Yewande Adekoya is a versatile Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer, and content creator celebrated for her compelling performances in Yoruba cinema.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a prominent figure in Nollywood, known for her fierce on-screen presence, creative storytelling, and dedication to uplifting the industry through her production work.
Yewande Adekoya Biography
| Real Name | Yewande Adekoya Abiodun |
| Nickname | Ednawey |
| Famous As | Actress, Filmmaker, Producer, Content Creator |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Education | Mass Communications, Babcock University |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Engr. E.A. Adekoya |
| Siblings | Temitayo Adekoya, Abayomi Adekoya, Abidemi Adekoya, Abiola Adekoya |
| Spouse | Abiodun Ishola Thomas |
| Children | Precious Abiodun, Treasure Abiodun |
| Relationship | Divorced |
Early Life and Education
Yewande Adekoya (born on January 20, 1983, 43 years old) is from Ososa-Ijebu, Ogun State. The eldest of five children, she was raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Engr. E.A. Adekoya provided a nurturing environment that balanced care with independence.
Growing up in Lagos, Yewande shared a close bond with her siblings, Temitayo, Abayomi, Abidemi, and Abiola, who have remained a private but integral part of her life.
Yewande attended Bright Star Nursery and Primary School in Somolu, Lagos, and then proceeded to Bright Star Comprehensive High School in Bariga, Lagos. Her academic journey continued with a diploma in Network Engineering from the National Institute of Information Technology.
She later pursued higher education at Babcock University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 2008. During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Ibadan, Oyo State, she began exploring her acting ambitions, laying the groundwork for her future in the entertainment industry.
Career
Yewande Adekoya launched her acting career in 2002 with the Alphabash Music and Theater Group, honing her skills in stage performance before transitioning to film in the late 2000s.
Her first significant production, Life Secret (2006), an English-language TV series, marked her debut as a writer and producer. By 2009, she ventured into Yoruba cinema with Igbo Dudu, establishing herself as a creative force in Nollywood.
In 2012, Yewande produced and starred in Omo Elemosho, featuring Bimbo Oshin and Muyiwa Ademola, which received five nominations at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Her production company, Ednawey Productions, founded in 2006, has since delivered acclaimed films, including Iyawo Adedigba (2017), which won Best Movie of the Year at the City People Movie Awards, and Kudi Klepto, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and director. Other notable works include Bantale (2022) and Oba Esan (2020).
Adekoya Yewande’s fierce on-screen presence and ability to portray complex characters have earned her a loyal fan base. She has collaborated with industry giants and continues to advocate for increased funding and support for Nigerian filmmakers.
Her work as a makeup artist and content creator further highlights her multifaceted talent, making her a respected figure in the Yoruba cinema industry.
Filmography
- Life Secret (2006, TV series, producer/writer)
- Igbo Dudu (2009, producer)
- Omo Elemosho (2012, actress/producer)
- Kudi Klepto (2013, actress)
- Iyawo Adedigba (2017, actress/producer)
- Once Upon a Time (2016, actress)
- Fadaka (2018, actress)
- Belladonna (2018, actress)
- Omo Aniibire (2019, actress)
- Oba Esan (2020, actress)
- Bantale (2022, actress)
- Iwa Eda (2022, producer)
Awards and Nominations
- Winner: Best New Actress, City People Entertainment Awards (2014)
- Winner: Most Promising Actress, Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (2014)
- Winner: Most Promising Act, Yoruba Heritage Awards U.S.A. (2014)
- Winner: Best Actress in a Leading Role, ACIA Awards, Atlanta, U.S.A. (2016, for Kurukuru)
- Winner: Best Movie of the Year, City People Movie Awards (2017, for Iyawo Adedigba)
- Nominee: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best of Nollywood Awards (2014, for Kudi Klepto)
- Nominee: Best Supporting Actress (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2016, 2017)
- Nominee: Best Movie Producer (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2016, 2017)
- Nominee: Best Movie of the Year (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2016)
- Nominee: Best Actress (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2017)
Social Media
Instagram Handle: @yewandeadekoyaabiodun
Facebook Handle: Yewande Adekoya
Twitter Handle: @yewande_adekoya
Personal Life
Yewande Adekoya is currently separated, having ended her marriage to actor and producer Abiodun Ishola Thomas in April 2022.
The couple met in 2008 during Yewande’s NYSC service in Ibadan, dated for five years, and married on February 14, 2013.
They have two daughters, Precious Abiodun (born 2015) and Treasure Abiodun (born 2020), who often appear in their parents’ social media posts.
Yewande has publicly shared that she experienced emotional abuse for 14 years during the marriage, leading to their separation, though they are not officially divorced.
An avid traveller and reader, Yewande enjoys learning new skills, chatting with fans, and meeting new people. She is passionate about using her films to inspire and positively impact lives.
In 2017, Yewande Adekoya faced controversy over unverified reports of an arrest in the U.S. for alleged credit card fraud, which she firmly debunked, stating she was in Nigeria working at the time and has since traveled freely to the U.S. and Canada. Yewande’s resilience and commitment to her craft continue to endear her to fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Net Worth
Yewande Adekoya is a prominent Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and producer with an estimated net worth of $500,000.
