Asaba, Delta State — The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, has urged Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement to restrain supporters after deadly political violence during a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) procession.
In a statement dated November 8, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Azinge said the November 7 incident left one person dead and several others injured.
The palace called for those responsible to be identified through an impartial investigation.
It, however, directed its warning specifically to Peter Obi and his movement.
That focus drew attention because the NDC accused APC-linked attackers.
Meanwhile, authorities said the circumstances and those responsible remained under investigation.
Asaba: The Asagba’s Warning
Addressing Obi as the NDC’s presidential candidate, Azinge said political disagreements could never justify the loss of life or injuries.
He described Asaba as a peaceful city and said he was disturbed that it had become a scene of political violence.
The palace said reports suggested the incident involved rival factions associated with the NDC and the Obidient Movement.
It added that investigations were ongoing, while raising concerns about discipline, leadership responsibility and the handling of internal political disagreements.
Azinge called on Obi and the movement’s leadership to caution supporters against violence, intimidation, provocation and retaliation.
He said internal disputes should be handled through dialogue and established party mechanisms, rather than force or dangerous weapons.
The statement also urged authorities to identify those responsible, improve coordination with security agencies, and prevent retaliatory attacks.
It extended condolences to the deceased person’s family and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The royal warning addressed Obi and the movement directly, while its text also called for impartial investigation and justice.
What Happened During the Procession
The violence occurred on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, during a political procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement.
The procession was held in support of Obi, who is seeking the presidency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform.
The Delta State Police Command said one person died and five others were injured, and announced a full-scale investigation.
Police said they had received intelligence indicating possible violence, invited organisers to a security meeting, and advised against an open-road procession.
The command said organisers were encouraged to use a designated venue but proceeded with the procession.
The Delta State Government condemned the violence and called for investigation and prosecution, while saying police advice had been ignored.
The NDC disputed accounts that placed responsibility on rally organisers and demanded an independent investigation into the attack.
The party alleged that armed attackers disrupted its procession in Asaba, while the Guardian reported claims that campaign vehicles were damaged and participants injured.
The Guardian covered the NDC’s allegations and call for arrests.
Responsibility Remains Disputed
The Asagba’s statement urged Obi’s supporters to avoid violence, but did not itself identify who carried out the attack.
The NDC alleged that APC supporters started the assault in Asaba.
Police said they were investigating the circumstances and seeking to identify those responsible, while warning parties against road processions.
The state government’s public response also called for investigation and prosecution, and cited the police account about prior warnings.
These accounts differ over the procession’s organisation and the events preceding the violence, so responsibility should not be treated as settled.
The police-confirmed casualty figure was one death and five injuries, though early reports and political statements described varying numbers.
The royal statement’s focus on Obi and the Obidient Movement may prompt questions about why the warning singled them out.
At the same time, the palace called for justice and cautioned against retaliation by any faction or individual.
Calls to Protect Peace in Asaba
Azinge said political parties and movements would come and go, while Asaba and its residents would remain.
He warned that the community would not accept political hostility being brought into the city or disrupting local peace.
The statement called for future political events to be coordinated with security agencies to reduce the risk of another clash.
It also urged the movement to address internal disagreements and ensure discipline among members and affiliated groups.
The police separately advised political parties and supporters to avoid road processions and liaise with authorities before gatherings.
The central unanswered question is who initiated the violence, which investigators must resolve through evidence rather than political claims.
Until findings are released, the competing accounts should remain attributed to the NDC, police, state government and palace.
The Asagba’s intervention has added a traditional institution’s appeal for restraint to a dispute already carrying serious political consequences.
