Discover Iyabo Ojo’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to Nollywood stardom, her thriving business empire, and her role as a fierce advocate for justice.
Alice Iyabo Ojo, born December 21, 1977, stands as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actresses, having appeared in over 150 films and produced more than 14 of her own productions. Beyond her impressive filmography, this Lagos-born entertainer has transformed herself into a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural influencer whose impact extends far beyond the silver screen.
What sets Iyabo apart in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment landscape isn’t just her acting prowess—it’s her remarkable ability to reinvent herself across multiple platforms while maintaining authenticity and using her voice for social justice. From producing blockbuster films to building a multi-million naira business empire, her story embodies resilience, ambition, and the power of unwavering determination.
Quick Facts About Iyabo Ojo
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alice Iyabo Ogunro (Ojo) |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1977 |
| Age | 47 years (as of January 2025) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ogun State (born in Lagos) |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer, Director, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.5M – $5M (2025) |
| Children | 2 (Festus and Priscilla Ojo) |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Paulo Okoye |
| Education | Lagos State Polytechnic (Estate Management) |
| Notable Works | Silence, Beyond Disability, Labake Olododo |
Early Life and Background
Born as Alice Iyabo Ogunro in Lagos, Nigeria, Iyabo is the youngest of three children with two older brothers, though her father hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Growing up in a traditional Yoruba household in Lagos, young Iyabo exhibited creative flair from an early age, participating enthusiastically in school drama groups and community performances.
She attended National College in Gbagada, Lagos, where her involvement in the drama group helped sharpen her acting skills. These formative years laid the foundation for what would become a legendary career in Nigerian cinema. Despite facing the typical challenges of a middle-class upbringing in Lagos, Iyabo’s determination to succeed never wavered.
Education and Career Beginnings
After completing her secondary education at National College, Gbagada, Iyabo enrolled at Lagos State Polytechnic to pursue a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management. However, her heart was set on the entertainment industry.
In 1998, she commenced her acting career with help from actress Bimbo Akintola, who assisted her in registering with the Actors Guild of Nigeria and introduced her to key industry figures. Her debut role came in the English-language film Satanic (1998), which marked the beginning of her ascent in Nollywood. In 2002, she made her Yoruba-language debut with Baba Darijinwon, showcasing her versatility across both English and Yoruba cinema.
Rise to Stardom and Major Achievements
Iyabo’s career trajectory accelerated rapidly through the early 2000s. Her ability to embody diverse characters—from comedic roles to intense dramatic performances—made her a sought-after talent. In 2004, she ventured into film production, with her first project Bolutife achieving commercial success, followed by Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan, and Okunkun Biribiri.
In January 2015, her film Silence, featuring Joseph Benjamin, Alex Usifo, Fathia Balogun, and Doris Simeon, premiered at Silverbird Cinemas in Ikeja, Lagos. This marked her transition into producing high-quality cinema that garnered critical acclaim.
In 2025, she released Labake Olododo, a major box office success that grossed over ₦200 million, confirming her continued relevance as both actress and producer in an ever-evolving industry.
Her performances have earned her nominations at the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, including recognition for her roles in Silence and Beyond Disability. She won Best Crossover Actress at the 2007 African Film Awards in the United Kingdom and Best Performance on Stage at the 2011 BOTRA Awards.
Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
In 2017, Iyabo consolidated her various business initiatives under Fespris Limited—a dynamic, multi-sectoral brand encompassing hospitality, fashion, beauty, event management, film production, and training.
The centerpiece of her hospitality arm is Fespris Abula Spot, a Lagos Island-based restaurant specializing in amala and indigenous dishes, which she self-funded through the sale of personal assets including land and gold. This bold decision demonstrated her entrepreneurial courage and commitment to building sustainable businesses.
Her beauty brand, Fespris World, offers comprehensive services from spa treatments to skincare, makeup artistry, and event planning. She has created brand extensions in her children’s names, including Priscy Closet, Priscy Deluxe, and Fedel Wears, effectively laying the foundation for generational wealth.
Personal Life and Family
In 1999, at age 21, Iyabo married a Lagos-based clearing agent and took a break from her career, giving birth to a son and daughter (Festus and Priscilla, born in 1999 and 2001 respectively). The marriage ended in divorce, which she has attributed to marrying too young.
