, 2025.
