So you want to know everything about Iyabo Ojo? Well, buckle up because this woman’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From being a young drama enthusiast at National College to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces, controversial voices, and successful entrepreneurs—Iyabo Ojo has lived multiple lifetimes in one. Let me take you through the fascinating journey of this Yoruba movie powerhouse who’s kept us talking for over two decades.
Who Exactly is Iyabo Ojo?
Here’s something you probably didn’t know—Iyabo Ojo wasn’t born with that surname. Her real name is Alice Iyabo Ogunro, born on December 21, 1977, in Lagos, Nigeria. Now, while she was born in Lagos, her father actually hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State, which explains her deep connection to Yoruba culture and the Yoruba film industry.
At 47 years old as of 2025, Iyabo is the youngest of three children, with two older brothers. And before you ask—yes, she still uses “Ojo” as her surname, though she’s mentioned several times that she plans to drop it since it’s her ex-husband’s name. But you know how these things go; it’s easier said than done when you’ve built an entire brand around a name.
What makes this Iyabo Ojo biography even more interesting is that despite all the glitz and glamour you see on Instagram, her journey wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter. She worked for everything she has today, and that’s what makes her story so relatable to millions of Nigerian women.
The Foundation: Education and Early Life
Let’s talk about where it all started. Iyabo attended National College in Gbagada, Lagos, for her secondary education. This is where the acting bug first bit her—she joined a drama group at school, and that’s when she discovered she had a natural talent for performance. You know how some people just light up when they’re on stage? That was Iyabo.
After completing secondary school, she didn’t just jump straight into acting like many would assume. She actually enrolled at Lagos State Polytechnic, where she pursued a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management. Yes, you read that right—Estate Management! Imagine if she had stuck with real estate instead of movies. Nollywood would have lost one of its most dynamic actresses.
But life had other plans. Even while studying, that passion for acting never left her. It was always there, burning, waiting for the right moment to explode into what would become a legendary career.
Breaking Into Nollywood: The 1998 Turning Point
Now, here’s where the Iyabo Ojo biography gets really interesting. In 1997, while she was still trying to figure out her path, she had a chance encounter with actress Bimbo Akintola. This wasn’t just any meeting—this was the connection that would change everything.
Bimbo Akintola didn’t just encourage her; she actually took Iyabo under her wing, helped her register with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and introduced her to key players in the industry. That mentorship is something Iyabo has never forgotten, and it’s probably why she’s so passionate about helping upcoming actors today.
In 1998, at just 21 years old, Iyabo made her debut in an English-language film called “Satanic.” But let me tell you something—while that was her first movie, it wasn’t what made her a household name. That moment came in 2002 when she featured in the Yoruba-language film “Baba Darijinwon.” That’s when Nigeria collectively said, “Who is this woman?” Her ability to embody different characters, from comedy to intense drama, made her stand out in an already crowded industry.
The Marriage That Changed Everything
Remember when I mentioned she got married at 21? Well, that’s a huge part of this story. In 1999, fresh off her debut and full of dreams, Iyabo married a Lagos-based clearing agent. She took his surname—Ojo—and that’s the name we all know her by today.
The marriage gave her two beautiful children: Felix Oladunjoye Ojo, born in 1999, and Priscilla Ajoke Ojo, born in 2001. If you’re on social media, you definitely know Priscilla, who’s now a major influencer in her own right with millions of followers. In 2025, Priscilla made headlines when she married Tanzanian singer Juma Jux in what became one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings in recent Nigerian history.
But back to the marriage—it didn’t last. Iyabo has been very open about this over the years, saying she married too young and that was a major factor in why things didn’t work out. The divorce happened before her fame really took off, but she’s never spoken ill of her ex-husband publicly. At Priscilla’s traditional wedding, they even reunited to play their roles as the bride’s parents, showing a maturity that many people praised.
From Actress to Producer: Building Her Empire
Here’s where Iyabo Ojo really showed her business acumen. In 2004, she realized she didn’t just want to act in other people’s stories—she wanted to tell her own. She started producing her own films, and her first production was “Bolutife.” The film was a commercial success, which gave her the confidence to keep going.
After “Bolutife,” she produced “Bofeboko,” “Ololufe,” “Esan,” and “Okunkun Biribiri.” Each film solidified her position not just as an actress but as a force in Nollywood production. Throughout her career, she has featured in over 150 films and produced more than 14 of her own projects. That’s not just impressive—that’s legendary.
