Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Okey Bakassi, has been appointed as the traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Mbaise, Imo State.
The 55-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Okechukwu Onyegbule, will now be known as His Royal Highness Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, OKWE II of Umuihuocha Obohia. He is the second person to hold the title “OKWE,” following a former ruler known as OKWE I.
Okey Bakassi shared the news on social media on Sunday with a message titled “NEXT LEVEL.” In the post, he thanked his people for trusting him and called the honour “Service to Community.”
He wrote, “Thank you, Umuihuocha Autonomous Community, for this honour. I promise to serve with all my heart.”
The appointment has brought many congratulatory messages from fans, friends, and colleagues.
Fellow comedian Gbenga Adeyinka wrote, “Congratulations on your new elevation by the Umuihuocha Autonomous Community! This is a remarkable achievement. May you inspire positive change and demonstrate impressive leadership as you guide your community. Kudos to your community for making such an excellent choice.”
Shaibu Husseini, executive director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), also praised him, calling him “Ichie Na Umuihuocha.”
Before this appointment, Okey Bakassi had once served as Senior Special Adviser on Entertainment to former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim.
His new role makes him the only Nigerian entertainer recently appointed as a traditional ruler. He now joins other Nigerian celebrities who have received traditional titles in their communities.
Singer D’Banj was given the title “Enyi Ka Nwanne Amuzi” in Amuzi Obowoland, Imo State, in 2018. Actor Femi Branch was honoured as Agun Asa of Edeland the same year. Actress Genevieve Nnaji received the title Eze Ada 1 of Amuzu Nweafor in Mbaise, while 2Baba became the Tafidan Kudendan (Ambassador of Peace) in Kaduna State.
Other entertainers from Mbaise who have received titles include Kanayo O. Kanayo, who was given the title Ihe Mbaise Ji Ka Mba, and Alex Ekubo, who became the Ikuku of Amumara town in 2020.
Okey Bakassi’s coronation date is yet to be announced, but many fans are already celebrating his new journey as a traditional ruler.
