His Royal Majesty, Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany C. Azinge, SAN, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assist in addressing the developmental needs of the people of Asaba, Delta State.
The monarch made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the President at the State House, Abuja.
In his remarks, the Asagba commended President Tinubu for his leadership in steering the affairs of the nation and expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support during the passage of his predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba.
He noted that the representation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, was a gesture deeply appreciated by the Asaba people.
During the visit, the monarch advocated for the establishment of a federal university in Asaba, emphasising that Asaba remains the only state capital without one and appealed to President Tinubu to rectify this oversight, stressing the need for equitable distribution of federal institutions across the country.
The Asagba further called for the rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure, including the Benin-Asaba Expressway and the Asaba-Illah-Ebu-Ubiaja-Uromi Road, which serves as a major gateway to Abuja, while urging the president to ensure the extension of railway lines through Asaba as part of the Coastal Rail Project.
The Asagba also recalled the tragic 1967 Asaba Massacre, where over 1,000 indigenes were killed during the Nigerian Civil War, adding that despite the passage of 58 years, no official steps had been taken to bring closure to the painful memory.
He appealed to the president to recognise this chapter of history and initiate measures towards reconciliation.
The monarch further called for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, arguing that their role in governance remains crucial.
He urged the president to support legislation that would integrate traditional institutions into Nigeria’s legal and administrative framework, particularly in areas of dispute resolution, grassroots governance and national stability.
In his response, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to national development and assured that his administration remains focused on infrastructure, economic empowerment and national unity, promising to consider the requests made by the delegation.
