The Asagba of Asaba, HRH Prof.Epiphany Azinge, has raised serious concern over the growing practice of indiscriminate grave digging within residential communities in Asaba, Delta State.

During a familiarisation tour of villages in Umuonaje Quarter, the monarch observed that several homes and neighbourhoods had graves located within living spaces, a situation he described as unhealthy, unsafe, and incompatible with modern urban renewal efforts being carried out by the state government.

The traditional ruler noted that such burial practices pose challenges to proper town planning, environmental sanitation, and the long-term development of the communities.He stressed that allowing graves to dominate residential areas could negatively affect the aesthetic and structural organisation of Asaba’s villages.

In response, he announced plans to establish a regulatory committee that would oversee and approve burials within residential environments until a public cemetery is fully developed.Families intending to bury loved ones at home would now require formal approval from the proposed body.

During the tour, he also expressed concern about the poor condition of traditional meeting halls known as Ogwas, many of which require urgent repairs such as reroofing and repainting.

He urged community leaders to mobilise their sons and daughters in the diaspora to invest in local development projects to improve infrastructure and living conditions.The Asagba further emphasised the need for clean, accessible, and well-organised villages free from blocked roads and slum-like conditions.He also promised to intervene in resolving lingering disputes among families and communities across the various quarters of Asaba.

Residents reportedly came out in large numbers to welcome the monarch during his inspection tour, which covered Umuonaje, Umuezei, Ugbomanta, Umuagu, Umuaji, and other areas within his domain.