Okey Bakassi debunks separation rumour, says marriage remains intact

Nigerian comedian and actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popular as Okey Bakassi, has debunked reports that he and his wife, Ezinne, have separated, insisting that their marriage remains intact after 25 years.

The entertainer said the false report, which featured photographs of him and his wife, distressed their family and prompted concerned friends, relatives, and fans to contact them for clarification.

In a video addressing the rumour, Mr Bakassi said he was on a film set when the report circulated on social media.

“While I was on a set today filming a new project, someone was busy on social media disrespecting my family and me,” he said.

“Someone went on social media and created an article with my name, my picture, and that of my wife on it, alleging that we have gone our separate ways.”

Clarifications

The denial followed reports circulating on social media alleging that the couple had separated. However, a report published by Prompt News claimed that Mr Bakassi had subsequently disclosed a marital crisis involving his wife. 

The report claimed that Ezinne, the comedian’s wife, requested a divorce after relocating to the United States, pursuing a nursing career, and taking their children with her, which had taken a financial toll on him.

The comedian said the publication triggered calls from people around the world, and some also contacted his wife about the allegation.

He reassured his supporters that the couple remained together and described his wife and children as central to his life.

“Please let me say to my friends, family, and fans that my wife and I are still together. God forbid that anything happens to us,” he said.

“If you know me very well, you will know that the most important thing to me is my wife and my family; my children that God has blessed me with.”

Report fake publication

In response to the separation rumour, the comedian criticised those who circulated the report without verifying its authenticity with him or his family.

He also rejected claims in the publication that his wife lived in the United States and worked as a nurse, calling the details false.

“But you know that opportunities like this allow us to know those who truly care about us, because some people saw that fake news and went ahead and spread it instead of reaching out to me or any member of my family to confirm if it is true,” he said.

He urged anyone who encountered the publication to report the responsible page, arguing that the claims caused unnecessary pain to his family.

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“So please, if you saw that article, go back to the originator of the fake news and report that page for the disrespect and the pain they are trying to cause my family,” he said.

The comedian added that the incident had shown him who genuinely cared about his family, while expressing displeasure over what he described as an attempt to cause division.

25 years of marriage, three children

Mr Bakassi married Ezinne, whom he affectionately calls Zizi, on 1 September 2001 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The couple marked their 25th wedding anniversary on 1 September 2026, celebrating a relationship that began in 1988, when they first met in Port Harcourt.

In a social media post marking the anniversary, the comedian recalled how they became friends through love letters before higher education temporarily separated them. They later reunited and exchanged marital vows in the same city where their relationship began.

Their marriage is blessed with three children: two daughters, Dera and Fechi, and a son, Cheta. The actor described them as three young adults and expressed gratitude for the family they have built.

Mr Bakassi has also credited his wife with supporting him through the challenges of his career and personal life, describing her as a dependable partner.