By Mick Oseji, Asaba
It was a gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers and prominent Nigerians in Asaba on Saturday as renowned environmentalist, businessman and Sahara Desert expeditionist, Chief Newton Jibunoh, was honoured with the traditional title of Odenigwe Ahaba by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN. 
•Dr. Newton Jibunoh (middle)
The colourful ceremony, which attracted guests from across Nigeria and beyond, formed part of activities marking the second coronation anniversary of the Asagba of Asaba.
Among those who graced the occasion were Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni; and several traditional rulers, political figures, business leaders and other distinguished guests.
The conferment marked the first chieftaincy title bestowed by Obi Azinge since he ascended the throne in October 2024.
The monarch had earlier declared that he would not confer any chieftaincy titles until 2027. However, he said Jibunoh’s exceptional contributions and strong attachment to the cultural values of Asaba persuaded him to make an exception.
“I strongly believe you will add a lot of value and will enrich the tradition and customs of Asaba, because of the ideals you stand for and your attachment to the cultural norms and values of our community,” Azinge told Jibunoh.
The Asagba said his decision to honour Jibunoh was particularly significant because the recipient was not an indigene of Asaba.
“I ascended the throne 5 October 2024. And I made it very clear that I will not confer any chieftaincy until 2027. But nothing is cast in stone.
“When it became absolutely necessary for me to shift ground, I had to because of Chief Newton Jibunoh,” he said.
Describing the occasion as historic, Azinge said the conferment also represented a reconnection with his predecessors and ancestors.
He recalled that in 2011, he had himself knelt before the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Asagba Prof. Chike Edozie, who conferred on him the title of Okilolo of Asaba.
“So for me, to do this for the first time since my ascension truly is a reconnection with my forebears and my ancestors,” the monarch said.
Azinge disclosed that Jibunoh’s nomination came unexpectedly.
“He came out of the blues. I was at the Mandela Gardens for something else. And the premonition and every other thing just came, that he deserved to be a Chief of Asaba.
“There and then, without any discussion, I nominated him for a chieftaincy. Mark you, not being from Asaba, it’s not automatic,” he explained.
,•Dr.Newton Jibunoh in traditional posture before the Asagba of Asaba
According to the Asagba, the traditional requirements for conferring a chieftaincy title on a non-indigene were duly observed.
“The tradition in Delta State is that for you to confer chieftaincy title on somebody who is not from your kingdom, you must seek clearance from his own traditional ruler.
“And subject to that approval, you cannot. Happily, I got approval from his own kingdom, his own traditional ruler, that I can proceed and here we are today,” Azinge said.
The monarch said Jibunoh’s accomplishments and reputation justified the honour, describing him as “a great man by any standard, globally.”
“Your citation has been read, and for me, it’s a chronicle of the journey of a great man and a great man by any standard, globally,” he said.
Azinge further noted that the conferment was significant because Asaba does not frequently honour people from outside the community with traditional titles.
“We don’t often confer titles on non-indigenes. I believe in human history, this may be about the sixth or so.
“And only about two others are still alive,” he said, naming former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and former Delta State Commissioner of Police, Chief Aduba, among previous non-indigene honourees.
The Asagba congratulated Jibunoh and charged him to uphold the responsibilities associated with the new title.
“You’ve taken the oath of allegiance and the oath of office. I’ve no doubt whatsoever that you will live up to the tenets, to the values, norms, to the principles so clearly enunciated in the oaths.
“I congratulate you immensely and urge you to stand up to be counted,” he said.
Azinge also welcomed Soyinka and the other distinguished guests to Asaba, noting that their presence reflected the national and international goodwill enjoyed by Jibunoh.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including HRM Abiodun Kola-Desi, Chief Ephraim Obor, Dele Atuba, Jahab Anikulapo, Brigadier-General Hamisu (retd.), Mohammed Aliyu Yakubu, Prince Salisu Ado Bayero, Sunny Irabor and Peter Igho.
The conferment added another chapter to the remarkable public life of Jibunoh, whose environmental advocacy, business career and celebrated Sahara Desert expeditions have earned him recognition in Nigeria and beyond.
