By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
Tears of joy, warm embraces, and thunderous applause filled the air on Friday as the ancient kingdoms of Asaba and Oko finally buried nearly a decade of royal hostilities in a powerful display of unity and reconciliation.
It was a moment many thought would never come. But on this historic day at the Oshimili South Local Government Secretariat, two royal stools that had been locked in court battles and strained relations since 2016 stood side by side — not as rivals, but as brothers.
For Hon. (High Chief) Ezenyili Kelvin Obi (Ph.D.), Executive Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area, the reconciliation marked the fulfillment of a deeply personal mission — to heal a division that had lingered for far too long.
“Without an iota of doubt, I am the happiest person among us all,” the visibly elated chairman told the gathering, his voice thick with emotion. “What began as a campaign promise in 2021 has today blossomed into a reality that will be remembered for generations.”
The dispute, which originated from issues surrounding royal stool entitlements, had stretched through years of court injunctions, judgments, appeals, and counter appeals — nearly a decade of legal back-and-forth.
Ezenyili revealed that throughout the period of the conflict, the Council maintained a special account to preserve monthly stipends for the two stools. In a rare show of transparency, he announced that a total of ₦522,797,882.57 had been saved as at September 2025, and would now be handed over to both royal institutions.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for granting approval to embark on the second phase of reconciliation talks, which ultimately produced the long-awaited accord.
Speaking from the heart, the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge (SAN, OON), praised the painstaking mediation led by the Council, describing it as a journey filled with tough conversations and deliberate choices.
“Getting to ‘yes’ was not easy,” the monarch said, borrowing a term from mediation practice. “But both parties came with open minds and the desire to agree. That’s what made this possible.”
He emphasized that despite the misunderstanding at the top, the people of Asaba and Oko never truly became enemies.
“We remain brothers and sisters, inextricably intertwined as one people. There has never been a dispute between the two kingdoms. It was only a misunderstanding that needed to be resolved. And today, that chapter is closed,” the Asagba declared to loud cheers.
The monarch also warmly acknowledged the Akor of Oko for honoring his first coronation anniversary — a symbolic gesture he said underscored their deep fraternal ties.
Akor of Oko: “The Past Is Gone — Let’s Build the Future”
The Akor of Oko Kingdom, HRM Engr. Eze Osita Onwuka, was equally emotional. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Asagba, he thanked the Chairman for brokering the reconciliation and pledged his full commitment to sustained peace.
“Whatever happened in the past should remain in the past,” he said firmly. “From today, we are moving forward together. I will work hand in hand with my brother, the Asagba of Asaba, to build a stronger bond between our kingdoms.”
Among those in attendance was Mrs. Nkem Onwuadi, a trader from Oko community who has lived in Asaba for over 25 years. Fighting back tears, she described the moment as “a miracle.”
“We have waited so long for this,” she said, clutching her wrapper. “There were years people didn’t visit freely. Some marriages were strained. But today, the kings have shown us the way. This day will be told to our children.”
Friday’s ceremony drew palace chiefs, government officials, community elders, and residents who cheered the royal fathers as they publicly embraced — a symbolic gesture that many described as the healing of a wound that had festered for too long.
For the people of Asaba and Oko, this was more than a peace accord. It was a homecoming, a return to the shared heritage, intermarriages, trade, and kinship that once bound the two communities tightly together.
As dusk settled over the Secretariat, the atmosphere remained electric. Songs of joy echoed, handshakes lingered, and history was quietly made.