Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, on his 70th birth anniversary, describing his reign as one of peace and humility.
Governor Oborevwori who spoke on Thursday at the thanksgiving Mass held at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, West-End, Asaba, to mark the royal father’s platinum jubilee, said Asagba’s life is a shining testament to wisdom, integrity, and purpose.
The Governor said it was good for the Asagba to return thanks to God for His grace and faithfulness, having attained the biblical age of three score and ten in strength and sound health.
He said: “I am very happy for this celebration because it is important that when God takes you to a particular level in life, you come back to appreciate Him. This thanksgiving is special because it is not just another birthday, it is an offering of gratitude for seventy years of divine mercy, strength, and grace.”
The Governor extolled the life and leadership of the monarch, noting that his reign had been marked by peace, humility, and understanding.
“Your Majesty, your life is a living testimony of wisdom,” he said. “From the classroom to the throne, you have demonstrated excellence, honesty, and service. As a lawyer and teacher, you helped shape minds and institutions across Nigeria and beyond. As a royal father, you have guided your people with grace, fostering unity and progress in Asaba and Delta State,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori praised the Asagba’s consistent support for the state government and his remarkable devotion to duty.
“There is no invitation too small for His Majesty to honour. He attends every event, even at short notice, that humility and commitment inspire us all. I am proud to celebrate you not only as a traditional ruler but as a symbol of what it means to combine talent, purpose, and service for the good of society,” he added.
Quoting Proverbs 16:31, the Governor described the monarch’s gray hair as “a crown of glory gained through a righteous life,” and prayed that God would continue to grant him strength, wisdom, and long life.
He also commended Her Majesty, the Asagba’s wife, for her steadfast support, saying; “your wife has stood by you faithfully. I have known her for many years, and I must thank her for being a pillar of support in your journey of service to God and humanity.”
Governor Oborevwori further thanked the people of Asaba Kingdom for their loyalty to their monarch, saying their love and unity had made his reign peaceful and successful.
“To the good people of Asaba Kingdom, I say thank you for your support and for standing firmly with your monarch. Your Majesty, happy 70th birthday. May these years bring you more joy, peace, and fulfillment”, he concluded.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection on a life devoted to God and humanity.
Drawing his message from Psalm 90, the Cardinal said, “the Bible reminds us that seventy is the sum of our years. It is a time to look back with gratitude and look forward with faith.”
He lauded the Asagba for his steadfast faith, wisdom, and compassion, calling him “a true monarch who has served God and humanity with love, integrity, and commitment.”
