Benson Okonkwo

Benson Okonkwo is a Nigerian actor and model, recognized for his work in Nollywood films. He began his professional acting career in 2008 and has since appeared in various movies, including Car Wash Ladies (2022), The Shepherd (2008), and Live to Remember (2008). Prior to acting, Okonkwo was involved in modeling, working with brands such as Nestle and Zain.

Early Life and Education

Benson Okonkwo was born on December 31, 1985, in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. He was raised in a close-knit Christian family and is one of four boys. His early life was shaped by strong family values, discipline, and a deep sense of cultural pride, traits that would later influence his professional journey and public persona.

Benson spent most of his formative years in Lagos State, where he completed both his primary and secondary education. Known for his vibrant personality even as a child, he was actively involved in drama and extracurricular activities during his school years, particularly in church-based performances.

Driven by a passion for business and leadership, Benson proceeded to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu State, one of Nigeria’s prominent tertiary institutions. There, he earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration and Management. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his organizational skills and strategic approach to both his creative and business endeavors.

Career

Benson Okonkwo’s journey into the entertainment industry began on a humble yet passionate note. He started acting in church drama groups, where he honed his skills in front of modest audiences, developing a flair for emotional expression and stage presence. His consistent performances caught the attention of local filmmakers, and in 2008, at the age of 22, he officially registered with Nollywood and began his professional acting career.

Known for his striking looks and charismatic delivery, Benson quickly gained popularity in the Nigerian film industry, particularly in romantic and dramatic roles. Some of his standout performances include films like “Rain Drop”, “No Man’s Land”, and other emotional storylines where he often played the love interest or the misunderstood protagonist. His versatility has allowed him to move across genres, though he remains best known for his romantic leads.

Before fully committing to acting, Benson made a name for himself in the modeling industry. Starting at age 18, he modeled for some of Nigeria’s top commercial brands, including Wema Bank, Hi Temolku, Airtel, Nestle, Zain, and Gold Circle. His modeling background not only elevated his profile but also opened doors in the entertainment space, where his image and confidence translated seamlessly onto the screen.

Awards and Recognition

Benson Okonkwo has received several accolades for his contributions to Nollywood. He was awarded the “Most Sexiest Man” at the City People Entertainment Awards. Additionally, he has been recognized as the “Influential Nollywood Actor of the Year” in various award ceremonies.

Controversies

Benson Okonkwo’s career has not been without its share of controversies, the most persistent of which centers around public speculation about his sexuality. Over the years, he has repeatedly been accused of being gay—rumors that have trailed him across both mainstream media and social platforms in Nigeria, where conversations around LGBTQ+ identities are often met with intense scrutiny and cultural stigma.

The speculation gained momentum due to some of the roles he played in Nollywood films, where he was cast in scenes or characters perceived to be effeminate or homosexual. In a conservative industry and society like Nigeria’s, such portrayals can easily lead to real-life assumptions about an actor’s sexual orientation. Okonkwo, however, has consistently denied these claims, insisting that his work as an actor requires him to embody a variety of characters, regardless of their background or traits.

In a 2016 interview with Punch Newspapers, Okonkwo responded directly to the accusations, stating emphatically:

“I am not gay and I have never acted in a porn movie because I am not a porn star. People are just jealous of my success and trying to tarnish my image.”

He expressed deep frustration and disappointment that people fail to differentiate between an actor’s professional life and personal identity, accusing some critics of using social media as a tool to slander him. He also revealed that the backlash has affected both his career prospects and mental health, with some producers reportedly avoiding casting him due to the controversy and public perception surrounding his persona.

In another media appearance, he added that the rumors have persisted not just because of his movie roles but also due to his fashion style and public appearance, which some people labeled as “flamboyant” or “unconventional.” Okonkwo, however, maintains that he is simply expressive and stylish, and that personal grooming and elegance should not be conflated with sexuality.

The rumors further escalated after a behind-the-scenes photo surfaced online showing Okonkwo kissing a male co-star on a film set. The image went viral, sparking intense backlash. Critics accused him of promoting homosexuality, while others claimed it confirmed their suspicions. Once again, Okonkwo defended himself, clarifying that the scene was entirely fictional and part of a movie script.

“It’s called acting,” he said in response to the public outrage. “Do you crucify someone for playing a murderer or a ritualist on screen? Why is this different?”

