By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, has declared a seven – day mourning period in Asaba Kingdom, Delta State in honour of the Odogwu of Ahaba (Head of the King’s warriors), late Chief Obi Peter Nwanze Oduah.
The Asagba also declared all markets shut tomorrow, Thursday, November 20, 2025 as a mark of respect for the late Chief Warrior.
The Daily Crucible reports that Chief Oduah died on November 13, 2025 in active duty defending the Asagba. He was said to have slumped in Asaba, the state capital, and passed away few hours later, a development which mischief makers attempted to exploit to plunge the town into an avoidable chaos through spreading of inciting information.
However, in making his proclamations concerning Obi Nwanze Oduah, Asagba Azinge in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, stated that Oduah’s demise had been a very traumatizing experience for him and the entire Asaba Kingdom.
The revered monarch revealed that the remains of the late Odogwu Ahaba would be lowered tomorrow, November 20, 2025, stressing that his death had also left a big vacuum, describi#ng the deceased an Iroko in his lifetime.
Below is the monarch’s statement…
On the 13th of November 2025, Asaba lost one of her most illustrious sons, Obi Chief Peter Nwanze Oduah, Odogwu Ahaba. This has been a very traumatizing experience for the entire community of Asaba, and for me personally as the Asagba of Asaba, not only because he was the number‑two man in the hierarchy of Asaba Kingdom, but also because he was personally related to me as a cousin.
Odogwu Ahaba was one of the most Asaba‑centric personalities of our time, who did his best and lived his life for Asaba. He was a warrior both in characterization and in action. He led the security of Asaba from the front and was prepared to sacrifice everything for the sake of Asaba’s safety. In addition, Obi Chief Nwanze Oduah championed the eradication of drugs by confronting drug peddlers, barons and even addicts. He was a fearless personality and a true pillar to the throne in every sense of the expression.
Asaba will mourn Odogwu Ahaba for a very long time; a big vacuum has been created and a great iroko has fallen in the kingdom. We take solace in the fact that he charted a path for us all through his life, actions and utterances, and we are certainly bound to continue his legacy.
On this occasion, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife, children, and the people of Umuonaje quarters, especially the Umuagulu people of the Mogbue family for the loss of their son.
I have been reliably informed, and I have given my consent, that in accordance with Asaba tradition, his body will be lowered tomorrow, 20th November 2025. Consequently, I have issued the following proclamations:
1. Asaba Markets will be closed tomorrow in honour of Odogwu Ahaba.
2. Asaba will observe a one‑week mourning period starting tomorrow, which will affect all activities, including meetings, except for emergencies.
Late Obi Chief Nwanze Oduah’s life has diminished all of us; I urge all sons and daughters of Asaba, wherever you may be, to take heart.
May the soul of Odogwu Ahaba and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace, Amen.
HRM Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge,
SAN, OON, FNIALS, FICMIC, LLD(HC), KSJI, KSG.
The 14th Asagba of Asaba.
