Dakore Egbuson

Dakore Egbuson-Akande stands out as one of Nollywood’s most enduring style icons and accomplished actresses, with a career that has spanned over two decades in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Born on October 14, 1978, in Lagos State, Nigeria, she hails from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Dakore is the first child in a family of five and the elder sister of popular actor Timini Egbuson. She comes from a richly diverse background, born to a Yoruba father and an Ijaw mother, giving her both Yoruba and Ijaw heritage. While her maternal ties connect her to Bayelsa State, she is more commonly associated with her Yoruba roots, particularly through her marriage to Yoruba businessman Olumide Akande. Dakore’s charm, talent, and resilience have firmly positioned her among the top-tier names in African cinema.

Family and Background

Dakore was born into a close-knit family as the first child of five siblings. Her father was an engineer, and her mother, a businesswoman, provided strong support throughout her early life and career. She is the elder sister of award-winning actor Timini Egbuson. Dakore has frequently credited her mother as a major source of strength and guidance.

Education

Dakore began her academic journey at Corona Primary School, Lagos. She later attended A-Z International School and Government Girls’ College. For tertiary education, she enrolled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Mass Communication. However, her studies were disrupted by frequent strikes led by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), preventing her from completing her degree.

Entry into Nollywood

Her entry into acting was serendipitous. While working at an advertising agency, she met renowned producer Emem Isong, who cast her in the movie Silent Tears in 2000. This role launched her Nollywood career and led to further roles in productions such as Playboy, Tentacles, and She-Devil. Dakore later moved to London, where she hosted shows on BEN TV and performed music at notable venues, including Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Acting Career and Filmography

Dakore quickly rose to prominence with major roles in films such as:

• Emotional Crack
• Dangerous Sisters
• Shattered Illusions
• When the Going Gets Tough
• Hole in the Heart
• Bus Driver
• The Set-Up
• Fifty

Her versatility and charm solidified her position as one of Nollywood’s most beloved actresses.

Music Career

Beyond acting, Dakore is also a soul and jazz singer. She has performed at high-profile venues, notably Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. According to her, “I’m a musician before I’m an actress,” and she remains passionate about creating and releasing quality music.

Awards and Recognitions

Dakore’s talent and contributions to Nollywood have earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Best New Actress and Best Supporting Actress – REEL Awards (2004)
• Best Actress – NEA Awards, Maryland, USA (2006)
• Multiple nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA)
• Brand Ambassador roles for Amstel Malta and Pampers Nigeria

Marriage and Personal Life

In January 2011, Dakore married Olumide Akande, the son of billionaire businessman Chief Harry Akande, in a lavish Lagos wedding. The couple has two daughters.

Her marriage, given its high-profile nature, attracted media attention and speculation. Some reports suggested pressure from her in-laws and a pause in her career due to her husband’s conservative background. Dakore briefly stepped back from acting but later resumed her career, balancing work with family life. She has denied claims of marital tension or divorce, consistently reaffirming the strength of her partnership.

Controversies and Public Rumours

Like many public figures, Dakore Egbuson-Akande has not been immune to the harsh glare of the spotlight or the frequent rumors that trail celebrities. Over the years, she has faced various controversies and unsubstantiated reports, often choosing to respond with quiet dignity or strategic silence.

In 2020, speculation about trouble in her marriage surfaced when she was spotted without her wedding ring at several public events. Fans and media alike began to speculate about a possible marital crisis. Rather than respond directly, Dakore addressed the situation subtly through affirming Instagram posts centered around family, love, and personal growth. This approach was widely interpreted as her way of reaffirming her commitment to her family without feeding the rumor mill.

In 2021, she was once again thrust into controversy when an anonymous blog post alleged she was involved in an affair with an unnamed Nigerian politician. The claim, lacking any evidence, was quickly dismissed by her close associates and many in the entertainment industry as defamatory and baseless. Dakore chose not to comment publicly, maintaining her poise and professionalism, a decision that earned her further respect among fans and colleagues. The episode also highlighted the disproportionate scrutiny and moral policing often directed at female celebrities in Nigeria.

However, in 2024, a fresh and highly publicized controversy emerged, prompting Dakore to break her silence. Controversial gossip platform Gistlover published a sensational list of Nigerian female celebrities it alleged were romantically linked to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Dakore’s name appeared alongside other prominent figures such as Nancy Isime, Hilda Baci, and Ini Edo.

Furious at the defamatory claims, Dakore took to her Instagram page to vehemently deny the allegations, stating:

“I saw text messages and calls this morning, alerting me to a very wicked lie from the pit of hell. I must say that I’m very disappointed, shocked, and appalled. And I want to categorically state that I have never met the Senate President in my life… not to talk of being his side chick. I’m happily married with two beautiful children.”

She further condemned the blogger’s actions as “wicked and unfounded” and challenged anyone with evidence of the alleged affair to come forward, offering N5 million for credible proof. She concluded by warning that legal action would be taken, adding, “At this point, you have messed with the wrong person.”

Following her public statement, her legal representatives—Olisa Agbakoba Legal—issued a formal Cease and Desist letter to Gistlover, demanding the immediate deletion of the defamatory content and cessation of all slanderous remarks against her. The letter served as a strong message to both media outlets and gossip platforms that Dakore would no longer tolerate the spreading of lies aimed at tarnishing her reputation.

Despite these recurring rumors, Dakore Egbuson-Akande has consistently demonstrated resilience, grace, and class in the face of public scrutiny. Her ability to rise above controversy and focus on her work, family, and personal values continues to earn her admiration both within and outside the entertainment industry.

Public Advocacy and Social Impact

While not politically active in a partisan sense, Dakore has been vocal on social issues. She is a strong advocate for:

• Women’s rights
• Education for the girl child
• Youth development
• Gender balance in leadership and creative industries

She has spoken at various platforms, contributing her voice to vital conversations shaping the future of Nigerian society.

Collaborations and Industry Relationships

Notable Nollywood Collaborators:

• Emem Isong (Producer who launched her career)
• Ramsey Nouah
• Desmond Elliot
• Stephanie Okereke-Linus
• Ini Edo
• Joke Silva
• Kate Henshaw
• Fred and Jeta Amata

Prominent Igbo Collaborators:

• Uche Jombo
• Chidi Mokeme
• Genevieve Nnaji
• Stephanie Okereke-Linus
• Patience Ozokwor

Her collaborations reflect her wide reach and respect across Nigeria’s diverse film industry.

Legacy and Impact

Dakore Egbuson-Akande represents the essence of the modern African woman: talented, resilient, and inspiring. Her journey—from a mass communication student to an award-winning actress and musician—speaks of continuous growth and reinvention. Despite public scrutiny and personal challenges, she has remained focused, redefining success on her own terms and inspiring the next generation of creatives, especially women, across Africa.

References (APA Style)

• Vanguard Nigeria. (2004). Dakore Egbuson wins big at REEL Awards. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com
• BellaNaija. (2011, January 17). Dakore & Olumide Akande’s Wedding. Retrieved from https://www.bellanaija.com
• Pulse Nigeria. (2020). Dakore responds to divorce rumours with cryptic Instagram post. Retrieved from https://www.pulse.ng
• The Guardian Nigeria. (2006). Dakore wins Best Actress at NEA Awards in the U.S. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng
• OmoNaija Magazine. (2006). It Girl of Nollywood: Dakore Egbuson

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