RENOWNED environmentalist and Founder of the Nelson Mandela Garden, Dr. Newton Jibunoh, popularly known as Desert Warrior, was on Saturday, October 3, conferred with the Olinzele title of Odenigwe Ahaba of Asaba Kingdom by the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN).
At the ceremony at the Asagba’s palace, which was part of activities to mark his second coronation anniversary, Azinge congratulated Jibunoh, describing as not only deserving, but also highly meriting the title.
He was optimistic that Jibunoh would add significant value and help to enrich the customs and traditions of Asaba kingdom, considering the ideals he had always stood for.
The Asagba recalled that while ascending the throne in 2024, he made a declaration not to confer any chieftaincy title until 2027, but when it became absolutely necessary for him to shift ground, he did not hesitate because of the person of Jibunoh, who is also the Nna Obodo of Akwukwu Igbo.
He said the title taking was historic, being the first since he ascended the throne, and spoke volumes because it reconnected him to his forebears, especially his immediate predecessor, the late Prof Chike Edozien, having also knelt down before him sometime in 2011 to be conferred with the title of Okilolo of Asaba.
The monarch stated: “It came out of the blues. I was at the Mandela Garden for something else and the premonition just came. He deserves to be a chief of Asaba, and there and then, I nominated him for the Olinzele title.
“Mark you, not being from Asaba makes it not automatic. The tradition in Delta State is that for you to confer a chieftaincy title on anyone who is not from your kingdom, you have to seek clearance from the person’s traditional ruler, otherwise you cannot.
“Happily, I got approval from the traditional ruler of Akwukwu Igbo, that we can proceed, and here we are today.
Explaining his decision to make an exception to his earlier position, Azinge told Jibunoh: “I strongly believe you will add a lot of value and will enrich the tradition and customs of Asaba, because of the ideals you stand for and your attachment to the cultural norms and values of our community.
“I ascended the throne on October 5, 2024, I made it very clear that I will not confer any chieftaincy until 2027. But nothing is cast in stone. When it became absolutely necessary for me to shift ground, I had to because of Chief Newton Jibunoh.
“Today is historic in many ways than one. This is the first conferment I’m conferring under my traditional rulership, and it speaks volume in many ways.
“Today, I feel reconnected to my forebears, particularly to my immediate predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozie, because on a day like this in 2011, I also knelt before him, to be conferred with the title of Okilolo of Asaba.
“For me, to do this for the first time since my ascension truly is a reconnection with my forebears and my ancestors.
“So, Jibunoh, I want to thank you for making it easy for me, because if you are not in good standing with your traditional ruler, perhaps this would not have come to fruition.
“Do you have what it takes to be a chief of Asaba? You do. And more importantly, your citation has been read, and for it, it is a chronicle of the journey of a great man by any standard, globally speaking.
“In Asaba, we do not confer titles on non- indigenes. I believe that in human history, we have had about six of such conferment coming from my predecessor, out of which two of the holders are still alive- Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) and former Delta State commissioner of Police, Chief John Aduba.
“It is also a great mark of honour that you are the first person and first non-indigene being recognised under my watch as the traditional ruler of Asaba.
“I congratulate you immensely and urge you to stand up to be counted.”
The Asagba expressed confidence that the Odenigwe would live up to the tenets, norms, values and principles enunciated in the oath of allegiance and oath of office subscribed to.
In his acceptance speech, Jibunoh thanked the Asagba and the entire Asaba Kingdom for considering him worthy of recognition, and appreciated his friends and well wishers who came from across the country to identify with him on the historic occasion, including Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Brig-Gen. Hamisu Hassan (rtd); Mohammed Aliyu Yakubu; Prince Salisu Ado Bayero; Peter Igho; Soni Irabor; Jahman Anikulapo; and Rufai Oseni, amongst others.
He also thanked His Royal Majesty, Obi Azuka of Akwukwu Igbo, for giving approval for him to be conferred with the title, the Akwukwu Igbo traditional institution, members of his family, staff of the Asaba International Airport, and a host of others, whose presence added colour to the event.
“I have taken the oath of office and I have pledged my allegiance. I want to make it very clear that I will do everything possible to be part of this wonderful royal family that you have invited me to belong to.
“I accept all the responsibilities that go with the title. I will not take it for granted.”
Highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the title and presentation of the paraphernalia of office to the Odenigwe by the Asagba.
