If you grew up in the eastern parts of Nigeria, especially around Imo, Enugu, and Abia, you’ve probably heard wild tales about men who could disappear at will, control the elements, or freeze their enemies in place. And if you’ve listened to those stories, you’ve come across the name Pericoma Okoye—the mythical, mystical, and highly revered traditionalist of Arondizuogu in Imo State.

Pericoma wasn’t just any man; he was like a walking embodiment of Igbo spiritual power. Feared by many, respected by all. Beyond the myths and jazz* (yes, people swore he had real powers!), he was also a master of deep-rooted traditional music. His songs were incantations, echoes of Igbo heritage passed down through time.

Interestingly, Pericoma was the father of Speed Darlington (Darlington Okoye), aka Akpi, Nigeria’s internet sensation. Imagine that contrast! One, a traditionalist wrapped in mystery and fear, and the other a modern-day showman with viral energy. But who was this man, and what made him such an enigma?

Chief Pericoma Mezuo Okoye was born right in the heart of Igboland, in Arondizuogu, Imo State. He went by many names—The Great Lion of Arondizuogu, Arusi Makaja 1, Mezuo Mbụ like Arọndizuogu, and The Lion of Africa. That last name stuck after he appeared alongside Pete Edochie in the Nollywood movie Lion of Africa in the early ’90s.

Pericoma was also a cultural powerhouse, carrying the title of the cultural prime minister of Arondizuogu until he passed. He was also a staunch practitioner of the Igbo traditional religion, Odinala. His music? A hypnotic mix of folklore and ritualistic incantations, merging the physical and spiritual worlds in a way that only he could.

He had several wives and many children and was once married to the legendary queen of Egedege, Queen Theresa Onuorah.

Stories of his supernatural abilities were legendary and endless. Some claimed he went missing as a child and reappeared as a teenager with special powers. Others swore he could vanish and reappear at will, render enemies powerless, and walk through danger untouched. His presence alone sent chills down people’s spines, and his name carried serious weight in traditional circles. His magical displays were one of the biggest attractions at the annual Ikeji festival in Arondizuogu, with crowds gathering just to witness his spiritual displays.

One of the most famous stories about him, popularized by highlife singers like Ibealoke Chuwkukezili (Apama Boy), happened in Onitsha around 1996/97. Pericoma reportedly stood up to a gang of extortionists, and from that incident came the phrase, “Pericoma na-anyi ajo aro,” meaning “Pericoma is heavyweight.” That saying spread like wildfire across the East.

But beyond all the myths and legends, his music was like a direct connection to the ancient ways of the Igbo people, a reminder of the power of tradition in a world that was changing fast. Even after his passing, his legacy didn’t fade. His songs still hold their mystical force, and his name? Still spoken with respect, awe, and just a little bit of fear.

Pericoma passed away on February 16, 2017, in Okigwe at the age of 69. It was the end of an era, but even in death, the stories didn’t stop. Some people even claimed he chose his own time to transition.

And of course, his burial was a full-blown spectacle with traditional rites that reflected his deep ties to Igbo mysticism. But Pericoma’s story doesn’t just live on in myths and music. His real legacy is in the cultural pride he left behind, the echoes of tradition that ring loud and clear through the people he inspired.

*jazz: possession of magical abilities (also known as juju)

Chief Pericoma Okoye: Myth, Music, and the Mystic Legacy of an Igbo Icon

Pericoma Okoye: Myth, Music, and the Mystic Legacy of an Igbo Icon

Chief Pericoma Okoye: Myth, Music, and the Mystic Legacy of an Igbo Icon

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