Iyabo Ojo is a Nigerian actress, director, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has made a name for herself in the Nollywood film industry. She is known for her roles in Yoruba and English movies and her production company, Iyabo Ojo Films Production.
She has also been involved in various humanitarian and social causes, especially for children with disabilities. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of Iyabo Ojo, the Queen of Nollywood.
Iyabo Ojo Profile
Real name: Iyabo Ojo
Nickname: Aunty Iyabo
Date of birth: December 21, 1977
Age: 47 years old
Career Actress: Entrepreneur
Husband: Paulo
Children: Priscilla and Festus
Nationality: Nigeria
State of Origin: Ogun state
Net worth: $5 million
Iyabo Ojo Early Life and Education
Iyabo Ojo was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 21, 1977. Her parents are initially from Abeokuta, Ogun State, but she grew up in Lagos with her two elder brothers.
She attended National College, Gbagbada, for her secondary school education and then studied Estate Management at Lagos State Polytechnic. She graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in 2002.
Iyabo Ojo Acting Career
Iyabo Ojo developed a passion for acting at a young age when she joined the drama club in secondary school. She made her acting debut in 1998 when featured in the English movie Satanic.
She later switched to Yoruba movies and first appeared in Baba Darijinwon in 2002. Since then, she has starred in over 150 movies in Yoruba and English. Some of her famous movies are:
- Silence
- Beyond Disability
- Black Val
- Arinzo
- Apo Owo
- Awusa
- Tore Ife
- Trust
- Ore
- Ipadabo
- Twisted Twin
- Kostrobu
- Gone to America
- Divorce Not Allowed
Iyabo Ojo is also a successful producer and director who has produced and directed over 14 movies under her production company, Iyabo Ojo Films Production. Some of her productions are:
- Bolutife
- Bofeboko
- Ololufe
- Esan
- Okunkun Biribiri
Iyabo Ojo is known for her versatile and captivating acting style, as she can easily play comic, romantic, and action roles. She has also won several awards and recognition for her outstanding performance in the movie industry.
Iyabo Ojo's Personal Life
Iyabo Ojo married a Lagos-based clearing agent in 1999 when she was 21. She took a break from her acting career to focus on her family. She has two children, a son named Festus and a daughter named Priscilla, who are also in the entertainment industry.
She divorced her husband in 2011 after 12 years of marriage. She has attributed the breakup of her marriage to marrying too young and being incompatible with her ex-husband.
Iyabo Ojo is a devoted Christian and a philanthropist. She also loves fashion and beauty and owns a spa and salon business called Fespris World. She also has a clothing line called Fespris Abula Spot. She is a proud owner of several luxury cars and houses in Nigeria.
Iyabo Ojo's Net Worth
According to Wikipedia, Iyabo Ojo's net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $900,000 as of 2024. She also owns several luxury cars and houses in Nigeria
Iyabo Ojo is one of the most successful and influential Nigerian and African movie actresses. She is a role model and a mentor to many young and upcoming actors and actresses.
Iyabo Ojo House
Iyabo Ojo owns a beautiful house in Lagos, Nigeria. She moved into her new home in 2020 with her two children, Priscilla and Festus. She also launched an interior decoration brand called Fespris Decor, which designed her house.
Her house has multiple rooms, such as a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a washroom, a bedroom, and a closet. The house is decorated with gold, white, and black colors, giving it a classy and elegant look. The house also has a spacious compound and a garden.
Iyabo Ojo: Beyond Movies, A Look at Nollywood's Queen of Controversy and Activism
Iyabo Ojo, the ever-glamorous, outspoken actress, and businesswoman, is a household name in Nigeria. Her talent and charisma have captivated audiences for over two decades. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Iyabo Ojo's career has been peppered with controversies and scandals. She's also earned a reputation as a fearless activist, using her platform to fight for important causes. Let's delve into some of the most notable highlights of both sides of her persona:
The Controversies:
The Apostle Suleman S*x Scandal: In 2017, allegations against clergyman Apostle Johnson Suleman rocked the nation. Actresses Stephanie Otobo and Halima Abubakar claimed affairs with the pastor, and Iyabo Ojo's name got embroiled in the drama. Otobo alleged that Ojo introduced her to Suleman and facilitated their meetings. Ojo vehemently denied the claims, calling them "a calculated attempt to tarnish my image." The scandal was messy, with leaked chats and accusations flying around, but no concrete evidence emerged.
