Actor, comedian, and traditional leader of the Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Imo State, Okechukwu Onyegbule, widely recognized as Okey Bakassi, discusses with NAOMI CHIMA how he manages his professional life alongside his position as a traditional ruler.
You've been part of the comedy world for more than thirty years. When did you understand that comedy was no longer just a pastime, but your true vocation?
Humor is just a part of my overall performance. I like to think of myself as an entertainer. My career combines acting, stand-up comedy, and speaking engagements; all brought together in a single offering.
"How did Robert Kiyosaki make his first profit?"It started as a pastime while I was in university. However, when I relocated to Lagos for my youth service, I faced a crucial decision: what's next? Should I take up a paid position or follow my passion for entertainment? At first, I intended to do it on a part-time basis since it came easily to me and made me happy.
Nevertheless, I quickly understood that entertainment isn't something you engage in casually. The industry wasn't as organized as it is now. Positions weren't readily available; you had to pursue them with great determination. It required the same degree of dedication and vigor as any full-time job.
BIG PROMO, BUY NOW!!!As my service year came to a close, following much thought, I chose to focus entirely on entertainment before looking into paid work. I was motivated solely by love for it. It brought me joy and felt natural. I told myself that if I could also earn a living from it, then this was my true path.
Did you ever imagine that you were a humorous individual meant for the entertainment industry?
Not in the least. I was raised in a tight-knit family that would come together in the living room to share stories. My mother was a very skilled storyteller. My father, despite being in the military, had a cheerful side when he chose to. From an early age, we were encouraged to speak openly, share our thoughts, and have fun. This atmosphere influenced me greatly.
When I was young, I truly desired to become a military physician. Later, I pursued engineering and somehow found myself in the entertainment industry. Life has a peculiar way of developing. At one stage, I simply glanced at life and thought, "Let me try this first."
Being raised as the oldest in a strict military household, how did that influence your sense of humor and dedication to work?
Living in the barracks had a huge impact on me. Anyone who grew up as a "barracks pikin" knows it's like a small Nigeria; a mix of tribes, languages, and cultures. You spend your childhood with friends from all over. This experience offers you stories, accents, behavior traits, and viewpoints that are hard to come by anywhere else.
All around me was drama, variety, and comedy. It all turned into content without my even noticing.
You've mentioned arriving in Lagos with nothing and facing homelessness. What motivated you to keep going?
After departing Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, my family was facing financial challenges. I am the eldest among five siblings, and I had never visited Lagos prior to my youth service.
What motivated me was realizing how challenging life was back home. I had to decide my own interpretation of "tough": remain at home with a misleading feeling of safety while still facing difficulties, or confront the clear struggles in Lagos and battle to stay alive. I opted to endure in Lagos instead of increasing the load on my parents.
The comedy performance, "Night of a Thousand Laughs," was crucial to your professional journey. What makes its origin memorable?
I played a key role in developing Night of a Thousand Laughs. Upon arriving in Lagos, I discovered that there was no established comedy industry. There were touring theatre companies and actors who incorporated comedy into their dramatic performances, but there was no formal structure for stand-up comedy.
Witnessing comedians in Lagos who were just as humorous — or perhaps even more so — than my friends in Port Harcourt led me to understand that talent is spread throughout the nation.
The issue now was: how could we unite them?
Back then, I served as the production manager for Opa Williams, working together with Reginald Ebere. We came up with a national comedy reality show aimed at finding talent and bringing them to Lagos to compete. Opa Williams supported the idea. Reginald and I developed the initial concept, which played a major role in the development of stand-up comedy in Nigeria.
When acting roles became less frequent, you transformed yourself with comedy performances. How important was this change?
Reinvention was crucial. Financial specialists discuss various sources of income, yet back then, everyone concentrated on acting since stand-up comedy had not yet become a recognized field.
Following my first film, I went through what I would describe as intentional separation from the acting environment, and I couldn't figure out why. It served as a realization. When one door shuts, another has to open.
I chose to approach stand-up comedy with greater dedication, improve my skills, and expand my range. In time, I started making more money from stand-up than from acting.
Which service pushes your imagination the furthest?
Comedy performance. Acting and music involve teamwork. Radio is special as you communicate with listeners who can't see you. However, stand-up is simply you, the crowd, and a microphone. There's no backup.
It demands mental clarity, quick cognitive awareness, and the skill to present an engaging and humorous narrative on the spot. Each audience is unique. Their emotional state influences everything.
It's intense. In my view, it's the most challenging artistic expression.
You have recently been named the Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia. How do you envision your development in this position?
Life progresses through different phases. You start as a single person searching for purpose, then take on the role of a spouse, a parent, and now, in my situation, a leader within the community.
When a group requests that you stand for them, it indicates they recognize qualities in you. I view this position as a chance, rather than a step towards ending my career. We have incorrectly portrayed conventional leadership as suitable for those who are weary. It should not be.
As long as you are powerful and well-connected, you can use those relationships to support those in need and bring recognition to your neighborhood.
When I first "Googled" Umuihuocha, there was no information available. It seemed as if we weren't recognized. Now, there is a presence and awareness. By the time of the official coronation, the systems will be well established.
How do you manage to incorporate humor while adhering to the limitations of being a member of the royal family?
