He began his artistic career in the early 1960s after training as a painter at the Nigerian College of Art, Science and Technology, Zaria (1957-1961).

Mydrim gallery has worked with the artist for over 25 years – presenting selected works at home and abroad. Dr. Onobrakpeya has exhibited at the Tate Modern, the Art Dubai fair (2015), the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and the 44th Venice Biennale.
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Dr. Onobrakpeya currently lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria.