Charles Esther
The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has issued a stern warning to village heads in Asaba.
He stated that any Diokpa Ogbe who misses three consecutive Asagba-in-Council EXCO meetings risks losing their position.
Suspension of Diokpa Diali
This warning follows the suspension of Diokpa Diali, who failed to return from his Lagos base to assume leadership of his village despite repeated calls and messages.
The ultimatum given to him by the Asagba expired, prompting the suspension.
Palace Visit and Clarifications
The warning was delivered when Ogbeogo spokesperson, Ogbueshi Chukwuma Ndah, along with other stakeholders, brought the suspended Diokpa Diali to the palace to meet the Asagba.
The monarch emphasized that village headship in Asaba is not for grabs and involves a rigorous selection process, requiring the leader to demonstrate readiness and capability.
Advice to Diokpa Diali
Prof. Azinge thanked Diali for eventually returning home and urged him to engage fully with village stakeholders.
He instructed Diali to assume full leadership responsibilities before the suspension could be lifted.
Deterrent to Other Village Heads
The Asagba noted that the action against Diali serves as a deterrent for other village heads who often skip EXCO meetings, many of whom are not based in their communities.
Diali explained that his delay was due to health reasons and assured the monarch of his full return to duty.
