Lola Idije, whose full name is Toyin Afolayan, is a legendary Nigerian actress, producer, and television personality renowned for her commanding presence in Yoruba cinema.
With a career spanning over four decades, she gained widespread acclaim for her role as Madam Adisa in the 1995 film Deadly Affair and is celebrated as the originator of iconic internet slang like “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear.”
Lola Idije Biography
| Real Name | Toyin Afolayan |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Afolayan |
| Siblings | Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love) |
| Children | Three |
| Relationship | Widowed |
Early Life And Education
Toyin Afolayan (born on September 24, 1959, 66 years old) is from Agbamu, Kwara State, Nigeria. She was raised by her parents, Mr and Mrs Afolayan. She grew up with her late brother, Adeyemi Afolayan. Specifics about her formal education are not publicly available. She came from the Yoruba Ethnic Group. Her Religion is Christianity.
Career
Lola Idije’s career took off in the 1980s under the guidance of her brother, Ade Love, with her debut in the TV series Nkan Mi. She earned her iconic stage name from the film Obinrin Asiko, directed by Muyideen Aromire.
She quickly became a staple in Yoruba cinema, known for her versatile portrayals of strong, often antagonistic maternal figures, such as wicked mothers-in-law, blending action, drama, and cultural depth.
Her breakthrough came in 1995 with the role of Madam Adisa in Deadly Affair, which catapulted her to national fame and solidified her as a Nollywood icon.
Over the decades, she has produced and starred in numerous Yoruba films, contributing to the genre’s growth while mentoring younger talents from her Afolayan family lineage.
Her on-screen persona—fierce and commanding—has inspired a viral slang term. Still, she has publicly clarified that it stems from professional discipline, not her genuine warmth in real life.
Active into her 60s, Lola Idije continues to feature in contemporary projects, including Anikulapo, and addresses industry misconceptions through interviews and social media.
Filmography
- Deadly Affair (1995) – as Madam Adisa
- Obinrin Asiko
- Irapada
- Anikulapo
- Arojinle
- Lady Terror
- Papa and Mammy
- Igba Eda
- Nkan Mi (TV series debut)
Awards and Nominations
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) – Best of Nollywood Awards (2016)
- City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @lola_idije1959
- Twitter handle: @LolaIdije
Personal Life
Lola Idije married young, before her acting career gained momentum, and shared a life with her husband until his passing many years ago.
The couple had three daughters—the eldest is married with children, the second wed on June 16, 2016, and the third maintains a private profile—and a son who tragically passed away as a baby, an event she has described as her most profound sorrow.
Her family ties extend to Nollywood royalty: she is the aunt of actors Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, Aremu Afolayan, and Moji Afolayan, and cousin to the late Ade Love.
Recently, she defended her goddaughter, Biodun Okeowo (Omoborty), against baseless rumours of romantic entanglements involving her daughters, emphasising her protective, maternal nature in real life.
Net Worth
Lola Idije is a legendary Nigerian actress and producer with an estimated net worth of $350,000, primarily accumulated through her extensive acting roles, production ventures, and endorsements in Yoruba cinema over the past four decades. Despite the industry’s challenges, her enduring popularity and family legacy in Nollywood have sustained her financial stability, with no significant business diversifications publicly noted.
