Iyabo Ojo, also known as Alice Iyabode Ogunro, is a well-known Nigerian actress epitomising grace, wit, and compassion. She has dual careers in modelling, film production, directing, philanthropy, and influencer. She is well-known for her strong participation in Nollywood and the Yoruba film industry.
Iyabo Ojo Biography
| Real name | Alice Iyabo Ojo |
| Date of birth | 21 December 1977 |
| Country of Origin | Federal Republic of Nigeria |
| Source of Wealth | Endorsement, Business |
Early Life
Iyabo Ojo Fespris was (born December 21, 1977), 48 years old) is from Abeokuta, Ogun State. She was raised in Lagos alongside her two older Brothers by her parents.
Her secondary education was completed at the National College in Gbagbada. After receiving her senior secondary certificate, she was admitted to Lagos State Polytechnic, where she earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in estate management.
Career
Iyabo Ojo developed her passion for acting during her secondary school years. She joined the school’s theatrical club and participated in several stage productions while still a student.
Bimbo Akintola, a well-known Nollywood actress, counted her as an ally.
She leveraged Bimbo’s connections to meet with other Nollywood celebrities and eventually joined the Actors Guild of Nigeria. She was authorized to begin her performing career thanks to the registration.
In 1998, Iyabo Ojo debuted in Nollywood in the film “Satanic.” The movie “Satanic” was in English.
She debuted in the Yoruba film business in 2002 with the film “Baba Darijinwon.” Since then, she has gone on to appear in more than 100 films, such as;
• Trust
• Ore
• Ipadabo
• Twisted Twin
• Satanic
• Agogo Ide
• Baba Darinjinwon
• Okanla
• Silence
• Beyond Disability
• Black Val
• Arinzo
• Apo Owo
• Awusa
• Tore Ife (Love)
• Kostrobu
• Gone to America
• Divorce Not Allowed
Iyabo Ojo has also produced several films for the Yoruba and Nollywood film industries. In 2015, she released the film Science, starring Fathia Balogun, Alex Usifo, Joseph Benjamin, and Doris Simeon. The premiere was held at the Silverbird Cinema in Ikeja.
Iyabo owns the film production company Iyabo Ojo Films Production. Marriage, Christian faith, and love are central themes in her films. In addition to Esan, she produced Ololufe, Bulutife, and Bofeboko.
Iyabo Ojo is not just an actor but also a philanthropist. Iyabo established the Pinkies Foundation Non-Governmental Organization in 2011, leveraging her position as one of the wealthiest actors in Nollywood. The foundation’s primary goal is to support those in need, particularly young people with disabilities.
Personal Life
Iyabo Ojo married her ex-husband, movie marketer Ojo, in 1999 when she was just 21 years old and living in Lagos. Three months into their romance, she discovered she was pregnant with his child, leading to their marriage in 1999.
She decided to marry Mr. Ojo because he played a significant role in her profession. She claimed another reason was that she didn’t want to have a child out of wedlock.
In 1999, she gave birth to their first child, Festus Oladunjoye Ojo. Two years later, she gave birth to her second daughter, Priscilla Ajoke Ojo.
Iyabo temporarily put her acting career on hold to care for her first and second children after their births.
Despite having two children, the marriage lacked joy. In 2001, they both went their separate ways, leaving Iyabo to care for the needs of the two children. She found the trek to be challenging, but she persisted.
Iyabo Ojo blamed her early marriage for her divorce. Although she currently goes by her ex-name and her husband’s name, she has often stated that she plans to change her name soon.
Iyabo Ojo is now single, although she has stated that even if she were in a relationship, she wouldn’t talk about it online. She once made hints to the public about dating a man, but we don’t know who he is.
On November 17, 2022, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo gushed about her mystery lover while also revealing his tribe.
During Season 1 of Real Housewives of Lagos, the mother of two hinted at being in a relationship.
The screen goddess in an Instagram post credited her mystery lover for her glowing skin and happiness.
She stated that an Igbo man has finally captured her.
Appreciating him, she thanked him for loving her so much and for lifting her spirit.
“Thanks Obim for loving me so much & lifting my spirit…. Chai this Yoruba girl’s heart had finally been captured by an Igbo man”.
Iyabo Ojo and Fathia Balogun are both Nigerian actresses, producers, and directors. Ojo is recognized for her contributions to the Nollywood film industry, having appeared in over 150 films and produced more than 14 of her own. Balogun is known for her roles in Iranse Aje and Iya Alalake. The two feuded in 2020 over an alleged young lover but reconciled years later.
Awards
Iyabo has received a lot of honors, some of which are as follows:
- African Film Awards’ Best Crossover Actress Award, 2007
- The 2013 CAMA Awards named her the year’s best actress.
- 2015 Women of the Year Awards presented by Africa Mouthpiece.
Iyabo Ojo Net Worth
Iyabo Ojo is currently one of the wealthiest and most influential actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $700,000. She holds dual careers in modelling, film production, directing, philanthropy, and influencer. She is well-known for her strong participation in Nollywood and the Yoruba film industry.
FAQs
Is Iyabo Ojo in a relationship?
Iyabo Ojo is currently in a relationship with entertainment executive Paul Okoye, also known as Paulo.
