Ibrahim Yekini (Itele D Icon) Biography: Age, Family, Net Worth, Movies, Awards, Education Background and More

Ibrahim Yekini Bakare, widely recognized by his stage name **Itele D Icon**, stands as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and accomplished Yoruba actors. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming an award-winning actor, producer, director, and screenwriter exemplifies dedication and exceptional talent in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

 Early Life and Background

Ibrahim Yekini was born on January 1, 1980, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria, making him 45 years old as of 2025. Although born in Lagos, he hails from Lafenwa, Abeokuta, in Ogun State, specifically from the village of Adimula in Osun State.

Despite his Lagos birth, Yekini spent his formative years in the northern region of Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, where he experienced a rich blend of cultural diversity that would later influence his storytelling approach.

Ibrahim Yekini is a practicing Muslim and comes from a family with roots in Ogun State. While he has been relatively private about his parents and siblings, he has occasionally acknowledged their support throughout his career journey. Growing up in Kano during the 1980s and 1990s exposed him to diverse Nigerian cultures, which significantly shaped his artistic perspective.

 Educational Background

Itele D Icon received his foundational education in Kano State, where he completed both his primary and secondary education:

– Primary Education: Zawaye Primary School, Kano, where he obtained his First Leaving School Certificate
– Secondary Education: Ahmadiyah Secondary School, Kano, where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE)
– Tertiary Education: Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND)

His educational journey reflects a determination to balance formal education with his passion for acting and entertainment.

Career Journey and Breakthrough

 Early Beginnings (1998-2000)

Ibrahim Yekini’s acting career began in 1998 when he was just 18 years old. He enrolled for an apprenticeship with the prestigious Folorunsho Adejobi theatre group in Iju Ishaga, Lagos State.

Before venturing into acting, Yekini had trained as a boxer at a local gymnasium and initially dreamed of pursuing boxing as a career. However, his godfather advised him to focus on acting instead, a decision that would prove transformative.

During his apprenticeship, he honed his drama skills and made his debut appearance in the Yoruba telenovela “Ijakumo Mefa.” A close friend encouraged him to transition from theatre to movies, leading to his Nollywood debut.

Read Also: Sapthami Gowda (Actress) Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Career, Awards, Movies

 Nollywood Debut and Rise to Fame

In 2000, Ibrahim Yekini made his big screen debut in the Nollywood movie “Dapo Tori Ti E,” where he portrayed a criminal character. His authentic portrayal caught the attention of industry stakeholders. In 2005, he featured in

“Oro Abere,” directed by the esteemed filmmaker Tunde Kelani, further establishing his acting credentials.

The turning point in his career came with his first production as a producer, titled “Itele,” from which he derived his iconic stage name. His second production, “Ekun Meta,” directed by Don Richard, became the project that catapulted him to stardom.

Working closely with Don Richard, Yekini learned essential directorial skills that would later define his multifaceted career.

 Breakthrough and Recognition (2019-Present)

The year 2019 marked a significant milestone in Ibrahim Yekini’s career. He wrote, produced, and directed the Yoruba blockbuster “Return of Kesari,” collaborating with renowned director Tope Adebayo. The movie became a massive hit and solidified his reputation as a creative force in Nollywood.

His performance in “Lucifer” (2019) brought him widespread critical acclaim and earned him the Best Actor in a Lead Role award at the 2020 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards. This controversial drama film showcased his range as an actor and his willingness to take on challenging roles.

In 2023, Ibrahim Yekini participated in “Jagun Jagun (The Warrior),” which was released on Netflix on August 10, 2023. This Netflix original marked his entry into global streaming platforms and exposed his work to international audiences. The film won the Best Indigenous Language Movie (West Africa) and the Best Costume Design award at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

He also produced and directed “Késárí: The King” (2023), further cementing his status as a leading filmmaker in the Yoruba movie industry.

Notable Movies and Filmography

Ibrahim Yekini has built an impressive filmography across various genres. Some of his notable works include:

 As Actor:

– Dapo Tori Ti E (2000)
– Oro Abere (2005)
– Kesari (2018)
– Lucifer (2019)
– Return of Kesari (2019)
– Anini
– Akoba
– Romeo (2022)
– Jagun Jagun (2023)
– A Tribe Called Judah (2024)
– Lisabi: The Uprising (2024)
– Abánisétè: The Ancestor (2025)
– Apaara (The Outcast) (2025)
– Koleoso (2025)
– Iyawo Alhaji (2025)

As Producer/Director:

– Itele
– Ekun Meta
– Return of Kesari (2019)
– President Kuti (2021)
– Oba Bi Olorun (2021)
– Romeo (2022)
– Késárí: The King (2023)
– Father Abraham
– World Famous (2023)
– Dolapo Douglas (2024)
– For My Area (2024)

His work spans drama, action, comedy, and cultural narratives, showcasing his versatility as both an actor and filmmaker.

