Odunlade Adekola was already one of Yoruba cinema’s familiar faces before his film Lakatabu grossed more than ₦200 million in Nigerian cinemas in 2024. Two years later, he played the central character in The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, a production selected for major international film festivals. His latest movie, Onibọn Oje, opened in cinemas on October 23, 2026. This Odunlade Adekola biography follows his journey from performing in churches around Abeokuta to becoming a prominent Nigerian actor, director and film producer.
His career began in 1996, but the 2003 Yoruba movie Asiri Gomina Wa brought him wider recognition. He went on to appear in films such as Sunday Dagboru, Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo, King of Thieves, Jagun Jagun and Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman. Alongside acting, he established a production company and began directing films. His performances have also earned him two Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Outside entertainment, Adekola is married to Ruth Abosede Adekola, and he has publicly confirmed having four children. He studied at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic before earning a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. His family life remains relatively private, although he occasionally celebrates his wife and children on social media. His latest work reflects his continuing involvement in Yoruba-language storytelling and the expansion of Nigerian films into international markets.
Odunlade Adekola Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Odunlade Adekola |
| Date of birth | December 31 |
| Reported birth years | 1976 and 1978; published sources conflict |
| Age in October 2026 | 49 if born in 1976; 47 if born in 1978 |
| Birthplace | Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Ogun State |
| State of origin | Ekiti State |
| Hometown | Otun-Ekiti |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Actor, film director, producer and entrepreneur |
| Father | Pastor Nathaniel Adekola |
| Education | Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and University of Lagos |
| Qualification | Degree in Business Administration |
| Wife | Ruth Abosede Adekola |
| Marriage year | 2003 |
| Children | Four publicly confirmed by the actor |
| Career beginnings | 1996 |
| Breakthrough film | Asiri Gomina Wa (2003) |
| Production company | Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP) |
| Major awards | Two Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards |
| Latest cinema release | Onibọn Oje (October 23, 2026) |
| Upcoming cinema film | The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (December 4, 2026) |
| Net worth | Not independently verified |
Age clarification: Rotten Tomatoes and Fandango give December 31, 1976, while IMDb and other biographical sources give December 31, 1978. Neither birth year has been established beyond dispute in the reliable public records reviewed.
Early Life and Family Background
Odunlade Adekola was born in Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Ogun State, although his family originates from Otun-Ekiti in Ekiti State. He grew up in a Christian household where church activities were an important part of family life.
His father, Pastor Nathaniel Adekola, was involved in the Christ Apostolic Church. His mother was also active in the church, and the family encouraged religious participation from an early age. In a 2017 interview, Adekola recalled helping clean the church and participating in church performances during his childhood.
He developed an interest in acting by performing short dramas before church audiences. He enjoyed entertaining people and discovered that he could make audiences laugh through gestures, dialogue and expressions.
These early performances helped develop the acting style for which he later became popular. His childhood and introduction to theatre were described in a May 2017 interview with Punch.
Odunlade Adekola’s Education
Adekola attended St. John’s Primary School and St. Peter’s College in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He later enrolled at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, also in Abeokuta.
Despite becoming successful in entertainment, he remained interested in obtaining a university degree. He eventually enrolled at the University of Lagos to study Business Administration while continuing his acting career.
Balancing university studies with filmmaking was demanding. He often had to coordinate lectures, examinations, rehearsals and film shoots. In November 2017, he announced that he had completed his final examinations.
He subsequently obtained his Business Administration degree from the University of Lagos. In an interview with Punch, he explained that completing university was important to him, despite the demands of his entertainment career.
How Odunlade Adekola Started His Acting Career
Adekola began his professional acting journey in 1996, after joining a theatre group through a friend who knew he enjoyed performing in church.
During his first meeting with the group, he was asked to demonstrate his acting ability by playing an unstable character. His energetic performance impressed the members, and he was invited to join them.
He continued learning from more experienced theatre practitioners and joined the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners in January 1998.
One of his earliest film appearances was in Faworaja, a 1999 production associated with veteran comedian Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr. Latin.
His early career involved Yoruba-language films, stage performances and smaller screen roles. Although he gradually gained experience, his breakthrough came several years later.
