Okali Accepts Rare Chieftaincy Honour After Turning Down Over 30 Titles

An accomplished media practitioner and community advocate, Ifeanyi Kalu Ubaka Okali, is set to receive a prestigious chieftaincy title from the Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, in what observers describe as a rare and symbolic honour.

The conferment forms part of activities marking the monarch’s 35th Coronation Anniversary and 89th birthday celebration, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Ohafia LGA Pavilion in Ebem Ohafia, Abia State. A reception will follow immediately after the ceremony.

Speaking ahead of the event, Okali, who is the Director of ABN TV & Radio, revealed that the honour stands out among many, having declined more than 30 chieftaincy titles offered to him over a 16-year period.

He attributed his decision to accept this particular recognition to the integrity of the Ebem Ohafia traditional institution, noting that the royal stool does not commercialize titles.

“This honour is deeply meaningful to me because it represents genuine recognition and comes from a place of integrity,” he stated.

Okali, who also serves as Executive Director of Fakzy Communications and Fakzy Media Ltd, as well as spokesperson of the Ebem Ohafia community, expressed gratitude to the monarch, the royal cabinet, and the people of Ebem Ohafia for the honour bestowed on him.
Widely respected for his contributions to grassroots development, Okali has led several impactful initiatives within the community, including the installation of solar-powered lighting at the Ebem Ohafia market, donation of a motorcycle to the local vigilante group, provision of a large generator, support for free education programs, sponsorship of JAMB and WAEC candidates, and facilitation of free water supply.

Academically, he attended Government Primary School Afikpo and Emmanuel College Owerri, before earning a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. He further sharpened his journalism skills at the National Broadcast Academy in Lagos and Atlantic International University.

With over 85 awards to his name, Okali has built a reputation as a leading voice in media, investigative journalism, and community development.

The ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries from across Abia State and beyond, as the community celebrates both a revered monarch and one of its distinguished sons.