The 13th Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, has passed away at the age of 99.
Asaba, the capital of Delta State, is mourning the loss of the revered traditional ruler. Although the death has not been officially announced due to tradition, sources confirm that Edozien joined his ancestors on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
The news of his passing has spread throughout the city, with residents expressing their condolences and describing his death as a great loss to the entire Asaba kingdom.
Prof. Edozien was born on July 28, 1925, in Asaba to the famous family of Edozien, who were said to be the direct descendants of Nnebisi the founder of Asaba.
In 1997, he was elected as Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers.
In 2003, then-Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo conferred the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on him.
He was the Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Prof. Edozien was also the first Black-African indigenous dean of medicine in a foreign land.