In January 2015, her film “Silence,” which she directed and produced, premiered at Silverbird Cinemas in Ikeja, Lagos. The movie featured big names like Joseph Benjamin, Alex Usifo, Fathia Balogun, and Doris Simeon. It marked her entry into cinema-quality productions, showing that she wasn’t content staying in the straight-to-video market.
Fast forward to 2024, and Iyabo dropped “Labake Olododo,” a cinematic movie that’s currently showing in theaters worldwide. She also starred in Netflix’s hit series “Jagun Jagun” and other major productions. Her recent work shows she’s still very much at the top of her game.
Awards and Recognition: The Proof is in the Pudding
Let’s talk about the hardware because this Iyabo Ojo biography wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging her awards. In 2007, she won Best Crossover Actress at the African Film Awards—a recognition of her ability to seamlessly move between English and Yoruba language films.
In 2012, she bagged Best Supporting Actress at the Best of Nollywood Awards. The following year, she was named Best Actress of the Year at the CAMA Awards. In 2020 alone, she won Best Actress and World’s Most Relentless Influential Act at the Yoruba Music and Films Awards.
These aren’t just trophies on a shelf; they’re validation from her peers and the industry that she’s consistently delivered quality performances year after year.
Beyond Acting: The Businesswoman in Iyabo
Now, if you think Iyabo Ojo is just about acting and producing movies, you haven’t been paying attention. This woman is a full-fledged entrepreneur with multiple income streams. She owns a catering business, a spa, and an event planning company. Her Instagram, which boasts over 6 million followers, has become a major platform for brand endorsements and influencer marketing.
She’s also a television personality, having been featured in “The Real Housewives of Lagos,” Nigeria’s version of the popular reality TV franchise. The show gave audiences a peek into her life beyond the camera, and let me tell you, it was everything we expected—drama, luxury, real talk, and more drama.
The Philanthropist: Pinkies Foundation
Here’s a side of Iyabo that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. In May 2011, she launched the Pinkies Foundation, an NGO that caters to children with special needs and the less privileged. In 2016, she celebrated the foundation’s fifth anniversary at the R&A City Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
This foundation isn’t just for show—it’s a genuine effort to give back to society and help those who can’t help themselves. It’s part of her legacy beyond entertainment.
The Controversies: Because What’s Fame Without Some Drama?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. You can’t write an Iyabo Ojo biography without talking about the controversies, because honestly, this woman stays in the headlines for both her work and her outspokenness.
The Baba Ijesha Saga
In April 2021, Iyabo became one of the loudest voices condemning actor Baba Ijesha after he was arrested for allegedly molesting a minor. But things got heated when fellow actor Yomi Fabiyi publicly sympathized with Baba Ijesha and even organized a protest demanding his release.
Iyabo wasn’t having it. On May 12, 2021, she took legal action against Yomi Fabiyi for making what she termed “defamatory statements” about her. This led to a full-blown war between them on social media, and eventually, TAMPAN (Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria) got involved, blacklisting both Iyabo and Yomi from the association.
The Mohbad Saga and Naira Marley Lawsuit
Remember when singer Mohbad died under controversial circumstances? Iyabo was one of the celebrities who publicly accused Naira Marley of having spiritual and physical dealings with Mohbad, suggesting he might be involved in the singer’s death.
Naira Marley didn’t take that lightly. He slapped her with a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit, claiming her accusations damaged his reputation. As of now, that case is still in court, but it shows you just how unafraid Iyabo is to speak her mind, consequences be damned.
The Lagos State Tax Drama
In 2022, Iyabo made headlines again, but this time for a different reason. The Lagos State Government issued her a notice demanding payment of ₦18,640,092.00 as personal income tax within seven days. According to the government, she owed ₦7,376,000.00 for 2022 and ₦11,264,092 in back taxes for 2021.
Iyabo took to Instagram to address Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directly, questioning how they arrived at such an exorbitant amount. She explained that she had already paid several taxes related to her businesses and assets, and despite declaring her income through her tax consultant, she didn’t receive satisfactory responses from the government.
This whole situation sparked a national conversation about tax assessment practices in Nigeria and how the government treats entertainers when it comes to taxation.
The Love Story: Iyabo and Paulo
Now let’s talk about what’s been on everyone’s mind—her relationship with music executive Paul Okoye, better known as Paulo. On December 21, 2022, Iyabo’s 45th birthday, she went Instagram official with Paulo, sharing a beautiful video collage of their time together.
