Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna, also known as IK Ogbonna on stage, is a Nigerian actor, model, director, and television host. He co-starred in the film Playing Safe as La Porsche, opposite Tonto Dikeh and Ini Edo.
Early Life & Education
Ik Oghonna was born on January 11, 1984, in Abia State, which is located in southeastern Nigeria. He is the family’s second child. He is the youngest of three siblings. Ogbonna attended Lagos State primary and secondary schools, where he earned his West African Examination Council (WAEC) and first school leaving certificate. He received the Milo Awards for Fine Arts as a secondary student. He then continued his education at the University of Jos in Plateau State, where he got a Bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Career
After completing his tertiary education, IK Ogbonna began his career in the Nigerian film business, widely known as Nollywood. In 2013, he made his film debut as the lead in Love Lorn, directed by Rukky Sanda. In 2005, he auditioned for the Amstel Malta Box Office TV program and was picked from among other hopefuls. IK has appeared in almost 50 Nigerian films, playing a range of characters. IK also owns a film production firm. He is the President and CEO of IK Ogbonna Production.
Furthermore, IK Ogbonna is known as the prince of fashion, as evidenced by his distinctive appearances on red carpet events. He has worked on modeling contracts and commercial advertisements. He is currently the Dorco Shaving Stick brand ambassador.
IK Ogbonna’s wife and kids
IK is currently divorced. He was initially married to top Colombian model Sonia Morales. IK Ogbonna and wife met on Instagram through a mutual friend. The two flew to Italy for their wedding.
IK Ogbonna’s wedding took place at a courthouse in Zagreb, Serbia. The couple later separated before finalizing their divorce settlement.
Before getting married to the model, he was in a relationship with Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim.
The actor has two children, a daughter he had before his marriage to Sonia, and a son he shares with Sonia. IK Ogbonna daughter goes by the name Makayla Ogbonna.
Doctorate (Honorary) degree
In June 2022, IK Ogbonna received a doctorate (Honorary) degree in Leadership and Development.
The actor shared the news via his Instagram account with a photograph of him holding the degree.
He captioned the photo, “Introducing Dr (Hon) IKECHUKWU MITCHEL OGBONNA. Thanks to the governing council of INSTITUT SUPERIEUR DE TECHNOLOGIES ET DE MANAGEMENT (ISTM UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in Leadership and Development,”
Male Wig Controversy
Nigerians slammed IK Ogbonna over the hair on his head which he indirectly claimed grew overnight.
IK took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, May 12 and shared a photo of him and it showed that he already has hair grown over his bald head, even though there had never been a single hair seen on the head.
However, HowNG looked through the comment section of his post, and observed that the fans and followers knew why his smooth bald head has grown hairs.
It was clear that IK Ogbonna has joined the league of “Male Wig Association” whose aim is always to make sure men who have bald head get over it with an artificial hair.
Other ventures
IK Ogbonna is also referred to as the prince of fashion, as seen from his unique appearances on red carpet events. He has taken modelling projects and advertisement campaigns. He is the current brand ambassador for Dorco Shaving Stick.
Selected Filmography
- 5 Wives
- A Better Family
- A Bone to Pick
- A Week To My Wedding
- A Wish
- All For The Money
- Beach 24
- Black Bird
- Bubemi The Warri Girl
- Busted
- Class of 21
- Darima’s Dilemma
- Disguise
- Dry Stakes
- Excess Luggage
- For The Wrong Reasons
- Ghana Must Go as Kwabena
- Ghetto Preacher
- Hire A Man
- Hit The Street
- Honeymoon Hotel
- How Not to Fall in Love
- Hustlers
- I Got Your Back
- Ikogosi
- In The Name Of Trust
- Jofran
- Journey to the Dream Land
- June Twelve 93
- Karma is Bae
- Knock Knock
- Love is a Prank
- Love Lorn
- Miss & Mrs
- On a Trip
- Open Marriage
- Oyoma
- Pebbles of Love
- Playing Safe
- Power of Tomorrow
- Ridiculous Ideas
- Schemers
- Showbiz
- Stop
- Ta’Lodaran
- The 30-Year-Old Vi*gin
- The Agreement
- The Chase
- The Choice Exhausted
- The Inn
- The Prenup
- The X List
- Triangle
- True to Love
- Your Fada
Awards and nominations
| Year | Category | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Best Actor in a Lead role – English | Best of Nollywood Awards | Nominated |
| 2019 | Best Kiss in a Movie | Best of Nollywood Awards | Won |
| 2018 | Best Actor of the Year | City People Movie Award | Nominated |
| 2017 | Best Supporting Actor –English | Best of Nollywood Awards | Nominated |
| 2015 | Outstanding Actor | African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards | Nominated |
Net Worth
According to sources online, IK Ogbonna has an estimated net worth of $1.2 million. His sources of income are attached to her production company and acting career.
