Okey Bakassi Biography: Wife, Children, Career and Net Worth

Introduction

Okey Bakassi is one of Nigeria’s most respected veteran comedians, actors, and television personalities. Known for his intelligent humor, clean comedy style, and strong storytelling ability, he has remained relevant in the Nigerian entertainment industry for over two decades.

From stand-up comedy stages to Nollywood films and political commentary shows, Okey Bakassi has built a career that blends entertainment, education, and social criticism. His journey reflects resilience, consistency, and talent.

This biography covers his wife, children, career journey, movies, and net worth.

Early Life and Background

Okey Bakassi, whose real name is Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, was born on 23 October 1969 in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. He hails from Mbaise, a well-known cultural community in Imo State.

He was born into a disciplined family. His father, Mr. Livinus Onyegbule, was a retired military officer, while his mother, Mrs. Felicia Onyegbule, worked as a nurse. Growing up in such a structured environment helped shape his discipline and communication skills.

As a child, he showed early interest in entertainment, especially storytelling and humor, which later developed into a professional career in comedy.

Education

Okey Bakassi had his early education in Imo State before attending Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, where he completed his secondary education.

He later gained admission into Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he studied Agricultural Engineering and graduated in 1992.

During his university years, he developed a strong passion for acting and comedy. He joined a drama group called Theatre Colleagues, where he began performing stage plays and comedy sketches. This experience laid the foundation for his entertainment career.

Career Journey

Early Career

After university, Okey Bakassi served in Lagos during his NYSC program. While there, he met influential filmmaker Zeb Ejiro, who gave him his first acting opportunity in the TV series Fortunes in 1993.

He played a bodyguard character named “Nick,” which marked his entry into professional acting.

Rise in Comedy

His breakthrough in comedy came in the mid-1990s when he joined “Night of a Thousand Laughs,” one of Nigeria’s biggest comedy platforms. His performance style, which combines observation, satire, and real-life Nigerian experiences, quickly made him popular.

He became a regular face at major comedy events such as:

• Night of a Thousand Laughs
• AY Live shows
• Corporate events
• International comedy tours

Okey Bakassi is known for clean, intelligent humor that often addresses social and political issues in a humorous way.

Acting Career and Movies

Okey Bakassi has appeared in numerous Nollywood films and television series. Some of his notable works include:

• Pam Pam
• Final Decision
• Endtime
• 9 Wives
• Onye Ozi
• My Flatmates (TV series)
• Badamasi: Portrait of a General
• Bank Alert
• Wives on Strike: The Uprising

One of his most acclaimed performances was in Onye Ozi, which earned him the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards.

His role in My Flatmates also strengthened his reputation as a versatile comedy actor.

Political and Media Career

Apart from entertainment, Okey Bakassi has also been involved in public service and media.

He once served as Senior Special Adviser on Entertainment Matters to the Governor of Imo State. This role showed his interest in governance and youth development.

He is also a television host. He presents:

• The Other News on Channels TV
• It’s OK with Okey on radio

Through these platforms, he discusses politics, society, and everyday Nigerian life in a humorous and insightful way.

Wife and Marriage

Okey Bakassi is married to his wife, Ezinne Onyegbule. Their marriage has lasted for many years and is considered one of the stable unions in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

The couple reportedly met during their younger years and built their relationship over time before getting married.

Their marriage is blessed with three children:

• Dera Onyegbule
• Fechi Onyegbule
• Cheta Onyegbule

His wife is known to live a private life, and the family has spent significant time abroad, including in Canada, where she has lived and worked.

Okey Bakassi often speaks about the importance of family stability and how his wife has supported his career journey.

Lifestyle

Okey Bakassi lives a comfortable but relatively modest lifestyle compared to many celebrities.

He is known for:

• A disciplined and private family life
• Balanced spending habits
• Focus on education and career growth
• Occasional luxury travel and public appearances

He prefers meaningful investments and family stability over flashy displays of wealth.

He is also very active in intellectual and political discussions, often sharing opinions on national development and governance.

Personality and Beliefs

Okey Bakassi is known for his intelligence, calm personality, and thoughtful communication style.

He believes in:

• Clean and responsible comedy
• Social awareness through entertainment
• Education and personal development
• Honest political engagement

His comedy often reflects real-life Nigerian challenges, making his work relatable and educational.

Awards and Recognition

Over his long career, Okey Bakassi has received several awards, including:

• Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) – Best of Nollywood Awards
• Recognition at Africa Movie Academy Awards
• Various comedy and entertainment excellence awards
• Honours for contribution to Nigerian entertainment

His consistency in both comedy and acting has earned him respect across Africa.

Net Worth

Okey Bakassi has built wealth through comedy, acting, television hosting, endorsements, and public speaking.

His estimated net worth is between $2 million and $5 million.

His income sources include:

• Stand-up comedy shows
• Nollywood film roles
• TV and radio hosting
• Brand endorsements
• Political and public speaking engagements

Despite his success, he is known for financial discipline and long-term planning.

Legacy in Nigerian Entertainment

Okey Bakassi is considered one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian stand-up comedy. His influence can be seen in:

• Clean comedy culture
• Political satire in entertainment
• Integration of TV and comedy careers
• Mentorship of younger comedians

He has played a key role in shaping the Nigerian comedy industry into what it is today.

Conclusion

Okey Bakassi is a legendary Nigerian comedian, actor, and media personality whose career has spanned over three decades.

From his early life in Imo State to becoming a respected voice in entertainment and public discourse, his journey reflects hard work, intelligence, and consistency.

With a strong family life, successful career, and lasting influence in Nollywood and comedy, Okey Bakassi remains one of Nigeria’s most respected entertainment icons.