Dad Introduced 99 Ladies To His Parents Before Marrying – Zebrudaya’s Son

Henry is the son of Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias 4.30 for his role in the New Masquerade, a comedy that aired in the 80s and early 90s. Henry tells ALEXANDER OKERE about his dad as a family man and an actor

Can you tell us more about yourself?

My name is Henry Okpala. I am 37 years old. I am married with a daughter and a very beautiful wife. I live and work in Nigeria.

What do you do for a living?

I am a civil servant, an IT engineer by profession. I am also into real estate in Abuja and Enugu. I attended Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, for my first degree in Engineering and obtained master’s of science degree at a Russian university, where I studied Information Security and Cyber Security.

Do you have siblings?

I just had two lovely sisters but we lost my elder sister years back. So now we are just two.

Your dad starred as Zebrudaya in the New Masquerade, a sitcom that was popular in the 80s and early 90s. Did you watch him on TV?

Yes, we always could not wait for the time (the show aired). With my neighbours and friends coming around our home in Aba (Abia State), we were eager to watch. Although we were children, we found the programme very entertaining.

Can you describe the kind of family setting you grew up in, with your dad being the popular Chief Zebrudaya?

Well, growing up with my father, Chief Chika Okpala, was amazing, though he lived in Enugu while we lived with our mum in Aba, Abia State, because of the nature of their jobs. My mum was a banker and dad was always on the move from one location to another for shows and the production of the New Masquerade (soap opera). My dad used to return home at the weekend and leave every Monday morning, so we were so used to that process at that time. But during the week, we always waited for his episodes (of New Masquerade) every Tuesday night from 8.30pm to 9pm. And most times, during our holidays, we travelled to Enugu to spend the holidays. Above all, he is an amazing and lovely father.

How did he spend time with his family during his active years with the New Masquerade cast and crew?

During that period, we went out to visit his friends and had some fun, though it was always very short, it was worth it at that time. However, we stayed at home and he told us lots of stories and jokes most of the time.

What do you find unique about your father’s personality that many don’t know about?

The very unique thing about his personality is his humility and selflessness in whatever he does. He is very transparent and hard-working. When I asked him why he did not become a politician or contest to become a governor based on his attributes and the fact that people love him, he said, “Afam, I don’t know how to tell lies.”

As a popular Nigerian, has his name brought you favour in society?

His name has always opened doors to the family. We had free access at that time to visit government houses, and sit and dine with governors, senators, and prominent persons in society. Sitting and dining with them was a great privilege.

How involved was your dad in your education and that of your siblings?

My dad was very active in our education. He encouraged us in all aspects. He still rings it in our ears to study for a PhD.

Did your dad tell you how he managed the attention and pressure he got from women during the years he spent playing Zebrudaya?

Sure, he did, and (he told us) how he brought 99 different ladies home to present to his father when he was trying to pick a wife (laughs).

Did he really take 99 ladies home to his father while searching for a wife?

He usually talks about it, so I believe it happened. I used to wonder how he did it but he said he did it. He said he brought each one to show to his dad and counted 99 before he brought my mum. A lot of ladies liked him because of his position (in society); he liked many of them but his parents, his dad especially, rejected them.

Did he tell you how he met your mum and chose her among his many admirers?

He told me how he met my mum but I can’t remember it now. He had a lot of stories about the places he lived in when he travelled and he met many people.

Source:Punch

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com