Tonye Princewill Begins Community Leadership Role in Buguma

Sunday Ehigiator

Prince Tonye Princewill, son of the late Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, King Amachree XI, has relocated fully to Buguma, the traditional headquarters of the Kalabari Kingdom, Rivers State, where he has assumed full-time responsibility as Paramount Chief, marking a significant shift from his previously global engagements in business, politics, and the creative industry.

Princewill disclosed that he has been living in Buguma continuously for the past six months, describing the move as a conscious decision to place community leadership at the centre of his life.

“I live here. I have been living here for the past six months. I have not left here for longer than a week,” he said.

According to him, the relocation represents a fundamental change in priorities, with community leadership now taking precedence over other pursuits.

“What has changed is that the responsibility is now formal. Before, it was secondary. Now it is primary,” he said.

Residents of Buguma have stated that his presence has already begun to make a noticeable difference, noting his regular attendance at town hall meetings and frequent engagements with youths, elders, and community stakeholders.

Princewill is often seen walking between his residence and the Buguma Town Hall, engaging directly with residents in what many describe as a hands-on and accessible leadership style.

Beyond his traditional responsibilities, Princewill continues to maintain national and international interests, particularly in the creative industry.

He is the Executive Producer of the award-winning historical film ’76’ and is currently working on ’77’, a film inspired by the iconic FESTAC ’77 cultural festival.

“We are in discussions with distributors and planning festival screenings,” he said.

He also revealed plans to produce a historical film on King Amachree I, aimed at documenting and preserving Kalabari heritage for future generations.

“Cinema is a way of preserving our identity and history,” Princewill noted.

On the community front, the Paramount Chief said several interventions are already underway, including support for small businesses, educatio,n and healthcare, adding: “I am not doing anyone a favour, it is my responsibility.”

Princewill said the legacy of his late father continues to guide his leadership philosophy, describing the reign of King Amachree XI as one defined by peace and unity.

“His burial, which brought together 33 communities, spoke volumes about what he stood for: unity,” he said.

Explaining his decision to return home permanently, Princewill cited a popular proverb: “What you are looking for in Sokoto may be in your Shokoto,” adding that modern technology allows him to manage global interests while remaining rooted in Buguma.

“The solutions may be out there, but I can still access them from here.”

Reflecting on his first 50 days as a Paramount Ruler, Princewill described mindset change as his greatest challenge.

“When I came in, I read the riot act to everyone. I said I don’t want to hear shouting because I see people quarrel over the most trivial of things. We can disagree, but we can do it agreeably. We can have conversations without raising our voices,” he said.

He stressed the importance of changing attitudes and restoring confidence among the people.

“People trouble themselves over things they shouldn’t and relax over things when they shouldn’t. It’s about getting their mindset right and helping them believe that it’s possible. Many feel the odds are stacked against them, but even that should be a motivation,” he said.

According to him, leadership must be by example. “That means staying calm, confronting pressure, sitting in the middle of the fire and showing that things are not as bad as they seem and that there is a way out,” he stated.

Princewill described the level of support he has received since assuming office as overwhelming, adding that: “Sometimes I am amazed by it. I see it as my responsibility, but they see it as me doing them a favour. I am not doing them a favour.”

He recalled campaign billboards from his earlier political career, which read, “You are blessed to bless others,” noting that the same philosophy guides his leadership today.

“There is a purpose to your blessing. You must use it to impact people. I always tell my people I don’t have money to waste. If I give you money and you waste it, it hurts,” he said

Princewill revealed that he has been funding scholarships since 2000, both within Kalabari and beyond, describing the effort as demanding but necessary.

The paramount ruler said, “I am not relying on any state or federal government contract for my resources. By God’s grace, we shall overcome. I am building and creating, and it is not easy, but we will do more and make an impact, even in the small space we occupy, so people can truly feel the difference.”