 Awards and Recognition

Ibrahim Yekini’s exceptional talent has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career:

– Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards 2020: Best Actor in a Lead Role for “Lucifer”
– Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards 2019: Best Actor
– City People Movie Awards 2019: Best Movie for “Kesari”
– City People Movie Awards 2019: Best Producer
– City People Movie Awards 2019: Nominated for Movie Director of the Year (Yoruba)
– Emperor Awards 2021: Best Producer and Director
– Icon Leadership Award 2023: For contributions to entertainment and youth mentorship

In December 2024, Ibrahim Yekini was ranked #2 among the Top 10 YouTube Creators in Nigeria, a remarkable achievement that highlights his digital content prowess. His film “Koleoso” achieved the highest views in Nigeria, proving that traditional Yoruba cinema can dominate digital platforms.

Personal Life and Family

Marriage and Children

Ibrahim Yekini is married to Olayiwola Aminat Omowunmi. The couple got engaged in June 2016 and have since built a strong family together. On his wife’s birthday, Yekini publicly expressed his admiration for her, describing her as an amazing wife, mother, and homemaker who has been instrumental in supporting his successful career in the film industry.

Together, they have welcomed multiple children:
– Their first child, Ameerat Bakare, was born in 2018
– They welcomed their second daughter in April 2022

Before his marriage to Omowunmi, Ibrahim was previously married to a woman named Dupe Yekini, with whom he reportedly had four children. That marriage ended in divorce before his current union.

In 2019, rumors circulated that he was considering taking a second wife, allegedly planning to marry a video vixen shortly after the birth of his child. However, these rumors turned out to be baseless, and Ibrahim has remained committed to his marriage with Omowunmi.

 Net Worth and Lifestyle

As of 2024-2025, Ibrahim Yekini’s estimated net worth ranges between $400,000 to $500,000 USD. His wealth comes from multiple income streams:

– Acting fees from Nollywood productions
– Movie production and directing
– YouTube revenue (as one of Nigeria’s top creators)
– Brand endorsements and partnerships
– Distribution deals for his films

He owns personal vehicles and maintains a comfortable lifestyle while remaining focused on his craft. His success on digital platforms, particularly YouTube, has significantly boosted his earnings in recent years.

Social Media Presence

Ibrahim Yekini maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where he goes by the handle @iteledicon01. He uses his platform to:
– Share updates about upcoming projects
– Interact with fans and followers
– Celebrate milestones and achievements
– Promote his movies and productions
– Share family moments and personal reflections

His YouTube channel has become one of the most successful in Nigeria, with “Koleoso” achieving record-breaking views for a Yoruba film.

Impact and Legacy

Ibrahim Yekini’s influence on Nollywood extends beyond his on-screen performances. He has:

1. Elevated Yoruba Cinema: His productions have set new standards for quality storytelling in Yoruba movies
2. Mentored Young Talent: His Icon Leadership Award recognized his commitment to mentoring youth in the entertainment industry
3. Digital Innovation: He pioneered the successful release of Yoruba films on YouTube, achieving unprecedented viewership
4. Cultural Preservation: His films showcase Yoruba culture, traditions, and language to global audiences
5. Netflix Representation: His participation in Netflix originals has brought Yoruba cinema to international streaming platforms

 Challenges and Controversies

Like many public figures, Ibrahim Yekini has faced challenges during his career. In 2020, he was accused of rape by anonymous individuals on social media. The actor firmly denied these allegations, stating they were completely false. He addressed the accusations publicly and continued to maintain his innocence throughout the controversy.

Despite this challenging period, Yekini’s reputation in the industry has remained strong, supported by colleagues and fans who have witnessed his professionalism and character throughout his career.

