Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, is a well-known Nigerian social media personality and entrepreneur who gained fame for breaking gender norms in a conservative society. Born on August 31, 1991, in Ogun State, Nigeria, Bobrisky rose to prominence as one of the country’s first openly transgender influencers.
Early Life and Background
Raised in a polygamous Muslim family, Bobrisky is the youngest child of his late mother and was brought up under strict discipline. Despite his traditional upbringing, he began expressing feminine traits from a young age, which led to frequent punishments from his mother. Eventually, he chose to identify as Christian, though he keeps his current place of worship private.
Bobrisky started supporting himself financially at the age of 16 and was already showing signs of gender nonconformity during his teenage years. His educational background includes attending King’s High School and Okota High School, followed by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Career Rise
Bobrisky started out as a makeup artist and gained traction through Snapchat in 2016. He used the platform to share beauty tips and market his skin-whitening products. This online fame expanded to Instagram, where he cultivated a massive following. Despite criticism for promoting colorism and gender stereotypes, he remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s online space.
Bobrisky was also featured in the documentary Skin in 2019, which explored the issue of colorism in Nigeria. He has remained a controversial yet consistent presence in Nigerian pop culture.
Public Image and Gender Identity
Initially claiming to be a straight man cross-dressing for marketing, Bobrisky later stated she had undergone surgeries to transition. This sparked debates, especially with the Nigerian law prohibiting same-sex relationships. Nevertheless, Bobrisky has asserted that she no longer qualifies as a cross-dresser because she has completed her gender transformation.
In 2025, she described herself as “a woman who has undergone everything,” reinforcing her identity as a transgender woman.
Legal Controversies
Bobrisky has faced multiple legal issues. In 2024, she was arrested by the EFCC for allegedly defacing the Nigerian Naira by spraying money at public events. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison with no option for a fine. She served her sentence and was released in August 2024.
Further controversies included accusations of bribery and preferential treatment while in prison, which she denied. In late 2024, she also faced trouble with immigration officials and the EFCC while attempting to travel abroad.
Despite filing a lawsuit against the EFCC for infringing on her rights, the Federal High Court dismissed the case, citing a lack of credible evidence.
Personal Life
Bobrisky maintains a private life regarding relationships. Although she once claimed to be dating one of Africa’s wealthiest men, she has never publicly revealed his identity. She was previously close to actress Tonto Dikeh, though the nature of their relationship remains unconfirmed.
She is known for her lavish lifestyle, love of luxury cars, and frequent flaunting of wealth on social media. Bobrisky also claims to be a generous giver and dedicated Christian who pays her tithes regularly.
Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of $3.1 million, Bobrisky ranks among Nigeria’s most financially successful online influencers. She earns through brand endorsements, cosmetic sales, and paid promotions on her social media pages.
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