Asagba of Asaba Urges Ohanaeze to Intensify Promotion of Igbo Language, Heritage
Oru Leonard
The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to intensify efforts to preserve and promote the Igbo language, culture and heritage.
Azinge made the call on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Public Enlightenment Forum held at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.
The traditional ruler commended the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council for initiatives aimed at preserving Igbo identity and advancing the interests of Ndigbo.
He urged the organisation to sustain and deepen the initiatives, particularly those focused on protecting the Igbo language and cultural heritage for future generations.
Azinge also expressed concern over the activities of multiple pan-Igbo groups issuing what he described as conflicting statements in the name of Ndigbo.
He urged such groups to work with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which he described as the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, rather than creating competing platforms.
The Asagba recalled his previous involvement in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including his service on various global committees before becoming the traditional ruler of Asaba, saying the experience reinforced the importance of collective action and unity in advancing the aspirations of Ndigbo.
He further commended Senator Mbata for his initiatives towards repositioning Ohanaeze and promoting Igbo unity, cultural heritage and collective interests.
Earlier, the national leadership of Ohanaeze, alongside the Delta State Executive and other stakeholders, had paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba at his palace in Asaba.
The Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, who represented Senator Mbata, conveyed the President-General’s goodwill to the traditional ruler.
The Asagba subsequently joined the gathering at the Grand Hotel, where he addressed participants and responded to issues raised during the forum.
The event featured a keynote address by the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
Organised by the Delta State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the forum was themed, “Understanding Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Its Mandate, Activities and Roles.”
Sibeudu outlined the history, mandate and evolving role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, while highlighting initiatives of the Senator Azuta Mbata-led Global Executive Council aimed at strengthening Igbo unity, promoting education and preserving the Igbo language and culture.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the Professorial Endowment Chair programme, as well as scholarship and bursary schemes approved for 200 students studying Igbo Language in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Senator Mbata, who was the Special Guest of Honour, was represented by Dr. Chukwu, who delivered a goodwill message on his behalf.
Mbata urged the Delta State Chapter and Ndigbo generally to remain law-abiding, peaceful and committed to constitutional order.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the Constitution and established processes in the conduct of Ohanaeze affairs, while advocating dialogue and peaceful engagement in resolving differences.
Responding to the keynote address, the Deputy Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a major stakeholder in Delta State, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, thanked the national leadership for honouring the invitation.
He commended Senator Mbata’s initiatives aimed at repositioning the organisation to better respond to the aspirations and concerns of Ndigbo.
The Delta State President, Chief Benjamin Igumbor, also expressed support for the direction of the organisation.
The forum attracted Ohanaeze leaders from various states, including Rivers State President Livingstone Wechie; Enugu State President, High Chief Agbalanze Uche Damian Obisi; and Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Anambra State and Acting Global Youth Leader.
Other prominent attendees included Chief Prof. Leroy Edoziem; Obi (Hon.) Chimeta Okonta; Ogbueshi Paschal Onuku; Hon. Chief Engr. Emma Eboh, who represented Senator Ned Nwoko; Chief Mrs. Lizzy Chiazor; Chief Amb. Charles Onianwa; Chief Barr. Philip Nwokolo; Dr. Kingsley Ojie; Prince Uzoma Idaboh; and Ogbueshi Silver Oforgu.
The forum ended with renewed emphasis on the preservation of Igbo language and culture, unity among Ndigbo, adherence to constitutional processes and cooperation between Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, its chapters, affiliate groups and the wider Igbo community.
