Alex Otti praised for honouring Nollywood legend Zebrudaya with ₦10 million and a car as Anambra government faces criticism
Veteran Nollywood actor and entertainment personality Ambassador Tony Akposheri has praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for reportedly honouring legendary Nigerian comedian and actor Chief Chika Okpala, popularly known as Zebrudaya, with a gift of ₦10 million and a car.
Akposheri expressed disappointment that Zebrudaya, who hails from Nnobi in Anambra State, has allegedly not received similar recognition from his home state despite his enormous contributions to Nigeria's entertainment industry.
According to the veteran actor, it is remarkable that a governor from another state has chosen to celebrate a man whose talent and creativity helped shape Nigerian television entertainment for generations.
Zebrudaya: a legend who entertained generations of Nigerians
Chief Chika Okpala became a household name through his unforgettable portrayal of Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias 4.30, in the popular Nigerian television comedy series New Masquerade.
The programme was one of Nigeria's most celebrated television productions, entertaining millions of families across the country during the 1970s, 1980s and beyond.
With his distinctive command of English, humorous expressions, traditional attire and remarkable comic timing, Zebrudaya became one of the most recognisable characters in Nigerian television history.
For many Nigerians who grew up watching New Masquerade, Zebrudaya represents an important part of their childhood memories and the golden era of Nigerian television.
His contributions helped establish comedy as a respected form of entertainment long before the emergence of today's Nollywood industry and modern stand-up comedy scene.
Tony Akposheri questions Anambra State's recognition of its own legend
Reacting to Governor Otti's reported gesture, Akposheri questioned why the Anambra State Government had not adequately celebrated a personality of Zebrudaya's standing.
He argued that individuals who dedicated decades of their lives to entertaining Nigerians deserve recognition and appreciation while they are still alive.
Akposheri stated: "Zebrudaya is from Nnobi, Anambra State, but the Anambra State Government has not recognised or celebrated him for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Instead, it was Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who recently celebrated him with a gift of ₦10 million and a car.
"God bless Alex Otti! I wish other governors could replicate what Alex Otti is doing by honouring our legends who put smiles on our faces during our childhood."
His remarks have brought attention to the wider issue of how Nigerian society recognises veteran entertainers who contributed to the growth of the country's creative industry.
Otti's gesture sparks conversation about celebrating living legends
Governor Alex Otti's reported gesture has been described by Akposheri as an example of the importance of appreciating distinguished Nigerians regardless of their states of origin.
The recognition also raises an important question about the responsibility of state governments to preserve their cultural and entertainment heritage.
Across Nigeria, several veteran actors, musicians and comedians have spent decades building careers that influenced younger generations of entertainers. Yet concerns persist about whether these pioneers receive sufficient institutional recognition and support, particularly as they grow older.
For many observers, honouring entertainment veterans should go beyond financial gifts. It could include lifetime achievement awards, cultural preservation projects, healthcare support and programmes documenting their contributions to Nigerian history.
Should state governments do more for veteran entertainers?
Akposheri's comments have reopened discussions about the need for Nigerian governors to celebrate distinguished citizens who have made lasting contributions to entertainment, education, sports and other areas of national development.
While Zebrudaya's reported recognition by the Abia State Governor has attracted praise, Akposheri's criticism of the Anambra State Government remains his personal assessment. The state's full record of honours or recognition for the veteran actor has not been established in this report.
For generations of Nigerians, Chief Chika Okpala remains a treasured figure whose performances brought laughter into countless homes.
The question now is whether other state governors will follow Governor Otti's reported example by celebrating Nigeria's surviving entertainment pioneers while they are still alive to enjoy the recognition.
What is your opinion? Should the Anambra State Government do more to honour Zebrudaya, or should recognition of national legends go beyond their states of origin?
