From Hobby to Life’s Calling
Comedy wasn’t always meant to be a career. “I prefer to describe myself as an entertainer,” Bakassi explains. “My work is a blend of acting, stand-up comedy, and public speaking—all wrapped into one package.”
His journey began during university as a hobby. But moving to Lagos for his youth service presented a defining choice: pursue a conventional paid job or follow his passion. “Initially, I wanted to do it part-time because it came naturally to me and brought me joy. But the entertainment industry demands the same level of commitment and energy as any full-time profession,” he reflects.
By the end of his service year, he decided to pursue entertainment full-time. “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.”
Growing Up Funny—Without Realizing It
Bakassi grew up in a close-knit family where storytelling and humor were part of daily life. His mother was a gifted storyteller, and his military father had a cheerful side that emerged occasionally. “From a young age, we were encouraged to express ourselves freely, speak our minds, and joke around. That environment shaped me,” he says.
Interestingly, he didn’t always see himself as an entertainer. “As a child, I wanted to be a military doctor. I eventually studied engineering and somehow ended up in show business. Life has an interesting way of unfolding. At some point, I simply looked at life and said, ‘Let me do this first.’”
Discipline and Diversity: The Barracks Influence
Growing up as the eldest in a disciplined military home profoundly influenced both his humor and work ethic. “Life in the barracks is like a mini Nigeria—a melting pot of tribes, languages, and cultures. That exposure gives you stories, accents, behaviors, and perspectives you won’t easily find elsewhere. Everything was around me—drama, diversity, and humor. It all became material without me even realizing it.”
Struggles in Lagos and the Drive to Succeed
Bakassi’s move to Lagos wasn’t easy. “When I left Port Harcourt, my family was experiencing financial difficulties. I had never been to Lagos before youth service. What kept me going was understanding how tough things were back home. I chose to survive in Lagos rather than add to my parents’ burden.”
During this time, he played a pivotal role in creating “Night of a Thousand Laughs”, a landmark comedy platform. At a time when the industry wasn’t structured, Bakassi noticed talent scattered across Nigeria. Alongside Reginald Ebere and under the mentorship of Opa Williams, he helped draft a nationwide comedy reality platform, providing exposure for comedians and laying the foundation for the growth of stand-up comedy in Nigeria.
Reinvention: From Actor to Stand-Up Star
When acting opportunities slowed, Bakassi reinvented himself through stand-up comedy. “Reinvention was everything. Financial experts talk about multiple streams of income, but back then, everyone focused on acting because stand-up wasn’t yet an industry. I refined my craft, made it versatile, and eventually earned more from stand-up than acting.”
He considers stand-up the most challenging creative platform. “Acting and music are collaborative efforts. Radio is unique because you speak to people who can’t see you. But stand-up is just you, the audience, and a microphone. There’s no safety net. It requires presence of mind, sharp mental alertness, and the ability to deliver a compelling and funny story in real time. Every audience is different. Their mood changes everything.”
Becoming a Traditional Ruler
Recently crowned Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia, Bakassi sees this role as a continuation, not a retirement. “Life evolves in stages. You begin as a bachelor, then a husband, a father, and now a community leader. Being asked to represent your community means they see something in you. While you’re strong and connected, you can leverage those connections to uplift vulnerable people and put your community on the map.”
He emphasizes that traditional leadership should not be viewed as a role for the weary. “We’ve wrongly framed traditional leadership as something for people who are tired. That’s not true. While you’re strong, you can make a difference.”
Balancing comedy with the responsibilities of royalty, he notes, is simply another life phase. “Every stage of life comes with restraints—marriage, fatherhood, public office. Change is constant. There’s nothing frightening about it.”
Leadership, Responsibility, and Governance
On Nigeria’s political climate, Bakassi reflects: “Power reveals character. Give someone power or money, and you’ll see who they truly are. Leadership should teach humility. History shows that many rise and fade quickly. People who celebrate you today can withdraw support tomorrow. If you’re in leadership, your security matters, but the welfare of the people matters more. Don’t assume a God-like status. You’re not God.”
He believes his people chose him because of his public integrity and consistency. “Years in the public eye without scandal speak volumes. I have carried myself responsibly. Life has prepared me. I have maintained a stable family life and remained grounded.”
Family, Fatherhood, and Values
Bakassi has been married for over 25 years, crediting intentionality and shared vision for the strength of his union. “Early years were turbulent, but grace and deliberate effort built synergy. Poverty puts immense strain on families, so working hard to provide is crucial. Respect, faith, and shared vision matter. Consistent progress keeps people together.”
As a father, he focuses on instilling family values, identity, and accountability. “Without values, a family collapses. Children must understand that their achievements reflect on generations before and after them. ‘Daddy’ is the highest title a man can hold. Fatherhood makes you accountable. You cannot fail at home and claim success as a leader.”
He also weighs in on polygamy as a traditional ruler: “Polygamy is a valid African system of marriage. Every system has challenges; monogamy included. Many modern arrangements are functionally polygamous. The key is responsibility. Marriage systems should protect families and children. The conversation should be honest, not emotional.”
Entertainment as Social and Economic Force
Bakassi stresses the importance of government support for entertainment. “One creative person can support hundreds. Government must provide stable power, security, and grants. Partnerships can boost tourism, foreign exchange, and cultural exports.”
Competition in entertainment is natural, he adds, but should remain healthy. “Someone else’s failure should not be the foundation of your success. Rivalry can be intense, but there is no need to harm anyone. Focus on improving your craft and let growth speak for you.”
Even as a traditional ruler, Bakassi continues to perform and host events. “Nigerians are still learning to appreciate the dignity of labor. Becoming a king does not mean retiring from meaningful work. The only time I’d 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.”
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Outside the stage and palace, Bakassi enjoys football, which he still plays, and simple pleasures like “swallow with any good soup.” He relaxes by watching sports, movies, and reading, aiming to finish at least three books a year.
At the heart of it all, he says, is the pursuit of happiness. “I want to be remembered as a man who came, who saw, and who was happy.” Through decades in entertainment, years of family life, and his new role as a traditional ruler, Okey Bakassi embodies the harmony of passion, responsibility, and joy.