Prince Tonye T. J. T. Princewill, widely known for his global engagements across business, politics, and the creative economy, has made a decisive personal and leadership shift by relocating full-time to Buguma, the historic headquarters of the Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State.
For decades, Princewill’s life unfolded across major cities including Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, London, and New York, where he interacted with policymakers, investors, and creatives on an international scale.
However, in a move that departs sharply from that globe-trotting identity, he has spent the last six months living quietly in Buguma, serving as its Paramount Chief and immersing himself in grassroots leadership.
Rather than ceremonial distance, his approach has been defined by daily presence and accessibility.
Moreover, regular scenes around the Buguma Town Hall capture him walking home alongside young residents, engaging them in open conversations about community challenges, opportunities, and shared aspirations.
These interactions, observers say, reflect a leadership style anchored in proximity, dialogue, and service.
Beyond traditional leadership, Princewill has sustained a long-standing commitment to storytelling as a tool for historical preservation and national reflection.
This was evident in ’76, the critically acclaimed film he executive-produced, which examined the aftermath of Nigeria’s failed 1976 military coup and the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.
He has consistently described the project as an effort to confront history with honesty rather than mere entertainment.
Building on that foundation, he has confirmed plans for ’77, a follow-up film centred on FESTAC ’77, Nigeria’s landmark Festival of Arts and Culture.
According to him, discussions with distributors are ongoing, alongside preparations for a festival tour. Furthermore, Afreximbank’s Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) Division has joined the project to support post-production and marketing.
In parallel, Princewill disclosed that he is developing films focused on Kalabari history, including a major production on King Amachree I, aimed at documenting cultural narratives long preserved through oral tradition.
Reflecting on the loss of his father, the late Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, King Amachree XI, Princewill spoke with visible emotion.
He described his father as a unifying figure whose reign was marked by calm and inclusiveness.
“When somebody is there, you take them for granted, because you think they will be there forever,” he said, adding that his growing understanding of Kalabari traditions has deepened his sense of loss and responsibility.
On his emergence as Paramount Chief, Princewill explained that leadership responsibilities within the royal family were not new to him but have now become formal and central.
He described the role as an honour bestowed by his people, one that has enabled him to focus more deliberately on community welfare.
Consequently, his interventions have included business grants, health support, and assistance for students seeking university admission.
Confirming his permanent relocation, Princewill said he now resides fully in Buguma and has not been away for more than a week at any time in the past six months.
He noted that technology, renewable energy solutions, and local support systems have allowed him to manage his businesses remotely.
While acknowledging existing challenges, he maintained that many community issues are solvable through training, mindset shifts, and locally driven solutions.
He also praised the support of his immediate family, particularly his wife and children, for embracing the decision to return home.
According to him, the experience has reshaped his understanding of development, proving that global engagement does not require physical distance from one’s roots.
Addressing community expectations, Princewill stressed that service should be seen as a responsibility, not a favour.
He pointed to long-running scholarship schemes and livelihood programmes while admitting that funding and sustainability remain demanding.
Nevertheless, he emphasised that his efforts are driven by personal commitment rather than government contracts.
Looking ahead, he identified mindset change as one of the most pressing leadership challenges, urging calm dialogue, collective responsibility, and belief in long-term possibility.
He expressed optimism that encouraging more indigenes to return and contribute would accelerate development and deepen impact.
Prince Tonye Princewill’s return to Buguma, therefore, represents more than a change of residence.
It signals a broader redefinition of leadership, one that blends cultural preservation, community service, and modern connectivity, while rooting influence firmly within the people and history that shaped it.