Okey Bakassi
Nigerian comedian and Nollywood actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, has denied circulating social media claims that his marriage has ended in divorce after 25 years.
The reports, which went viral around October 12, 2026, alleged that his wife had relocated to the United States to study nursing, taking their children with her, while Bakassi remained in Nigeria working and sending money to support them for about 15 years.
The fabricated story claimed she later called him to request a divorce, saying they no longer had a real marriage because of the long separation. Some versions included a doctored or miscaptioned video of the comedian appearing emotional.
Bakassi responded in a video statement posted on his Instagram page. He described the claims as “disrespectful and disturbing” and the work of a “charlatan” or “idiot” who created a fake article using his name, photo, and that of his wife purely for clout and views.
“Please, let me say to our friends, family and fans: my wife and I are still together. God forbid anything will ever happen to us,” he said. “If you know me very well, you know that the most important thing to me is my wife and my family, my children that God has blessed me with.”
He revealed that the couple had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Canada. Bakassi clarified that his wife does not live in the United States and is not a nurse, contrary to the viral article’s claims. He noted that the false story caused anxiety, with friends, family, and fans calling him and his wife from around the world seeking confirmation.
“My family is intact and in God’s hands,” he added, urging people to disregard the rumours and report the original fake-news accounts on X (Twitter) for violating platform rules.
Bakassi married his wife, Ezinne (whom he affectionately calls Zizi), on September 1, 2001, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Their relationship began in 1988 in the same city. The couple, who have three children (two daughters, Dera and Fechi, and a son, Cheta), marked the milestone anniversary shortly before the rumours erupted. Bakassi has long kept much of his family life private while occasionally sharing positive reflections on their journey together.
The comedian, a pioneer of modern Nigerian stand-up comedy and a veteran actor, expressed frustration that some people spread the falsehood without verifying it. He used the episode to highlight those who genuinely care about his family versus those who amplify unverified gossip.
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