Iyabo Ojo Biography
Alice Iyabo Ojo is a leading Nigerian film actress, producer, and director whose work has shaped both the English and Yoruba segments of Nollywood for more than two decades. With appearances in over 150 films and more than a dozen productions of her own, she remains one of the industry’s most consistent and recognisable faces.
Iyabo Ojo Early life and background
Born Alice Iyabo Ogunro on 21 December 1977 in Lagos, she is the youngest of three children and has two older brothers. Her father, Adekunle Ogunro, came from Abeokuta in Ogun State, while she was raised in Lagos. She attended National College in Gbagada before studying Estate Management at Lagos State Polytechnic, where she earned a Higher National Diploma.
Her interest in performance began early. She took part in drama groups during secondary school and developed a clear interest in acting. After watching films featuring established actresses, she approached Bimbo Akintola for guidance. With Akintola’s help she registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria in 1998 and began meeting industry professionals.
Iyabo Ojo Career journey
Her professional debut came that same year in the English language film Satanic. She played a supporting role and gained early exposure. In 2002 she made her Yoruba language debut in Baba Darijinwon, produced by Yinka Quadri. The move into the Yoruba film circuit proved decisive. Roles became more frequent and her visibility grew steadily.
In 2004 she stepped into production with her first film, Bolutife. Other early productions followed, including Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan, and Okunkun Biribiri. She gradually expanded her range, balancing acting with producing and later directing. By the mid 2010s she was handling larger projects. Arinzo marked her first cinema release as a producer in 2013. In January 2015 her English language film Silence, which featured Joseph Benjamin, Alex Usifo, Fathia Balogun, and Doris Simeon, premiered at Silverbird Cinemas in Ikeja.
Over the years she has continued to take on both acting and producing roles across genres. Recent credits include appearances in Gangs of Lagos, Merry Men 3: Nemesis, and Palava. In 2025 she produced and starred in the epic Labake Olododo, directed by Biodun Stephen. The film opened strongly at the box office and became one of the more successful Yoruba language cinema releases of its period.
She has also expanded into other areas of entertainment. She appeared on the reality series The Real Housewives of Lagos, built a large following through short form video content, and has taken on presenting and directing work. In her own words when marking 25 years in the industry, she noted that she has acted in over 200 films, produced more than 20 Yoruba titles and over 10 English ones, and continues to act, produce, present, and direct.
Iyabo Ojo Notable works and achievements
Key titles associated with her include Satanic, Baba Darijinwon, Silence, Beyond Disability, Arinzo, Black Veil, and Labake Olododo. Her productions often explore family, marriage, faith, and social issues.
Recognition has come from several award platforms. She won Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2012 for Ijo Olomo. She received Best Actress of the Year at the Classic African Merit Awards in 2013 and Best Actress of the Year (Yoruba) at the City People Movie Awards in 2015. Earlier honours include Best Crossover Actress at the African Film Awards in the United Kingdom in 2007, as well as recognition from the Abuja International Film Festival and other bodies. Her social media presence has also brought additional industry awards for content creation and influence.
Beyond the screen she founded the Pinkies Foundation in 2011. The organisation supports children with special needs and the less privileged through visits, donations, and awareness activities.
Iyabo Ojo Personal life
She married a Lagos based clearing agent in 1999 at the age of 21. The couple had two children, a son named Festus born in 1999 and a daughter named Priscilla Ajoke born in 2001. The marriage ended in divorce. She has spoken openly about the challenges of raising her children as a single mother and has described herself in public comments as the “President General of single mothers.” Both children have remained close to her, and she has expressed pride in their progress. Priscilla has pursued her own path in entertainment and public life.
She has built business interests under the Fespris name, covering areas such as hospitality and production. Off screen she maintains an active presence on social media where she shares both personal and professional updates.
Her story reflects steady growth from early supporting roles to sustained work as a producer and public figure. She continues to take on new projects while remaining visible in the industry she entered more than twenty five years ago.
Quick Facts
Real name: Alice Iyabo Ogunro
Date of birth: 21 December 1977
State of origin: Ogun State
Occupation: Actress, producer, director
Years active: 1998–present