The Naira Marley Lawsuit: In 2020, Iyabo Ojo took musician Naira Marley to court for alleged copyright infringement. She claimed that Marley's song "Opotoyi" used a melody from her movie "Ojo Idaju." The lawsuit sparked heated debates online, with many siding with Naira Marley, seeing it as a case of a powerful figure bullying a young artist. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Naira Marley, citing insufficient evidence of copyright infringement.
The Feud with Toyin Abraham: The rivalry between Iyabo Ojo and fellow actress Toyin Abraham has been a long-standing source of gossip in Nollywood. The tension reportedly stemmed from an incident in 2019 where Abraham allegedly refused to greet Ojo at an event. The feud escalated online, with both actresses throwing subtle shade at each other on social media. However, in 2022, they seemingly put the animosity aside and shared a warm embrace at an event, much to the delight of fans.
The Activism:
Advocate for Justice: Beyond the courtroom battles, Iyabo Ojo has emerged as a vocal advocate for justice. She's used her platform to speak out against social ills like domestic violence, child abuse, and police brutality. Her activism gained prominence in 2023 with her involvement in the case of the late singer, Mohbad.
Mohbad's Case: After Mohbad's sudden death in September 2023, allegations of foul play surrounded his demise. Ojo became a leading voice demanding justice for Mohbad, using her social media reach to mobilize fans and keep the investigation in the spotlight. She actively engaged with authorities, questioned inconsistencies, and provided support to Mohbad's family.
In September 2023, Nigerian singer Naira Marley threatened to sue actress Iyabo Ojo for N1 billion over comments she made about his alleged involvement in the death of Mohbad, another singer. Ojo had accused Marley of engaging in "spiritual and physical dealings" with Mohbad, which Marley denied.
Marley's lawyers claimed that Ojo's comments defamed him and exposed him to ridicule. They demanded a public apology and N500 million in damages.
In October 2023, Ojo provided an update on the investigation into Mohbad's death, saying that the case had been transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) within the Ministry of Justice. She also said that Mohbad's wife, Wunmi, and his parents had been questioned by the police.
The investigation into Mohbad's death is ongoing.
Beyond Mohbad: Iyabo Ojo's activism extends beyond individual cases. She's a strong advocate for women's rights and has participated in campaigns against gender-based violence. Her willingness to speak truth to power and challenge societal injustices has earned her respect and admiration from many Nigerians.
A Complex Figure:
Iyabo Ojo is a complex figure who defies easy categorization. She's a talented actress, a successful businesswoman, a controversial personality, and a passionate activist. While her controversies may grab headlines, her dedication to fighting for what she believes in deserves recognition. She's a woman who isn't afraid to use her voice and influence to make a difference in the world, and that's something to be celebrated.
It's important to remember that these are just allegations and accusations, and no one has been convicted of any wrongdoing in these cases. It's also important to remember that Iyabo Ojo is a human being with flaws and complexities, just like anyone else. While her controversies may make for juicy headlines, they shouldn't overshadow her achievements and contributions to both Nollywood and society as a whole.
What do you think about Iyabo Ojo and the different sides of her persona? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Iyabo Ojo Awards and Recognition
Iyabo Ojo has received many awards and nominations for her excellent performance in the movie industry. Some of her notable achievements are:
- Best Actress of the Year (Yoruba), City People Entertainment Awards (2010)
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best of Nollywood Awards (2014)
- Best Actress in a Lead Role (Yoruba), Best of Nollywood Awards (2015)
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba), Africa Movie Academy Awards (2016)
- Best Indigenous Movie (Yoruba), Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (2018)
- Best Actress in a Comedy, Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (2022)
Iyabo Ojo has also been honored with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Asa of Nollywood by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. She is also the founder and president of Pinkies Foundation, a non-governmental organization catering to the welfare of children with special needs and the less privileged.
Conclusion
Iyabo Ojo is a versatile and talented entertainer who has made a name for herself in the Nigerian and African entertainment industry. She is a role model and a mentor to many young and upcoming actors and actresses. She is also a successful entrepreneur and a humanitarian. She is a proud mother and a daughter of a legend. She is truly a Queen and a pioneer of the Nollywood industry.
