By Eunice Emeyazia
More tributes and condolence calls have continued to emanate from the traditional institution, as royal fathers paid visits to the palace of their departed peer and iconic monarch, Professor Chike Edozien.
The latest visit came from traditional rulers in Delta North, led by the Obi of Owa, Efeizomor the second.
Efeizomor the second, who is the immediate past Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, described the late Asagba of Asaba as vast in knowledge, well travelled and a great hero who brought dignity and respect to the traditional institution, contributing his best to the growth of the institution.
He said the Asagba left Asaba a million times better than he met it, with his impact traversing all sectors of the economy, hence the State Secretariat in Asaba was named after him.
Efeizomor the second said many young traditional rulers were able to seek shelter under the late monarch’s guidance because of his calm and fatherly disposition and innate ability to drive out suspicion and fears, and stand for the truth no matter whose ox was gored
He recalled with nostalgia some experiences in his personal relationship with the late monarch, saying that it was difficult to finally accept the reality of his passing.
The royal father thanked God for the gift of the Asagba to the people, saying that the Asagba used his blessings of age, wealth, knowledge and association, to impact lives positively, even as he thanked the Asaba people for supporting their late king throughout his reign.
The Owa monarch noted that the traditional institution was dignified and those in the institution should take a cue from the late Asagba and imbibe trust, knowledge, conviviality, and love.
He expressed the hope that Professor Edozien successor would follow his footsteps.
While condoling the wife of the late Asagba, Queen Modupe Edozien and other family members, the royal father assured the family of the support of the traditional rulers in Delta North, as it carried out the final rites of passage of the late king.
Responding on behalf of the family, the third son of the late Asagba, Louis Edozien, who stood in the stead of the reagent, Professor Anthony Edozien, thanked the traditional rulers for their solidarity and show of love, saying his late father held the traditional institution in high esteem.
The obi of Owa later signed the condolence register on behalf of the delegation.
The President of the Organization for the Advancement og Anioma Culture, OFAAC, Arch. Kester Ifeadi, was among dignitaries that attended the event..