Ibrahim Yekini known to fans as Itele d’Icon, stands as a key figure in Nigerian cinema. Born on January 1, 1980, this 45-year-old actor has built a career that blends raw talent with hard work. He first caught attention in 2018 with his lead role in the film Kesari, a story of strength and survival that showed his skill in playing tough characters. Today, on October 26, 2025, Yekini continues to shape Yoruba movies, a part of Nollywood that focuses on stories from the Yoruba culture.
Yekini’s journey goes beyond acting. He produces, directs, and writes scripts, often drawing from real-life struggles in Lagos. His nickname “Itele d’Icon” comes from his strong screen presence, like an icon who commands every scene. This biography looks at his life step by step. It covers his early years, school days, start in films, climb to fame, top roles, honors, work behind the scenes, family, money matters, lasting mark, and what comes next. Readers will learn how one man’s drive from a busy Lagos street changed Nigerian storytelling.
Yekini’s story teaches that success comes from grit. He once said in a 2021 interview that he worked as a bricklayer to buy film gear. This mindset keeps him real, even as a star. His films reach millions on YouTube and Netflix, mixing drama, action, and culture. For new fans, start with Kesari. For experts, watch his 2025 directs like Abanisete: The Ancestor. This piece uses simple words to make his tale easy to follow and full of facts.
Early Life
Ibrahim Yekini grew up in the lively area of Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria. This neighborhood, full of markets and close homes, shaped his view of the world. Born on January 1, 1980, he entered a family with Yoruba roots from Abeokuta in Ogun State. Bariga’s energy, with its mix of joy and tough times, taught him early lessons in survival. As a child, Yekini saw street plays and local tales that sparked his love for stories.
His family kept things simple. Details on his parents stay private, but sources note a humble home where values like hard work stood strong. Yekini often shares how Bariga’s community feel built his trust in people. In 2023, he recalled playing football with friends after school, dreaming big amid the noise. These days formed his base. He learned to face challenges head-on, a trait seen in his film roles.
By his teens, Yekini felt pulled to perform. Local theater groups in Lagos offered free shows, and he joined in, acting out village heroes and city fighters. This early fun turned serious as he turned 18. Bariga’s mix of rich and poor showed him life’s full range, inspiring scripts later on. In 2025, at age 45, Yekini still visits Bariga for community events, giving back through small gifts to kids. His early life proves that big talents start small. It set him on a path where every role feels like a nod to those streets.
Education
Yekini’s school years took him north to Kano State, a shift from Lagos heat to drier lands. He started primary at Zawaye Elementary School, earning his First Leaving School Certificate there. This school focused on basics like reading and math, but Yekini shone in group plays during breaks. Teachers noted his quick wit, often picking him for class skits.
For secondary, he attended Ahmadiyah Secondary School in Kano. There, he completed his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) around 1997. The school stressed discipline and faith, fitting his Muslim background. Classes ran from dawn prayers to evening studies, building his focus. Yekini played soccer and joined debate clubs, honing skills for later arguments on set.
Kano’s culture added layers. Hausa influences mixed with his Yoruba ways, teaching him to adapt. In a 2021 chat, he said northern friends pushed him to read more, fueling his script ideas. No college followed right away; life pulled him to work. But school gave tools like clear speech and teamwork. Today, Yekini credits education for his calm under pressure. In 2025 posts, he urges youth to finish school first, saying it opens doors wider than talent alone. His path shows learning anywhere builds a strong base.
Entry into the Industry
Yekini’s film start came in 1998, at age 18, through apprenticeship in Iju Ishaga, Lagos. He trained under Folorunsho Adebayo, a Yoruba producer, learning basics like set moves and line reads. Days meant long hours carrying props and watching shoots. No pay at first, just meals and tips. This hands-on way built his eye for detail.
By 2004, Yekini landed his first production role on a small Yoruba flick. Minor parts followed, like background fighters in low-budget tales. Auditions tested him; rejections stung, but he kept going. He juggled odd jobs, like selling goods in markets, to eat. Lagos traffic and rainy shoots toughened him. In 2005, a supporting spot in a family drama got him noticed by directors.
This phase lasted years, full of waits and small wins. Yekini joined actor groups for free training, picking up camera tricks. By 2008, he scripted short scenes, showing his full range. Entry taught patience. As he said in 2023, “Those early days made me value every clap.” Now, he mentors newbies the same way, proving cycles continue.
Rise to Fame
From 2005 to 2018, Yekini moved from side roles to leads in Yoruba cinema. Early 2000s gigs built his name in Lagos circles. He starred in over 20 films by 2010, playing loyal friends and quiet heroes. Fans liked his real feel, not overdone flair.
The big break hit in 2018 with Kesari, where he produced and led as a resilient fighter. The film earned praise for its honest plot, drawing crowds to theaters. Box office numbers soared, and social media buzz grew. Lucifer in 2019 sealed it, his anti-hero role winning hearts for depth.
