Omu of Asaba Commends Asagba’s Gender-Inclusive Leadership, Advises Other Anioma Monarchs to Emulate Him

By Emeka Esogbue

The Omu of Asaba, HRH Obi Dr. Ada Nwanneamaka Biosah, has expressed profound appreciation for the inclusive leadership style of the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN. In a recent exchange, the Omu lauded the monarch for fostering a progressive environment where the voices of women are not just heard, but integrated into the highest levels of traditional decision-making mechanism.

The Omu’s remarks came as a response to observations made by the Pen Master (Emeka Esogbue) on his social media space regarding the composition of the Asagba-in-Council.

Following a recent council meeting, it was noted that the Omu, the traditional female head is a fully integrated member of the council, a practice that stands in stark contrast to many other traditional settings despite the age-long practice and government white paper expectations establishing the councils in many of the Enuani conmunities.

"Pen Master, I want to thank you for your consistently insightful write-ups; this observation is incredibly apt," Omu Biosah stated.

"Asaba Kingdom is truly blessed to have a gender-friendly Asagba. From the very onset of his reign, he has gone above and beyond to carry our women along, ensuring they are encouraged and empowered."

The Omu highlighted the tangible impact of the Asagba’s commitment to gender equity, revealing that there are currently at least 50 female chiefs serving within the Asagba’s cabinet.

The Omu noted that the Asagba’s support has made the execution of her traditional duties seamless and that while women in many Anioma and Enuani communities face systemic discrimination and exclusion from governance, Asaba is setting a different standard.

"I pray that other monarchs across our Enuani and Anioma communities recognize the value of this inclusivity and follow the exemplary lead of our Royal Father," she added.

The Preservation of Culture Amid Modernity

Despite its status as a bustling state capital, Asaba continues to receive accolades for its ability to balance rapid urbanization with the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Historically, the institution of the Omu, the female traditional leader, has faced challenges in various Enuani communities. In some communities, the office is sidelined, leaving occupants in states of neglect. The vulnerability of the institution became a point of public discourse following the passing of Omu Martha Dunkwu, the Omu of Anioma, who spent her life bringing the Omuship into the global limelight. Omu Dunkwu's era saw many Enuani communities rebirthing Omuship including Ibusa, Akwukwu-Igbo, Obomkpa and among others. Meanwhile, there are currently no Omus in Ubulu-Uku and Onicha-Olona at the moment despite being two of the earliest communities with the institution.

Under the reign of Prof. Azinge, however, the Omuship in Asaba is being treated not as a ceremonial relic, but as a vital pillar of the kingdom’s administrative structure where it serves as a vehicle for women change in Delta State.

HRH Obi Dr. Ada Biosah is the 14th Omu of Asaba.

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