The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has disowned a statement circulating on social media in connection with the recent attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba, Delta State, describing the document as a forgery.
The monarch, through his palace, denied issuing or authorising any statement warning the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, or members of the Obidient and Kwankwaso movements against conducting political activities in Asaba.
The development has introduced a fresh twist to the controversy surrounding the violent attack on a peaceful solidarity procession organised by groups supporting the NDC in the Delta State capital.
In a disclaimer signed by Chief Philips E. Nwokolo, Chief of Staff to the Asagba’s Palace, the traditional institution expressed shock over the circulation of what it described as a fake royal communication bearing a forged palace letterhead and signature.
The palace condemned the publication as a “malicious and despicable act”, alleging that it could be the handiwork of political actors seeking to manipulate public opinion over the incident.
In the statement titled Royal Public Notice, the palace clarified that the purported letter addressed to Peter Obi did not originate from the throne.
It also accused those behind the document of using artificial intelligence to reproduce a fake palace letterhead and signature in an attempt to create the impression that the monarch had blamed Obi and his supporters for the unrest in Asaba.
According to the palace, the false narrative was an indication of the desperation of some political actors and should be addressed by the appropriate authorities.
The traditional ruler has reportedly directed that those responsible for the alleged forgery be identified and brought to justice.
The palace further urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard the circulating document, insisting that neither the letterhead nor the signature on it was authentic.
While distancing himself from the controversial statement, the Asagba reaffirmed his condemnation of political intolerance and violence.
The palace recalled that the monarch had earlier addressed the incident at a press conference, where he maintained that Asaba should remain a peaceful city and should not tolerate violence of any kind, whether politically motivated or otherwise.
He also called on politicians and political parties to respect the wishes of the people and ensure adequate security arrangements before organising rallies, processions or peaceful protests.
The monarch reiterated his support for peaceful and lawful political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections in Delta State and across Nigeria
The attack on the NDC-linked procession has continued to attract reactions from political figures and groups in Delta State.
Those who have condemned the incident include the NDC governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye; the party’s Delta North senatorial candidate, Hon. Victor Ochei; and its Delta Central senatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
The spokesman for the Delta State Government and the state APC Campaign Council, Charles Aniagwu, was also listed among those who had condemned the violence.
However, the report noted that the Delta State Police Command had yet to make a public statement on the organisers’ allegations that they were denied adequate security protection ahead of the procession.
The police had also not announced any arrest in connection with the alleged forgery of the Asagba’s palace document as of the time the report was filed.
Meanwhile, the controversy has generated intense discussions on social media, with allegations circulating about the identity of the person who first shared the purported royal statement online.
According to the report, attention has been drawn to a popular aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose name was withheld, over claims that the individual was among the first to circulate the document on November 8, 2026, at about 7:53 a.m.
However, the allegation has not been independently established, and no official finding identifying the person responsible for the purported forgery was reported.
The latest development adds another dimension to the controversy surrounding the attack in Asaba, raising concerns about political violence, misinformation and the alleged misuse of traditional institutions in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
The palace’s position is that the purported statement against Peter Obi did not come from the Asagba and should be treated as fake.
