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Entertainer and newly installed traditional ruler of Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Imo State, Okey Bakassi, has said that ascending the throne will not signal the end of his long-standing career in entertainment.
Born Okechukwu Onyegbule, the comedian, actor and master of ceremonies was recently named Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia, a development that has sparked conversations about how he intends to balance royalty with show business.
In an interview with Punch, Bakassi made it clear that comedy represents only a fraction of his professional identity.
According to him, he prefers to see himself broadly as an entertainer whose craft spans acting, stand-up comedy and public speaking.
He explained that his journey into entertainment began as a hobby during his university days but gradually transformed into a full-time pursuit after completing his National Youth Service in Lagos.
Faced with the choice between paid employment and chasing his passion, he chose the latter, despite the uncertainties that defined the industry at the time.
Reflecting on that decision, Bakassi noted that the entertainment space was far less structured in its early years, requiring persistence and total commitment.
He said he was driven by passion and fulfillment, convinced that if he could earn a living doing what brought him joy, then it was the right path. That conviction ultimately helped him build a career that has spanned decades across stage, television and film.
Speaking on his emergence as monarch, Bakassi described the role as a call to service rather than retirement from public life. He argued that traditional leadership should not be seen as a position reserved for those who are done with active careers.
Instead, he believes that individuals who are still energetic and well-connected can leverage their influence to bring visibility and development to their communities.
He revealed that when he initially searched for Umuihuocha online, there was little or no digital presence, a gap he is determined to change before his official coronation.
Addressing concerns about balancing entertainment with royal duties, Bakassi said every phase of life comes with new responsibilities and adjustments.
From bachelorhood to marriage, fatherhood and now kingship, he insists adaptation is part of growth. He also pushed back against critics who question his decision to continue working as a master of ceremonies, stressing the dignity of labour and the need to respect all legitimate professions.
Bakassi rose to prominence in the 1990s during Nigeria’s stand-up comedy boom and has since featured in numerous Nollywood productions.
He won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2014 for his performance in Confusion Na Wa. His coronation marks a new chapter that blends cultural leadership with a thriving entertainment career.
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