Despite the controversies, Benson Okonkwo has remained resolute in defending his integrity. He continues to call for greater understanding and professionalism in how audiences perceive actors and their artistic choices. He also urges fans and critics alike to support Nollywood talents instead of tearing them down with baseless accusations.

The controversy highlights a broader cultural issue within Nigerian society regarding gender expression, media literacy, and LGBTQ+ discourse, often complicated by religious and traditional values.

Despite the gossip, Benson has remained focused on his career, often stating in interviews that his lifestyle does not define his talent, and he would rather be judged by his work and not by assumptions.

Personal Life

Benson Okonkwo is known for his distinctive fashion sense and charismatic presence, earning him the nickname “Mr. Packaging” in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He maintains an active presence on social media, sharing updates and engaging with fans.

Emotional Interview with Lucky Udu: Benson Okonkwo Opens Up About Struggles in Nollywood

In a deeply emotional and revealing interview with Lucky Udu, a content creator known for spotlighting once-prominent individuals with his signature phrase, “Do you remember this guy?”, Nollywood actor Benson Okonkwo laid bare the harsh realities of his current life.

Okonkwo, who has been active in the Nollywood industry for over 20 years, confessed that he is enduring extreme financial hardship and mental distress. During the interview, he disclosed that roles in Nollywood have become rare for him, and when they do come, they often pay as little as ₦5,000, an amount grossly inadequate for survival in Nigeria’s harsh economic climate. He lamented that despite dedicating two decades of his life to the film industry, he now finds himself sidelined and forgotten.

Choking back tears at several points, Benson admitted to having had suicidal thoughts, saying that the situation had become so unbearable that he occasionally questions the value of continuing to live. His vulnerability stunned many viewers, as he described feeling abandoned by an industry he once served passionately.

In a heartfelt appeal, he solicited support from the public, stating his desire to pivot from acting to starting a clothing business as a way of regaining financial independence and dignity. “I want to start selling clothes… maybe that will help me survive,” he said. His plea was not just a cry for financial aid, but also a reflection of the broader neglect many aging or sidelined Nollywood actors face after their fame fades.

This interview quickly went viral, generating conversations around the welfare of Nollywood veterans and the lack of a structured support system within the Nigerian film industry. Fans and sympathizers flooded social media with messages of concern and offers of help. Some even called on the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and major stakeholders in Nollywood to intervene and create sustainable welfare programs for actors who have fallen on hard times.

Benson Okonkwo’s story serves as a stark reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry lie untold stories of struggle, abandonment, and the brutal impact of fame’s fleeting nature.

Associations

Throughout his career, Okonkwo has worked with various notable Igbo personalities in Nollywood, including Kenneth Okonkwo, known for his role in Living in Bondage, and Steve Eboh, recognized for his roles in films like Karishika.

Achievements and Influence

Although he has not yet won any major national awards, Benson has been nominated multiple times for his performances and style. He is considered one of Nollywood’s most talked-about actors, particularly among younger viewers and social media audiences.

He continues to influence fashion, self-expression, and identity in Nollywood and is often invited to red-carpet events, celebrity parties, and youth empowerment conferences. His journey from a church drama boy in Lagos to a recognizable face in Nollywood is both inspiring and representative of the diverse paths available in Nigeria’s booming entertainment industry.

References

• 360dopes. (n.d.). Benson Okonkwo Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Movies & Pictures. Retrieved from https://www.360dopes.com/benson-okonkwo-biography-wikipedia-age-wife-movies-pictures/ (Benson Okonkwo Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Movies & Pictures …)
• Punch Newspapers. (2016, November 9). I am not gay – Benson Okonkwo. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/not-gay-benson-okonkwo/ (I am not gay –Benson Okonkwo – Punch Newspapers)
• Pulse Nigeria. (2016, November 9). Nollywood actor comes under fire for kissing man on movie set. Retrieved from https://www.pulse.ng/articles/gist/benson-okonkwo-nollywood-actor-comes-under-fire-for-kissing-man-on-movie-set-2024080306302061709 (Nollywood actor comes under fire for kissing man on movie set)
• Instagram. (n.d.). Benson Okonkwo (@bensonokonkwo_official_). Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/bensonokonkwo_official_/
• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Kenneth Okonkwo. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Okonkwo (Kenneth Okonkwo – Wikipedia)
• TheCityCeleb. (n.d.). Steve Eboh Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies. Retrieved from https://www.thecityceleb.com/biography/celebrity/actor/steve-eboh-biography-age-wife-children-net-worth-movies-wikipedia-instagram-family-phone-number/

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