The palace of the Asagba of Asaba kingdom on Tuesday officially confirmed and announced the demise of Obi Chike Edozien.
The news of the Asagba’s demise had filtered in on Thursday last week, but the palace didn’t confirm the development.
NewsClick Nigeria gathered that business activities in Asaba, the Delta State capital, and its environs on Tuesday came to a halt during the official announcement of the monarch’s death.
Schools, shops and other business concerns were shutdown even as the movements in and out of Asaba including tricycles and motorcycles were restricted.
The popular Ogbogonogo and Oko markets among others were under lock and key as early as 5am in preparation for the announcement of the death of the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
At the palace, there was procession led by the Odogwu of Asaba, Chief Nwanze Odua, in a red attire dancing around the palace.
Announcing the death of the monarch at about 5pm, the Onihe of Asaba, Obi Ubaka Attor, said iroko has fallen.
“Iroko has fallen, the Asagba of Asaba has gone,” he declared.
Reading a statement, the Palace Secretary, Chief Patrick Ndili, said, “With heavy hearts, we announce the transition unto enternal glory our highly reverend royal father, Asagba, Prof. Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba
“He was aged 100 years and the 13th Asagba of Asaba who ascended the throne as the Asagba of Asaba on July 1, 1991”
He said the burial arrangements would be announced by the family and Asaba kingdom in due time.
The announcement was followed with the shooting of 21 cannon.
Attor announced the decoration of Asagba’s first son, Mr Joseph Edozien, as the regent.
Last week, a palace source, who is one of the monarch’s top aides, confirmed his death.
The source familiar with the workings of the palace, however, said there would be no public statement on the development until after seven days (today).