Paulo is the founder of One Africa Music Fest and a major player in the Nigerian entertainment industry. But here’s what makes their relationship interesting—they’ve both publicly stated they have no plans to get married. In multiple interviews, Iyabo has been clear: “We don’t want marriage. What we want is companionship and enjoyment.”
In an interview on TVC’s “Your View,” she explained their arrangement, saying, “Because of the way I work, I am such a workaholic, and he is also a workaholic. That Igbo man likes to work. For me, there are times when I want to be alone, and I just pack my bags and return to my house. We never fight over that because he understands.”
During Priscilla’s traditional wedding in April 2025, Paulo showed up in a Rolls-Royce with his son, fully supporting his partner and playing the role of stepfather. The way both men—her ex-husband and Paulo—conducted themselves at the wedding showed maturity and mutual respect that many people admired.
Net Worth: How Much is Iyabo Ojo Really Worth?
Let’s talk money, because that’s what you really want to know, right? Iyabo Ojo’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Now, that’s a wide range, but when you consider all her income streams, it makes sense.
She makes money from acting fees, film production, her businesses (catering, spa, event planning), brand endorsements, social media influencing, and her appearance on reality TV. She also owns property in Lekki, Lagos, including a mansion that she’s showcased on social media.
Her daughter Priscilla alone has over 2 million Instagram followers and is a successful influencer, which tells you that Iyabo understands how to build and monetize personal brands.
Social Media Queen: The Instagram Phenomenon
With over 6 million followers on Instagram and a significant presence on TikTok and Twitter, Iyabo Ojo has mastered the art of social media. Her content ranges from behind-the-scenes movie clips to fashion posts, family moments, and yes, those famous clapbacks when trolls come for her.
Her TikTok account, which she started in April 2020, has over 3.3 million fans. She uses the platform for dance trends, comedy skits, fashion content, and partnerships with brands. Her Instagram showcases her clothing designs, home decor tips, family portraits, and lifestyle content that keeps her fans engaged.
Life Lessons from Iyabo Ojo’s Journey
Reading this Iyabo Ojo biography, what can we learn from her journey? First, don’t let early setbacks define you. She got married young, it didn’t work out, but she didn’t let divorce stop her from building an empire. Second, diversification is key. She didn’t just rely on acting; she built multiple businesses and income streams.
Third, speak your truth even when it’s uncomfortable. Iyabo has been criticized for being too vocal, but her willingness to stand up for what she believes in—whether it’s child protection or justice for Mohbad—has earned her respect even from her critics.
Fourth, you don’t need to follow traditional paths to find happiness. Her relationship with Paulo works for them precisely because they’ve defined it on their own terms, not society’s expectations.
Finally, give back. Despite all her success and controversies, she hasn’t forgotten about those less fortunate, as evidenced by her Pinkies Foundation.
Where is Iyabo Ojo Now?
As of 2025, Iyabo continues to be one of the most active and relevant figures in Nigerian entertainment. She’s producing movies, acting in major productions, running her businesses, maintaining her relationship with Paulo, and being the proud mother of two grown children—one of whom just had a wedding that shut down Lagos and made international headlines.
She’s proven that longevity in the entertainment industry isn’t just about talent; it’s about reinvention, business savvy, and the courage to remain authentically yourself even when the world wants you to fit into a box.
Final Thoughts: The Iyabo Ojo Legacy
So what’s the final word on this Iyabo Ojo biography? She’s a woman who has refused to be boxed in by society’s expectations. Whether it’s her decision not to remarry, her outspokenness on social issues, or her ability to stay relevant across multiple decades, Iyabo Ojo represents a new generation of Nigerian women who define success on their own terms.
She’s been called controversial, fearless, outspoken, dramatic, and everything in between. But one thing nobody can deny is her impact on Nollywood, particularly the Yoruba film industry. She’s opened doors for younger actresses, shown that women can be successful producers and directors, and proven that you can have a messy divorce and still build a beautiful life.
For young women looking at her journey, the message is clear: Your story doesn’t end when relationships fail. Your voice matters even when people want you to be quiet. And most importantly, you can be successful, wealthy, and happy without following the traditional script society hands you.
That’s Iyabo Ojo—actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother, and unapologetically herself. Love her or hate her, you definitely can’t ignore her.