Each phase of life involves limitations. Marriage introduces restrictions. Becoming a father adds more. Holding a public position requires an additional level of accountability.
I have evolved with every step. This is just another period. Progress is ongoing. There's nothing to be afraid of.
After discussing the risks of intolerance in leadership, how do you evaluate Nigeria's current political situation, and what guidance would you offer to leaders and citizens?
Power exposes one's true nature. Grant a person authority or wealth, and you will discover their genuine self.
Leadership must instill modesty. History demonstrates that numerous individuals achieve prominence only to vanish swiftly. Those who applaud you today may rescind their backing tomorrow.
If you hold a leadership position, your safety is important, but the well-being of the people is even more crucial. Avoid thinking you are all-powerful. You are not divine.
What makes you believe your people selected you to be their leader?
Years of being in the spotlight without any controversy say a lot. I have always behaved with responsibility. I possess a degree in Agricultural Engineering, a certificate in Public Relations, and I am dedicated to personal growth.
I will be 57 this year. Life has gotten me ready. I have kept a steady family life and stayed true to myself. People appreciate reliability.
What part should governmental regulations take in enhancing the entertainment sector?
Entertainment is among the biggest sectors employing young people. A single creative individual can sustain many others.
The government should establish a supportive atmosphere — reliable electricity, safety, and financial support for artists. Without power, content cannot be accessed. Without protection, artists cannot move or conduct research securely.
Collaborations can enhance tourism, foreign currency earnings, and the promotion of cultural products.
You have been married for more than 25 years. What is the key to your long-lasting relationship?
Purpose. I pursued my profession with dedication and brought the same approach to my marriage. My wife is my childhood love. The initial years were challenging, but grace and purpose created harmony.
Poverty places significant pressure on households, making it essential to work diligently to support them. Respect, belief, and a common goal are important.
As a spouse, you need to create a vision of the future that your partner has faith in. Regular advancement helps maintain relationships.
What do you deliberately aim to teach your children as a parent?
Family principles. Without principles, a family falls apart. We nurture our children with a reverence for God and a solid sense of self.
They need to realize that their accomplishments are a reflection of those who came before and those who will follow.
My spouse and I function as a unified team. The kids observe this cohesion and recognize its importance.
You have discussed polygamy. Would you view it as a customary leadership practice?
I think polygamy is a legitimate traditional marriage practice in Africa. All systems come with difficulties; monogamy is no exception. The high divorce rates demonstrate this.
Several contemporary setups are effectively polygamous; we simply do not refer to them in that way.
The essential aspect is accountability. Marriage structures ought to safeguard families and children. The discussion needs to be truthful, not driven by emotions.
Has fatherhood changed you?
Absolutely. "Daddy" is the most esteemed title a man can possess.
Fatherhood brings a sense of responsibility. A conventional African father is programmed to safeguard and support, often to the detriment of emotional connection. This is a aspect that men should be mindful of.
How does parenting differ between generations?
Technology has transformed every aspect of life. I wouldn't claim this generation is inferior, as each generation tends to say the same about the one that follows.
However, children today encounter greater exposure to traumatic experiences and excessive digital stimulation. Reduced time spent outdoors diminishes empathy and social bonds.
That concerns me. The world has changed, and we need to adjust carefully.
What impact is most significant to you, aside from entertainment and a royal position?
The most significant inheritance I leave is the example I provide to my children. My main duty in front of God is to nurture individuals who will bring blessings to society, not harm. Every terrorist or criminal is someone's child who was raised incorrectly and later became a burden on society.
It's impossible to fail in your role as a father and then assert success as a leader. True charity starts within one's own family. If you can't handle your household, how can you guide a larger community?
In the end, my personal guiding principle is the search for joy. I hope to be remembered as a person who arrived, observed, and was content.
What guidance do you have for dealing with competition and rivalry within the entertainment field?
Competition and rivalry are inherent in every sector. The key is to maintain a positive environment. Your achievements should not be built upon another's downfall.
Competition can be fierce, but there's no reason to hurt or undermine others in order to progress. Concentrate on refining your skills. Allow your development to demonstrate your abilities.
You recently acted as the master of ceremonies at an event in Imo State. How do you address critics who doubt a traditional leader's involvement in such a role?
Nigerians are still in the process of understanding the value of hard work. There is a tendency to categorize jobs unfairly; looking down upon certain roles while elevating others.
In different cultures, cleaners and fast-food employees are valued as they make a genuine income and add to the community. Everyone who works lawfully to help people deserves recognition and has the potential to reach any role.
This way of thinking is something I aim to question. Ascending to the throne doesn't imply stepping away from significant responsibilities. As long as I can manage both positions successfully, I will keep going. The only scenario that might make me rethink things is if one duty becomes too overwhelming, requiring me to reduce my commitments.
Additionally, kings serve as public speakers, and that's my professional role. Therefore, I'm right where I should be.
What is your preferred cuisine and athletic activity?
Football, and I still play it to this day. Regarding food, I like to eat with any delicious soup.
"How did Robert Kiyosaki make his first profit?"How do you relax?
I unwind by watching sports events or films and by reading. I have a target of reading a minimum of three books annually.
Provided by zaianews.com).