Fame brought collabs with stars like Funke Akindele in Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020). His “Itele d’Icon” tag stuck, from a 2019 fan chant. By 2018 end, he led panels at film fests. Rise meant more eyes on Yoruba stories, blending street smarts with big screens. In 2025, he reflects it as “slow fire that cooks best.” This era turned him from local talent to national name.
Notable Films and Roles
Yekini has over 50 credits, mixing action and heart. Here is a list of his top works, with key roles and why they matter:
- Kesari (2018): Lead as a village guardian facing odds. His produce effort made it a hit, showing cultural ties.
- Lucifer (2019): Anti-hero with moral twists. Earned Best Actor nods for layered play.
- Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020): Supporting thug in Funke Akindele’s comedy-drama. Added grit to fun.
- Jagun Jagun (2023): Warrior mentor on Netflix. Got AMVCA nod for fierce scenes.
- A Tribe Called Judah (2023): Ensemble robber in heist tale. Highlighted his comic side.
- Kesari: The King (2023): Sequel lead, deeper family arc. Fans loved return.
- Dolapo Douglas (2024): Director and star as detective. Blended mystery with Yoruba lore.
- Lisabi: A Legend is Born (2025): Freedom fighter role with Lateef Adedimeji. Epic on history.
- Thinline (2025): Netflix thriller part with Uzor Arukwe. Explored betrayal themes.
- Abanisete: The Ancestor (2025): Lead ancestor in box-office epic. Directed it too, earning N30.9 million in days.
These picks show his range, from tough guys to thinkers. Each boosts Yoruba films’ reach.
Awards and Accolades
Yekini’s honors started in 2019, marking his peak. At the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards that year, he won Best Actor in Yoruba category for Return of Kesari. In 2020, he kept the BON Yoruba Best Actor for Lucifer.
City People Entertainment Awards gave Producer of the Year in 2019 for Kesari. 2023 brought Icon Leadership Award, praising his guide role. AMVCA 2024 nominated him Best Supporting for Jagun Jagun.
Other nods include Nigerian Achievers Awards and Tush All Youth Awards. These wins lift Yoruba cinema, as he noted in 2023: “For every dreamer like me.” They affirm his spot among Nollywood greats.
Behind the Camera
Yekini shines off-screen too, producing since 2018. Kesari was his first full produce, handling budget and cast. Lucifer followed, mixing his scripts with action.
Directing kicked in 2024 with Dolapo Douglas, a sleuth story he also starred in. 2025 saw Abanisete: The Ancestor, his epic direct with roots themes, hitting big sales. Koleoso series, parts 1-5, broke views records, like 2 million in a day for part 4.
He runs Itele Productions, training youth. Focus stays on true Yoruba tales, using phones for quick shoots. In 2025, Phobia marks his next direct, out February. This work grows the industry, one story at a time.
Personal Life
Yekini keeps family close amid fame. He married Olayiwola Aminat Omowunmi over 10 years ago; she supports from home. They have four kids, including daughter Amirah, born around 2020.
From a first marriage, son Quadri Yekeen debuted in 2025’s Koleoso 6 as his on-screen boy, a real bond. Quadri’s acting start thrilled fans. Yekini also has twins, revealed in 2025 videos. Some reports note three wives total, with kids across.
Faith guides him as a Muslim, with public prayers. Hobbies include Bariga charity for schools. In 2025, wife Aminat shared handling fan notes with grace. Family grounds his busy life.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Yekini’s net worth sits at $400,000 to $500,000. Earnings come from acting (40%), producing (30%), directs (20%), and deals (10%). Films like Abanisete added boosts via shares.
He owns a Lagos home worth millions of naira and cars shown in 2021 tours. Investments in production gear grow steady. No flash, but comfort from smart choices. This sum ranks him mid among Yoruba stars.
Legacy and Future
Yekini’s mark lies in making Yoruba films global, via Netflix hits like Thinline. He mentors, pushing subtitles for wider reach. Koleoso‘s moral tales shape youth views.
Upcoming: Phobia (February 2025), more Koleoso, and Hollywood talks. Legacy? Inspiring hustlers to create.
Conclusion
Ibrahim Yekini’s tale from Bariga boy to Nollywood force shows dreams work with effort. His films, family focus, and guides leave a rich print. As 2025 ends, watch him lead more.
FAQs
Who is Ibrahim Yekini?
A Nigerian actor, producer, and director known as Itele d’Icon, famous for Yoruba films like Kesari.
How old is Ibrahim Yekini?
Born January 1, 1980, he is 45 years old in 2025.
Who is Ibrahim Yekini’s wife?
Olayiwola Aminat Omowunmi, married over 10 years; he has kids from prior ties too.
What are Ibrahim Yekini’s best movies?
Top picks: Kesari (2018), Lucifer (2019), Jagun Jagun (2023), Abanisete (2025).
What is Ibrahim Yekini’s net worth?
Around $400,000 to $500,000 in 2025, from films and produces.