The monarch calls for an impartial investigation after one person was killed and five others injured in violence linked to a political rally.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has urged former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and the leadership of the Obidient Movement to caution their supporters against political violence following an incident in Asaba that left one person dead and five others injured.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, the 14th Asagba described the violence, which occurred on Saturday, November 7, as unacceptable and said Asaba must not become a battleground for political disputes.
Azinge said preliminary reports suggested the incident involved rival groups associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement, but noted that investigations were ongoing.
“The loss of a human life over political disagreements is unacceptable. No political ambition, party loyalty, leadership dispute or struggle for supremacy is worth the blood of any Nigerian,” he said.
Addressing Obi, the monarch said the former governor’s political influence, particularly among young Nigerians, carried a responsibility to promote peaceful political participation.
“Mr Peter Obi, leadership comes with responsibility. Your political influence and the support you command, particularly among young Nigerians, must be matched by an equally strong commitment to peaceful political participation,” he said.
Azinge called on Obi and the Obidient Movement’s leadership to urge their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, provocation and retaliation. He said internal disputes should be resolved through dialogue and established party channels, rather than force.
The monarch also called for an impartial investigation and urged authorities to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible. He said future political gatherings in Asaba should be coordinated with security agencies and warned against retaliatory attacks.
“Asaba is not a battleground for political supremacy. Our people will not accept the importation of political hostility into our communities or the disruption of our peace in the name of party politics,” he said.
He expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed that one person was killed and five others injured during the incident but did not identify the victims or say who was responsible. Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said the command had received intelligence suggesting the possibility of violence ahead of the rally.
According to Edafe, the organisers were invited to a security meeting and advised against holding an open-road procession. Police said they recommended that the political activity be held at a designated venue where security could be provided, but alleged that the organisers went ahead with the procession.
The violence reportedly broke out at about 12:15 p.m. along Nnebisi Road. Police said officers responded to a distress call, took the injured to hospital and reinforced security in the area. An investigation is ongoing.
The Delta State Government also condemned the violence and said it could have been avoided if organisers had followed police advice to hold the event at a designated venue. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, the government called for a thorough investigation and urged political parties and their supporters to avoid actions that could threaten public peace.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Global Obidient Movement, Dr Mo, said members of the movement had been attacked during the rally. The group said its Delta State deputy coordinator, identified as Comrade Noah, was among those injured. That account has not been independently confirmed by police.
