ikegwudike

Year

2025

Projects

a tired king.

the story

In Igbo society, the Eze, Obi, or Igwe serves as both a spiritual and political leader, guiding the community through consensus, tradition, and justice rather than absolute rule. Chosen for wisdom, lineage, and integrity, the Eze acts as a mediator, cultural custodian, and symbol of unity, with decisions influenced by elders and titleholders, reflecting Igbo leadership’s democratic nature.

But this title came with a lot of responsibilities on Ikenga. For years, he had ruled with wisdom and strength, settling disputes, leading his people in prosperous harvests, and upholding the traditions passed down through generations.

For though the crown was heavy, it was his to bear.

characters

ikenga

Ikenga, an Igbo king, embodies the spirit of strength, wisdom, and divine favor. His name, derived from the Igbo concept of personal power and achievement, signifies his destiny as a leader chosen by the gods. A ruler of great renown, Ikenga is known for his strategic mind, unyielding bravery, and deep connection to his people’s traditions.

Tall and imposing, with piercing eyes that seem to see beyond the present, Ikenga carries himself with the confidence of a man who has faced both battles and councils with equal mastery. His rule is marked by fairness and justice, but he does not tolerate betrayal or cowardice. He is a protector of his people, leading warriors into battle when necessary and settling disputes with wisdom drawn from the ancestors.

anyawu

Anyanwu is more than the king’s native doctor, we visualized him as a character who embodies power, wisdom, and mystery. A bridge between the physical and the spiritual, he moves unseen yet ever present, guiding the kingdom with ancient knowledge and divine insight.

His name, meaning “eye of the sun,” holds deeper significance, he sees beyond the present. Though one of his eyes is clouded and lifeless, his remaining eye is sharp, piercing through deception and revealing truths others fear to face.

We designed Anyanwu to be both revered and feared. A dwarf draped in sacred robes and adorned with powerful charms, his small stature does not diminish his presence—it amplifies it. He carries the weight of ancestral wisdom, his voice echoing with the power of forgotten rituals. A master of omens, curses, and divine will, Anyanwu is more than an advisor—he is the unseen force that shapes the kingdom’s fate. He does not just serve the throne. He protects its very destiny.

okonkwo

we craft characters that embody legacy, and Okonkwo is the essence of loyalty and silent strength. More than a mere attendant, he stands as a living symbol of honor, wielding the royal fan not just for comfort but as a mark of the king’s divine authority.

We designed Okonkwo to be a force of quiet power. With the discipline of a warrior and the wisdom of an elder, he moves with purpose, his sharp gaze ever watchful. He speaks little, but his presence commands respect, always standing beside the throne, ever ready, ever vigilant.

the workshop

the king’s palace in the Igbo kingdom is more than a royal seat. it is the heartbeat of tradition and community. Here, the Eze (king) sits not just as a ruler, but as a father figure, custodian of culture, and a voice of wisdom for his people.

The throne itself tells a story: carved lions symbolize courage and protection, while the great horns behind it stand for strength, authority, and the voice of the ancestors. the woven mats and painted patterns reflect the artistry and identity of the Igbo people, showing how beauty and meaning are always connected in their way of life.

Within these walls, matters of the land are discussed, conflicts are settled, and festivals are celebrated. It is a sacred space and a reminder of the resilience, unity, and pride of the Igbo heritage.