Watch the moment African-American actor, Michael Jai White, was installed as chief in Ghana

Francis Akhalbey Jan 12, 2019 at 09:00am

January 12, 2019 at 09:00 am | Diaspora Connect

Francis Akhalbey | Content Manager

January 12, 2019 at 09:00 am | Diaspora Connect

Michael Jai White at the enstoolment ceremony

We’re pretty sure the African American celebs who came to Ghana in December for the worthwhile Full Circle Festival will always feel nostalgic anytime it crosses their minds.

One of the notable and memorable moments of the week-long festivities was when actor, Michael Jai White, was enstooled as chief in the Akwamu Traditional Area in Ghana.

Bestowed the name Nana Akoto III, Odopon, which means “The tree with strong roots that does not fear the storm”, the actor could not help but share his excitement after he was installed as chief by Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Akwamuhene (Akwamu king).

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Ok so we take busses & boats to see the King of Akwamu who appoints me, King Nana Akoto III Odopon. I’ve got “Life Of Brian” flashing through my head but quickly realize the significance & accept the position wholeheartedly. I’ve got some work to do for the place of my origin. pic.twitter.com/7sd0w5Mbiz
— Michael Jai White (@MichaelJaiWhite) January 10, 2019

Some familiar faces at the ceremony included Boris Kodjoe and Bozoma Saint John. Check out their dancing skills!

You know Africa lives in you when you hear the rhythm and your body knows exactly what to do. Ayekoo! @MichaelJaiWhite @BorisKodjoe @badassboz with @Akwamuhene at #FullCircleFestival @MOTACGhana @animle_oyanka @HRHPrincessEOB @BBCAfrica pic.twitter.com/FBUrMz3XgO
— Queen Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I (@NaaSoyooI) January 3, 2019

Take a look at some photos of the ceremony below:

Michael Jai White with Bozoma Saint John

Michael Jai White with the Akwamuhene, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III

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Soooo, yesterday my husband @officialmichaeljai was enstooled (crowned) a king of Akwamu in Ghana. He is now a Ohene (King) with the title of Nana Akoto lll, Odopon “The Tree With Strong Roots That Does Not Fear The Storm”. This was completely unexpected. It’s a pretty big deal and a true honor for him!! It’s all over the news out here! By being his wife, I have become a Ohemaa (Queen) Queen Mother or Oheneyere (Chief’s Wife). We are technically African royalty now! It’s fitting because we both had our DNA tests done and both of our African ancestry is West African/Ghanaian. I told my husband we need to get someone to start throwing rose petals at our feet as we walk like in Coming To America!!! (BIG THANKS to our brother @boriskodjoe for capturing this footage because he’s tall and had a way better angle than me! ) SWIPE for full video! ????????????? #yearofthereturn #TheReturn #FullCircleFestival #ReturningToOurRoots #Ghana #Africa #Akwamu #King #Chief #MichaelJaiWhite #QueenMother #GillianWhite #Honor #Tradition #Ohene #ohemaa

A post shared by ?Gillian Iliana White? (@iamgillianwhite) on Jan 3, 2019 at 9:57am PST