Asagba of Asaba and Olu of Warri Pledge to Revive Historic Alliance for Regional Development

Monarchs Epiphany Azinge and Ogiame Atuwatse III meet in Asaba to strengthen historic ties and advocate for a West African traditional leaders' network.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 8:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the Peoples Gazette.

A Royal Meeting of Two Kingdoms

In a significant move toward regional stability, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, hosted the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, at his palace on Thursday. The meeting served as a platform to renew the historic bond between the Asaba and Warri royal institutions. Azinge recalled the deep personal and official ties shared by their predecessors—Ogiame Atuwatse II and the late Chike Edozien—and expressed optimism that this new generation of leadership would further solidify the alliance for the mutual benefit of their people.

Traditional Leadership on the Global Stage

The Asagba praised the Olu of Warri as a "visionary monarch" with a global outlook, commending his efforts to elevate the status of the Warri throne internationally. Azinge highlighted the Olu's composure and humility as exemplary qualities for modern traditional leadership. He encouraged the visiting monarch to continue his trajectory as a "leading light" in Delta State and beyond. The connection between the two families is also personal, as the Asagba noted a close relationship between the Olu’s queen and his own daughter, adding a layer of familial warmth to the official proceedings.

Expanding the Scope to West Africa

Beyond local cooperation, the monarchs discussed the broader role of traditional authorities in West Africa. Professor Azinge shared insights from his recent five-day working visit to Sierra Leone, where he met with academic and government officials. He revealed that the President of Sierra Leone, currently serving as the ECOWAS chairman, has encouraged traditional leaders to build stronger networks across the sub-region. This initiative aims to foster unity and development through periodic meetings of key African monarchs, a move both rulers believe is essential for modern governance.