As a single mother, Iyabo devoted herself to raising her children while building her career. Her daughter, Priscilla Ajoke Ojo, has followed in her footsteps, becoming a prominent actress, model, and social media influencer with over 3.3 million Instagram followers. In February 2025, Priscilla married Tanzanian singer Juma Jux in a highly publicized ceremony.
Iyabo is currently in a relationship with music executive Paul Okoye (Paulo), and has stated publicly that they do not plan to marry, preferring to maintain their independence while supporting each other.
Philanthropy and Social Advocacy
In May 2011, Iyabo launched Pinkies Foundation, an NGO dedicated to supporting children with special needs and the less privileged. Through this platform, she has touched countless lives, providing resources, education, and hope to vulnerable communities.
Beyond philanthropy, Iyabo has become known as a fierce advocate for justice. In April 2021, she strongly condemned actor Yomi Fabiyi for sympathizing with Olanrewaju Omikunle (Baba Ijesha) who was arrested for molesting a minor, and took legal action against Fabiyi in May 2021 for making defamatory statements about her.
Following the death of musician Mohbad, Iyabo publicly accused fellow celebrity Naira Marley of potential culpability, which led to Marley filing a N1 billion defamation lawsuit against her. Despite legal challenges, she has remained steadfast in using her platform to speak truth to power.
Controversies and Challenges
In a highly publicized dispute, the Lagos State Government issued Iyabo a notice demanding payment of ₦18,640,092.00 as personal income tax within seven days, claiming she owed ₦7,376,000.00 for 2022 and ₦11,264,092 in back taxes for 2021. She publicly challenged the assessment, questioning its fairness and transparency, sparking broader discussions about tax practices in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Iyabo Ojo’s net worth is estimated to be between $2.5 million and $3 million as of 2025, accumulated through her multifaceted career in acting, producing, directing, and her diverse business ventures. Her income streams include film royalties, production fees, brand endorsements, restaurant revenue, beauty services, and real estate investments.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Iyabo Ojo represents a new generation of African entertainers who refuse to be confined to a single lane. Her journey from early days in Lagos to becoming a Nollywood powerhouse, reality TV sensation, viral content creator, and fierce advocate for justice continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a modern African woman in entertainment.
She has appeared on reality television, including two seasons of The Real Housewives of Lagos in 2022 and 2023, where her unapologetic boldness and authenticity made her a fan favorite. Her digital presence, featuring humorous and socially conscious content, keeps her connected to millions of fans across generations.
Conclusion
What makes Iyabo Ojo’s story truly remarkable isn’t merely her success—it’s the resilience, authenticity, and courage she has demonstrated throughout her journey. From navigating single motherhood while building a career to standing up for vulnerable members of society despite personal cost, she embodies the spirit of a true cultural icon.
Her legacy extends beyond her impressive filmography or business achievements. She has shown countless young women that it’s possible to be multidimensional—successful in business, fearless in advocacy, devoted as a mother, and unapologetically authentic. As she continues to evolve and inspire, Iyabo Ojo remains a shining example of what determination, talent, and unwavering integrity can achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Iyabo Ojo?
A: Iyabo Ojo is a prominent Nigerian actress, producer, director, and entrepreneur who has appeared in over 150 films and built a successful business empire through Fespris Limited.
Q: What is Iyabo Ojo’s net worth?
A: Her net worth is estimated between $2.5 million and $5 million as of 2025, earned through acting, film production, and various business ventures.
Q: Is Iyabo Ojo married?
A: No, she is divorced and currently in a relationship with music executive Paulo Okoye. She has publicly stated they do not plan to marry.
Q: How many children does Iyabo Ojo have?
A: She has two children: Festus Ojo and Priscilla Ajoke Ojo, both from her previous marriage.
Q: What are Iyabo Ojo’s major achievements?
A: Her achievements include over 150 film appearances, 14+ film productions, multiple AMVCA nominations, awards at African Film Awards and BOTRA, building Fespris Limited business empire, and founding Pinkies Foundation for children with special needs.
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