Popular Nigerian actor and comedian, Okey Bakassi, has been crowned the traditional ruler of his hometown, Umuihuocha, in Imo State.
The widely celebrated entertainer, whose real name is Okechukwu Onyegbule, was officially installed as the monarch in a colourful ceremony rich with Igbo culture and tradition.
The event took place in the Umuihuocha Autonomous Community, located in the Mbaise area of the state. A large crowd of well-wishers, family members, and community leaders attended the event to witness the historic moment.
The new title: Okwe II of Umuihuocha
Following his coronation, Okey Bakassi now bears the royal title His Royal Highness, Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, the Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia. The title recognizes his new role as a custodian of the customs, values, and progress of his people.
He shared a video of the occasion on Instagram, offering fans a glimpse into the ceremony. In the post, he wrote: “Special presentation as king (Eze) of Umuihuocha community.” The video shows him dressed in traditional royal regalia, surrounded by chiefs, dancers, and villagers paying homage to their new ruler.
A joyous celebration of Igbo tradition
The coronation ceremony featured the full display of Igbo tradition. Men and women in traditional outfits danced to cultural music. There was drumming, chanting, and joyful celebration as the community welcomed their new king.
Speakers at the event praised Bakassi for his contribution to the entertainment industry and his long-standing support for the people of Mbaise. They described his rise to the throne as a “homecoming” for a son of the soil.
Cultural leaders and elders took turns blessing the actor as he sat on the royal stool. With each ritual and performance, the message was clear: the community believes in his leadership and wants him to guide them into a brighter future.
From comedy to royalty
Okey Bakassi is best known across Nigeria and beyond as a talented comedian and actor. With over two decades in the entertainment industry, he has earned respect for his creative work and dedication to promoting Nigerian culture through film and stage performance.
His transition from the entertainment scene to traditional leadership has sparked a wave of admiration online. Many fans and celebrities congratulated him on social media, calling it a well-deserved honor.
Though the move may seem surprising to some, those who know Bakassi say he has always remained close to his roots. In interviews, he often speaks proudly of his heritage and the values he learned growing up in Imo State.
Quick rise to the throne
Interestingly, the coronation happened just two weeks after Bakassi first announced his appointment as traditional ruler. The news came as a surprise to many fans who did not expect the actor to take up a royal role so soon.
Still, those close to him say he accepted the position with humility and a sense of duty. Community leaders said his calm nature, wisdom, and ability to bring people together made him an ideal choice for the role.
A resident of Umuihuocha described the coronation as a “turning point” for the town. “We believe Eze Okechukwu will bring peace, unity, and progress to our community,” he said.
What comes next?
As the new Okwe II of Umuihuocha, Okey Bakassi now carries the responsibility of uniting the people, settling disputes, and helping to lead development efforts in the area.
It is a role that comes with both honor and challenge. However, many believe he is well prepared. His years in public life and his connection with both rural and urban communities may help him bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.
For now, it is a time of celebration in Umuihuocha. The people are hopeful that their new king, who made them laugh for years, will now lead them with wisdom and heart.