Recent Projects and Future Prospects

Ibrahim Yekini continues to be highly productive in 2025, with several projects either released or in production:

– Abánisétè: The Ancestor (2025)
– Apaara (The Outcast) (2025)
– Koleoso (2025) – His record-breaking YouTube success
– King of Thieves 2 (Agesinkole 2) (2025)
– Iyawo Alhaji (2025)

His recent ranking as the #2 YouTube creator in Nigeria demonstrates his continued relevance and ability to adapt to changing media consumption patterns. With his ongoing success, Ibrahim Yekini continues to explore new creative avenues while maintaining his position as one of Nollywood’s most respected figures.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ibrahim Yekini’s real name?
Ibrahim Yekini’s full name is Ibrahim Yekini Bakare. He is professionally known by his stage name “Itele D Icon” or simply “Itele.”

2. How old is Ibrahim Yekini (Itele D Icon)?
Ibrahim Yekini was born on January 1, 1980, making him 45 years old as of 2025.

3. Where is Ibrahim Yekini from?
Although born in Bariga, Lagos State, Ibrahim Yekini hails from Lafenwa, Abeokuta, in Ogun State, Nigeria. He grew up in Kano State in Northern Nigeria.

4. What is Ibrahim Yekini’s net worth?
As of 2024-2025, Ibrahim Yekini’s estimated net worth is between $400,000 to $500,000 USD, earned through acting, directing, producing, and his successful YouTube channel.

5. Is Ibrahim Yekini married?
Yes, Ibrahim Yekini is married to Olayiwola Aminat Omowunmi. They got engaged in June 2016 and have two daughters together. He was previously married to Dupe Yekini, with whom he had four children.

6. What are Ibrahim Yekini’s most famous movies?
His most notable films include “Kesari” (2018), “Lucifer” (2019), “Return of Kesari” (2019), “Jagun Jagun” (2023), “Késárí: The King” (2023), and “Koleoso” (2025), which achieved record-breaking views on YouTube.

7. What awards has Ibrahim Yekini won?
Ibrahim Yekini has won several prestigious awards including the Best Actor in a Lead Role at the 2020 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards for “Lucifer,” Best Producer and Director at the Emperor Awards 2021, and multiple City People Movie Awards in 2019.

8. What is Ibrahim Yekini’s educational background?
He attended Zawaye Primary School and Ahmadiyah Secondary School in Kano State, and later obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta.

9. How did Ibrahim Yekini get his stage name “Itele D Icon”?
He got the nickname “Itele” from his first movie production as a producer, which was titled “Itele.” The “D Icon” was added later as his reputation grew in the industry.

10. What is Ibrahim Yekini’s religion?
Ibrahim Yekini is a practicing Muslim.

11. When did Ibrahim Yekini start acting?
Ibrahim Yekini began his acting career in 1998 when he joined the Folorunsho Adejobi theatre group. He made his Nollywood debut in 2000 with the movie “Dapo Tori Ti E.”

12. Is Ibrahim Yekini on social media?
Yes, Ibrahim Yekini is active on Instagram with the handle @iteledicon01. He also has a highly successful YouTube channel where his films, particularly “Koleoso,” have achieved millions of views.

13. Has Ibrahim Yekini worked on any Netflix projects?
Yes, Ibrahim Yekini appeared in “Jagun Jagun (The Warrior),” which was released on Netflix on August 10, 2023. The film won the Best Indigenous Language Movie at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

14. What languages does Ibrahim Yekini speak?
Ibrahim Yekini is fluent in Yoruba, English, and Hausa, given his upbringing in both Lagos and Kano State.

15. Who are Ibrahim Yekini’s children?
Ibrahim Yekini has multiple children from his marriages. With his current wife Olayiwola Aminat Omowunmi, he has two daughters: Ameerat Bakare (born 2018) and another daughter born in April 2022. He also reportedly has four children from his previous marriage to Dupe Yekini.

Conclusion

Ibrahim Yekini (Itele D Icon) represents the epitome of hard work, talent, and versatility in Nollywood. From his humble beginnings in Kano State to becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, producers, and directors, his journey inspires aspiring filmmakers across Africa. His ability to excel as an actor, producer, director, and now as a top YouTube creator demonstrates his adaptability and creative genius.

With numerous awards, blockbuster productions, and a growing international presence through platforms like Netflix and YouTube, Ibrahim Yekini continues to shape the future of Yoruba cinema while preserving its cultural essence. As he enters new phases of his career, fans and industry watchers eagerly anticipate his next groundbreaking projects.

His story reminds us that success is built through dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Ibrahim Yekini’s greatest contributions to Nigerian cinema may yet lie ahead, making him a true icon of contemporary African entertainment.