In Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, traditions have always been an important aspect of our dailies. Our traditions can never die as they are what make a Nigerian. Nigerian celebrities have also in one way or the other helped their communities grow which is why many of them get recognition from traditional rulers.
Recognition and acknowledgment is not only limited to awards given at shows like The Grammys, The Oscars, The Emmys, The Headies, AMVCA and so on.
This list is about Nigerian celebrities who have recently been conferred with chieftaincy titles.
1. Tayo Sobola aka Sotayo Gaga
Popular Nollywood actress, Tayo Sobola, better known as Sotayo Gaga, was conferred with a chieftaincy title in Nasarawa state at the beginning of the year 2022.
Despite being Yoruba, the actress became the Sarauniya (Queen Mother), of Uke Kingdom, at a well-attended ceremony in Nasarawa State.
Sobola was honoured with the title by the Emir of Uke Kingdom, HRM Abdullah Hassan who revealed the reason she was conferred with the title was because of her passion for women empowerment.
2. Kanayo O. Kanayo
Actor and lawyer, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere aka Kanayo O. Kanayo bagged a chieftaincy title; ‘Ihe Mbaise Ji Ka Mba’, in his hometown of Mbaise, Imo state.
He got the title in December, 2021.
3. Hazel Onou aka Whitemoney
Hazel Oyeze Onou, popularly known as Whitemoney is a Nigerian singer, song writer and reality TV star.
The Big Brother Naija season 6 winner was conferred the title of Ozopuru Ini Ego 1 of Udi Kingdom, Enugu State in November, 2021.
4. Vector
In September 2021, Rapper, Olanrewaju Ogunmefun aka Vector was bestowed a chieftaincy title, Amuludun, in the Lafiaji community of Lagos Island. The Early Momo rapper in an interview revealed that he didn’t pay to be given the chieftaincy title.
The rapper shared that the title of ‘Amuludun’ is simply a title bestowed on someone who brings joy to the people and that he was given the title in appreciation of his positive works in the community.
5. Omogoriola Hassan
The actor and filmmaker had initially been appointed as the King-elect of Uba Land, Imobi Kingdom.
According to Omogoriola Hassan aka Skul Boy, he was confirmed as king in January, 2021 after a consultation was made with the Ifa oracle to confirm his status as the one true king.
6. Olamilekan Agbeleshe aka Laycon
Rapper and Big Brother Naija season 5 winner, Olamilekan Moshood Agbeleshe better known as Laycon was conferred with a chieftaincy title in his hometown, Ogun State.
The Onipokia of Ipokia, Oba Yisa Adesola Olaniyan, installed Laycon as the Akeweje of Ipokia kingdom in 2020.
7. Alexx Ekubo
Nigerian actor and model, Alexx Ekubo bagged a traditional title, the Ikuku of Amumara town, Mbaise, Imo state in 2020.
The Tinsel star, was given the title by Eze Umara 3 of Amumara Town.
Worthy Mention:
Wizkid – was given a chieftaincy title in Uganda
2Baba – Tafidan Kudendan of Kudendan(2018)
Annie Idibia – Matan Tafindan (2018)
D’Banj – Enyi Ka Nwanne of Amuzi, Imo State (2018)
Oge Okoye – Igolo Nwanyi 1, Enugu State (2013)
Chika Ike – Akwa Ugo 1, Enugu state(2013)
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde – Ondo (2013)
Genevieve Nnaji – Eze Ada 1 of Amuzu Nweafor in Imo State (2014)
Tonto Dikeh – Adadioranmma 1 of Nollywood in River State (2017)
Ngozi Ezeonu – Ezenwanyi Ndigbo Na Nollywood Amechi Muonagor
Patience Ozokwor- Ada Eji Eje Mba 1, Enugu (2011)
