Encomium
Famous and wealthy, these thespians are very good at their job. Some are also brand ambassadors. The reward of their labout and fortunes are conspicuous in their deep pockets. That is why we didn’t mince words in tagging them Nollywood’s most bankable actors!
CHINEDU IKEDIEZE (AKI)
Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, is best known for playing alongside his very close pal, Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) in movies. Aki was launched into the forefront after he featured in the popular movie, Aki Na Ukwa. In 2007, Chinedu is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
The pint size prolific actor has a national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR). He has landed property in Aba, Umuahia and Owerri. Aki is also into car sales.
Recently, he was rumoured to be in oil and gas business. He has four exotic cars in his garage. He’s said to also have a duplex in Rivervilla, Berger, Lagos. Chinedu was born on December 12, 1977, and married to Nneoma.
JOSEPH BENJAMIN
Joseph Benjamin is a model, voice-over artiste and television presenter. He is known for co-hosting the popular reality show, MTN Project Fame. Joseph Benjamin has also featured in some award-winning movies such as Tango With Me, alongside Genevieve Nnaji, where he played the role of an emotionally bruised husband. Others are Mr. and Mrs. and Married But Living Single
He won the Africa Actor of the Year award at the 2012 Africa Film Awards. He was born November 9, 1976. He holds a Diploma in Computer Literacy from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Joseph Benjamin has also done several television and radio commercials for brands like Stanbic IBTC, Coca-Cola, Maltina, MTN, Guinness, Samsung, Pepsi, Nokia, Airtel, amongst others.
AFEEZ OYETORO
Popular comic act, Afeez Oyetoro, well known as Saka, is multi-talented and has come a long way in the movie industry.
Saka swings from Yoruba to English genre because of his versatility which is uncommon. Afeez used to be Etisalat brand ambassador until he ported to MTN. He is a Theatre Arts practitioner who has featured in several movies both in English and Yoruba. He holds a first degree in Theatre Arts from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and a Masters degree in Theatre Arts, specializing in African Dance at the University of Ibadan. He is a lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos. In August 2013, Afeez Oyetoro turned 50.
NKEM OWOH
Nkem Owoh is referred to as the master of comedy in Nollywood. The movie, Osuofia in London introduced him to many movie lovers in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Owoh is known as a comic actor that can deliver any role. He is also an MTN ambassador.
His meticulous selection of roles has ensured he appears only in quality movies. Mr. Owoh MCs big shows predominantly in the eastern part of the country and abroad and he’s always in his elements at work.
DESMOND ELLIOT
Desmond Olushola Elliot is surely a household name in Nigeria and in Africa. The Nollywood hunk went from acting to directing which he was quoted to be more fulfilling and acting more rewarding.
Desmond Elliot is married and blessed with twins twice. He has featured in over 200 films. In 2008, he co-produced the movie, Reloaded which received three nominations at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). In 2009, he was nominated for the Best Actor at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Desmond Elliot is also one of Globacom and Conoil ambassadors. He was born to a Yoruba father and Igbo mother. He studied Economics at Lagos State University, and directed some blockbuster movies like Edi Kan, Ayai, Bursting Out, Kiss and Tell, Finding Mercy, In the Cupboard, Reloaded and many more.
OSITA IHEME
Nollywood pint size actor, Osita Iheme stepped into popularity with the movie, Aki Na Ukwa with his bestie, Chinedu Ikedieze, Aki. He had a show tour in East Africa, a landed property in Aba and Owerri. Osita also has a twin duplex in Rivervilla Estate, Berger, Lagos.
Osita and Chinedu also have an endorsement with a South African phone company worth millions of naira. In 2007, Osita won the Lifetime Achievement at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). He bagged the national honour of MFR (Member of the Federal Republic).
MIKE EZURUONYE
Mike Ezuruonye launched himself to limelight in the movie, Critical Decision which he did alongside Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke-Linus and RMD and was nominated for Best Actor in a supporting and leading roles at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
The light-skinned actor has managed to capture a large fan base especially the females. Mike Ezuruonye, who was once a Glo ambassador, was dropped in 2013. In 2014, the charmer, talented and versatile actor, announced his new endorsement deal with Airtel. He got married in 2010, and the union is blessed with a cute son.
AJOKE ONITOLO
