Ignorance and the root of suffering? Searching the Pali Canon for the "root of suffering", we find the direct  definition only occurs in a few suttas:


delight is the root of suffering (MN1)
attachment is the root of suffering (MN105, MN66)
desire is the root of suffering ([MN42.11])
what is greed? ... that which is...root of suffering (Vb17)


We also have that ignorance is simply one product of dependent origination (SN 22.81):


  And that craving, that feeling, that contact, and that ignorance are also impermanent, conditioned, and dependently originated.


Ignorance does indeed result in suffering, but to claim it as the root of suffering feels a bit misleading. 

Can one assert “ignorance is the root of suffering?” 

Can one assert “ignorance is NOT the root of suffering?”

In your answers, kindly include actual sutta references, preferably from the Pali Canon. This is necessary to avoid arguing about personal interpretation since supported translations are provided by ordained and well-respected monks. As a Sangha, we have to respect and uphold the Dhamma.
Let me introduce you to the old South Indian Monkey Trap (from this article):


  In Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig’s
  bonkers-but-brilliant philosophical novel that turns 40 this year, he
  describes “the old South Indian Monkey Trap”. ... The trap
  “consists of a hollowed-out coconut, chained to a stake. The coconut
  has some rice inside which can be grabbed through a small hole”. The
  monkey’s hand fits through the hole, but his clenched fist can’t fit
  back out. “The monkey is suddenly trapped.” But not by anything
  physical. He’s trapped by an idea, unable to see that a principle that
  served him well – “when you see rice, hold on tight!” – has become
  lethal.


The monkey needs to let go of the rice in order to free himself from his suffering. The way to end his suffering, is to end his craving for rice. He got stuck in the trap in the first place due to his craving for rice.

But in order to end his craving for rice, he must first understand how his hand is stuck inside the coconut. When the monkey overcomes his ignorance about how the trap works, he would let go of his craving for rice, and release his clenched fist. With this, he would be free from his suffering.

So, the root of the monkey's misery is craving, and not ignorance, as stated in SN 22.31:


  “And what, bhikkhus, is misery? Form is misery; feeling is misery;
  perception is misery; volitional formations are misery; consciousness
  is misery. This is called misery.
  
  “And what, bhikkhus, is the root of misery? It is this craving that
  leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking
  delight here and there; that is, craving for sensual pleasures,
  craving for existence, craving for extermination. This is called the
  root of misery.”


But to uproot craving, the monkey must first overcome his ignorance.

If the monkey had ignorance of the working of the trap, but if he had no craving, he would not get stuck in the trap. If the monkey had craving but did not have ignorance, he could still neglect his knowledge and get caught in the trap, due to greed and clinging. Hence, craving is the root of suffering, and not ignorance.


(Illustration above: Paul Thurlby for the Guardian)