Ezinne Onyegbule, fondly called Zizi, is the wife of veteran Nigerian comedian, actor and broadcaster Okey Bakassi. While her husband built one of the best known careers in Nigerian comedy and Nollywood, she has remained largely private, raising the family and holding the home together across two continents.
A love story that began in Port Harcourt
Ezinne and Okey first met in 1988 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when he was a first-year university student. In an era before social media and instant messaging, their friendship grew through handwritten letters. Both later concentrated on their education, and the relationship paused for about eight years before it resumed with a new seriousness.
On September 1, 2001, the couple exchanged marital vows in Port Harcourt, the same city where their story started, in front of family and friends.
Family life between Nigeria and Canada
The Onyegbules have three children: Chidera, Ofechi and Chetanna. More than a decade ago, the family relocated to Canada. Okey has said publicly that the move was made to give the children stability and a steady school calendar. Ezinne has been the anchor of the household abroad, while her husband divides his time between work in Lagos and visits to the family.
Long-distance family arrangements of this kind are common among Nigerian professionals and entertainers, but they demand patience and trust. Okey has repeatedly credited his wife with making it work, describing her as the person who helped him find direction.
A deliberately private life
Unlike many spouses of celebrities, Ezinne rarely gives interviews or seeks the spotlight. Most of what the public knows about her comes from her husband's tributes, family milestones he shares online and appearances at selected events. That privacy is part of why the couple is often described by colleagues as one of the most grounded partnerships in Nigerian show business.
The silver jubilee
On September 1, 2026, Ezinne and Okey marked their 25th wedding anniversary. In a widely shared message, Okey wrote: "Zizi, my darling wife, thanks for saying YES 25 years ago... thanks for staying, thanks for helping me find direction, thanks for your sacrifices." Read the full story: Okey Bakassi and Wife Ezinne Celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Why her name is in the news
In October 2026, a misleading caption circulating online wrongly suggested trouble in the couple's relationship. The claim was false. For the full account of how the story spread and what really happened, read: False Caption, False Narrative: Okey Bakassi Goes Viral.
Quick facts
- Name: Ezinne Onyegbule
- Nickname: Zizi
- Spouse: Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule (Okey Bakassi)
- Met: 1988, Port Harcourt
- Married: September 1, 2001, Port Harcourt
- Children: Chidera, Ofechi and Chetanna
- Residence: Canada
