The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Sunday, attended Thanksgiving Mass of the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge.
Governor Oborevwori was represented at the Holy Mass which was celebrated at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba, Delta State by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA. Also in attendance were former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi.
Catholic Arch-Bishop Emeritus, Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, at the Holy Mass decried situation where Nigerians are described as the most religious people in the world, yet the country is rated among the most corrupt countries in the world.
He congratulated the monarch, wishing him a peaceful and successful reign in the kingdom.
Stressing the need for Nigerians to pursue the true God and find the truth, he said, “Nigeria is supposed to be the most religious country in the world and at the same time one of the most corrupt nation in the world.
“How can a people that are religious be corrupt at the same time? Something must be wrong.
“There must be something wrong with the religions that we have and we will definitely look at it carefully.”
Onaiyekan said he was praying that “all of us who claim to be religious in Nigeria will do our best to seek God and Godliness first.”
Earlier in his Homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Bishop Michael Elue, said the Asagba of Asaba recognises that all authorities come from God and that such authorities are given for common good.
He said HRM Azinge “is very is a man who is very close to his God, realising that not only is the fear of God the beginning of wisdom, but also that without the assistance of God, no good can be achieved by anyone and no strategy, no matter how accurately thought out, can be successful.”
He added that “this celebration affords us the opportunity to take legitimate pride in the fact that the Asagba of Asaba is a Catholic and therefore, we pray for him to be exceptionally good in his office.”
HRM Azinge was crowned on 5 October, 2024 as 14th Asagba of Asaba and presented with staff of office on 28 November, 2024 by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Also in attendance were the former Senator representing Delta North, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili at the House of Representatives, Mr. Ngozi Okolie, the Obi of Owa kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor, other traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
