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ASABA, OKO COMMUNITIES SETTLE LONG STANDING MISUNDERSTANDING OVER ACCRUING MONTHLY STATUTORY TRADITIONAL RULERS STIPENDS
A landmark historical milestone was achieved in the collective effort towards achieving peaceful and harmonious co-existence in Oshimili South LGA, when Asaba and Oko communities settled a long standing misunderstanding, about accruing monthly statutory traditional rulers stipends.
Executive chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, who warmly welcomed the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN, OON and the Akor of Oko, HRM Engr. Eze Osita, into the LG council chambers on Friday, October 10, 2025, where the historic harmonization meeting between the two sister communities took place, expressed that the historic day would occupy a prominent place in the annals of Oshimilli South local government history.
Hon. Ezenyili explained that the misunderstanding between the two communities, about the monthly statutory stipends had lingered for about five years (2016 -2021), before his election as the Oshimili South council chairman and that he had promised in his manifesto and during his campaign, to bring an end to the misunderstanding amongst both communities.
"I'm glad to announce that today remains a remarkable day in the life of my administration as the local government council chairman getting to see this long term misunderstanding between Asaba and Oko communities resolved under my watch as the Council Chairman."
Chief Ezenyili also used the platform to express his deep appreciation to the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who granted him the permission to embark on the 2nd voyage of reconciliation.
"Let me sincerely use this medium to applaud both Royal Majesties for the spirit of reciprocity displayed during the period of mediation and reconciliation.
"My heartfelt gratitude also goes to the Palace Chiefs and everyone involved in the process for sheathing their swords.
"Above all, I wish to appreciate the Almighty God for using me as a viable tool in brokering peace in Oshimili South Local Government Area, my prayer is that the peace will be forever in Jesus name, Amen".
The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, in his own comments, thanked the LGA chairman, Hon. Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi, for the peaceful accord and appreciated him for the diligence demonstrated in the pursuit of this total amicable resolution between both two kingdoms.
"We are all happy that this has been brought to an amicable conclusions and credit must go to the Government of the day, His Excellency, Rt.Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State and Hon Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi PHD."
Asagba Azinge equally thanked representatives of both kingdoms during the negotiation process, as well as the executives/ staff of the Local Government Council who brought out their time and energy during and after the legal dispute on the matter that has now been resolved.
"There has never been a dispute between the two Kingdoms, perhaps a misunderstanding as far as stipends are concerned, we never saw it that way, we remain brothers and sisters, we remain inextricably intertwined as part and parcel of Oshimili South, and we will always continue to work together in peace and harmony to ensure as brother and sister and come together as critical stake holders to develop our land in harmony, "the revered monarch declared.
HRM Prof Epiphany Azinge, publicly thanked the Akor of Oko, HRM Engr Eze Osita for graciously gracing his first year coronation anniversary, even as he further passed a message to indigenes of Oko and Asaba that both kings are in good terms and will do all within their powers to sustain peace to bring the needed development to both flourishing kingdoms.
Speaking at the historic occasion, HRM Engr Eze Osita, Akor of Oko Community, appreciated Hon. Chief Ezenyili Kelvin Obi PHD, for making sure the long standing misunderstanding comes to an end.
He further endorsed the peaceful accord of HRM the Asagba of Asaba stating that whatever that happened in the past should remain with the past. He promised to collaborate with the Asagba of Asaba when necessary in building a stronger relationship for both kingdoms
