Entertainer and traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Imo State Okechukwu Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has said his new role as a monarch will not bring his career in entertainment to an end.
The Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia made this known in an interview with Punch where he reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry and how he intends to combine it with his traditional duties.
Speaking on his career, Okey said comedy is only one part of what he does.
“Comedy is just one aspect of what I do. I prefer to describe myself as an entertainer. My work is a blend of acting, stand-up comedy and public speaking; all wrapped into one package.”
He said his journey began as a hobby during his university days but became a full time pursuit after his youth service in Lagos.
“It began as a hobby during my university days. But when I moved to Lagos for my youth service, I had to confront a defining question: what next? Do I get a paid job or pursue my interest in entertainment? Initially, I wanted to do it part-time because it came naturally to me and brought me joy.
“However, I soon realized that entertainment is not something you dabble in. The industry wasn’t as structured as it is today. Roles weren’t waiting for you; you had to chase them relentlessly. It demanded the same level of commitment and energy as any full-time profession.
“Toward the end of my service year, after deep reflection, I decided to pursue entertainment fully before considering paid employment. I was driven purely by passion. It gave me happiness and felt effortless. I told myself that if I could also make a living from it, then this was what I was meant to do.”
On his emergence as Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia, Okey said he sees the position as an opportunity to serve rather than a retirement from public life.
“Life evolves in stages. You begin as a bachelor finding direction, then become a husband, a father, and now, in my case, a community leader.
“When a community asks you to represent them, it means they see something in you. I see this role as an opportunity, not retirement. We’ve wrongly framed traditional leadership as something for people who are tired. It shouldn’t be.
“While you’re strong and connected, you can leverage those connections to uplift vulnerable people and put your community on the map.
“When I first ‘Googled’ Umuihuocha, nothing came up. It felt like we didn’t exist. Today, there’s presence and visibility. By the time of the official coronation, the structures will be firmly in place.”
Addressing how he plans to balance comedy with royalty, he said every stage of life comes with responsibility.
“Every stage of life comes with restraints. Marriage brings restraint. Fatherhood brings more. Public office demands another level of responsibility.
“I have adapted through each stage. This is simply another phase. Change is constant. There’s nothing frightening about it.”
He also responded to those who question his decision to continue working as a master of ceremonies after becoming a traditional ruler.
“Nigerians are still learning to appreciate the dignity of labour. We tend to rank professions unnecessarily; looking down on some and placing others on a pedestal.
“In other societies, janitors and fast-food workers are respected because they are earning an honest living and contributing to society. Anyone who works legitimately to serve humanity deserves respect and can aspire to any position.
“That mindset is something I hope to challenge. Becoming a king does not mean retiring from meaningful work. As long as I can balance both roles effectively, I will continue. The only time I would reconsider is if one responsibility becomes so demanding that I need to scale back.
“Besides, kings are public speakers, and that’s what I do professionally. So I’m well within my lane.”
Okey rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of Nigeria’s stand up comedy movement and has featured in several Nollywood productions. He won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2014 for his role in Confusion Na Wa. Over the years, he has hosted major events and remained active in film, television and live performances.
His coronation as Okwe II marks a new phase in his public life, combining entertainment with traditional leadership in his Imo State community.
