Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, is one of the most enduring and celebrated figures in Nigerian entertainment. Born on October 23, 1969, in Mbaise, Imo State, he has worn many hats over a career that spans more than three decades, stand-up comedian, Nollywood actor, television host, radio personality, movie director, master of ceremonies, and entrepreneur.
Okey Bakassi Profile
| Name | Okey Bakassi |
| Real Name | Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule |
| Date of Birth | 23 October 1969 |
| Age | 57 years |
| State of Origin | Imo State |
| Tribe | Igbo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor and Politician |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Okey Bakassi completed his primary education at Alvan Ikoku Demonstration School in Owerri, Imo State, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He attended Mbaise Secondary School for a period before transferring to Federal Government College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he earned his West African Senior School Certificate.
He went on to study Agricultural Engineering at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University) in Port Harcourt, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1992. Although his university had no theatre arts department, Okey and a group of like-minded students formed a group called Theatre Kolleagues, through which they staged plays and comedy sketches for the university community.
Career
After graduating, Okey came to Lagos for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he was posted to the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), where he worked in the Project Resuscitation Department. The posting gave him stability but not satisfaction. His heart was in entertainment, and Lagos in the early 1990s was exactly where Nollywood and Nigerian stand-up comedy were beginning to take root.
His big break came through veteran filmmaker and director Zeb Ejiro, who cast him in the NTA television series Fortunes in 1993, where he played Nick, one of the Johnson family’s bodyguards, for 11 episodes, sharing screen time with the likes of Ramsey Nouah, Regina Asika, and Liz Benson. That television role gave him a foothold in the industry. In the years that followed, rather than waiting for big roles to come to him, he threw himself into every available opportunity in the Nollywood value chain, serving as props manager and location manager when acting gigs were scarce. He also won the Best Actor in Comedy Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the African Best Comedian of the Year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
On radio, he hosts It’s Okay with Okey, a daily comedy programme, he has also served as a master of ceremonies at some of Nigeria’s biggest corporate and entertainment events, and has taught comedy masterclasses to emerging entertainers. In 2012, he took a brief foray into politics, serving as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment Matters to then Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim. He has also partnered with Fidelity Bank PLC to support business training and funding initiatives for young Nigerians.
Controversies
One of the most discussed incidents occurred in April 2026 when he publicly announced a ₦5 million reward for information leading to the recovery of several phones stolen during a football game in Ikoyi, Lagos. While many praised his swift response and willingness to take action, others debated the public nature of the announcement, arguing that it blurred the line between personal security matters and social media call-outs.
In addition, Okey Bakassi has occasionally attracted public discussion for his political involvement, particularly his brief appointment as Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment Matters in Imo State. His acceptance of a government role sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some supporting his decision to contribute to governance and others questioning entertainers’ involvement in politics.
Okey Bakassi Social Media Handle
https://www.instagram.com/okeybakassi
Personal Life
Okey Bakassi was born the eldest of five children to Mr. Livinus Onyegbule, a retired military officer, and Mrs. Felicia Onyegbule, a retired nurse, both from Mbaise in Imo State.
Okey Bakassi is married to Ezinne Onyegbule, and together they have three children, two daughters named Dera and Fechi, and a son named Cheta. The family is based in Canada, where Ezinne completed her education and works. Despite his family living abroad, Okey has remained firmly rooted in Nigeria, continuing to create, perform, and build his legacy from Lagos.
Okey Bakassi Net Worth
Okey Bakassi’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.