Asiri Gomina Wa: The Movie That Made Him Famous
Odunlade Adekola became widely recognised in 2003 after appearing in Asiri Gomina Wa, a Yoruba movie produced by the late Ishola Durojaye, also known as Alasari.
The film introduced him to a much larger audience and created opportunities for more prominent roles. His expressive performances, ability to deliver humorous dialogue and command of the Yoruba language helped establish his screen identity.
In his 2017 interview with Punch, Adekola personally identified Asiri Gomina Wa as the film most responsible for his breakthrough. He later became associated with characters including Sunday Dagboru, Mufu Oloosha Oko and Alani Pamolekun.
These performances strengthened his reputation in Yoruba-language cinema, particularly for combining comedy with serious dramatic roles.
Odunlade Adekola’s Popular Movies
Adekola has appeared in numerous films across different genres, including comedy, crime, family drama and historical epics. His work also includes directing and producing selected projects.
| Year | Movie | Career significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Asiri Gomina Wa | Breakthrough Yoruba film |
| 2010 | Sunday Dagboru | Popular character performance |
| 2013 | Mufu Olosa Oko | Well-known Yoruba comedy |
| 2015 | Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo | Feature-film supporting role |
| 2018 | The Vendor | Film he directed |
| 2022 | King of Thieves | Yoruba historical epic |
| 2022 | Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman | Played the lead character, Elesin |
| 2023 | Jagun Jagun | Played Jigan |
| 2023 | Orisa | Actor, director and producer |
| 2024 | Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju) | Actor and co-director |
| 2024 | Lakatabu | Writer, producer, director and lead actor |
| 2024 | Lisabi: The Uprising | Played the Alaafin of Oyo |
| 2025 | Owambe Thieves | Comedy film appearance |
| 2025 | Gingerrr | Feature-film role |
| 2026 | Onibọn Oje | Yoruba epic released October 23 |
| 2026 | The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives | Played Baba Segi |
This is a selected filmography rather than a complete list. Additional credits are available through Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.
His Success as a Film Director and Producer
Alongside acting, Adekola founded Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), a company involved in film development and production. The company has supported his work as a filmmaker while providing opportunities for other performers.
One of his earlier directing projects was The Vendor, released in 2018. He subsequently directed Orisa in 2023 and worked on Beast of Two Worlds and Lakatabu in 2024.
In an April 2024 interview with The Guardian Nigeria, Adekola discussed his preference for indigenous storytelling and explained why he continued making Yoruba-language films despite expanding into larger cinema productions.
His work as a producer has helped him move beyond performing characters to making decisions about scripts, casting, directing and film distribution.
Orisa and Lakatabu: Major Box Office Achievements
Adekola released Orisa in July 2023. The film combined Yoruba cultural themes, traditional beliefs and historical fantasy, attracting audiences in Nigeria and selected international markets.
The film reportedly earned approximately ₦128 million during its Nigerian cinema run. Its success encouraged further investment in Yoruba-language productions intended for theatrical audiences.
On June 21, 2024, he released Lakatabu, a crime thriller in which he played a powerful and feared criminal. He also wrote, produced and directed the movie.
The film featured Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Adunni Ade, Eniola Ajao and other Nollywood performers. It became one of the notable indigenous-language releases of 2024.
According to Nairametrics, the movie surpassed ₦200 million in Nigerian box office revenue. Industry databases place its total at approximately ₦202 million.
That revenue represents cinema ticket sales, not Adekola’s personal earnings. Production costs, distribution fees and other expenses must be considered before calculating a film’s financial profit.
Odunlade Adekola’s Awards and Achievements
Adekola has received recognition for his contributions to Nollywood, particularly his comedy and supporting performances.
At the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, he won Best Actor in a Comedy for his performance in A Million Baby.
In 2022, he won Best Supporting Actor at the same awards for Jankariwo.
His career has also included nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and Best of Nollywood Awards. These honours reflect his work across comedy, drama and Yoruba-language filmmaking.
The 2018 award was documented by Punch, while his two AMVCA victories are confirmed in Pulse Nigeria’s awards retrospective.
Who Is Odunlade Adekola’s Wife?
Odunlade Adekola is married to Ruth Abosede Adekola. The couple married in 2003 and have maintained a relatively private family life despite his fame.
Ruth generally stays outside the entertainment spotlight, although her husband occasionally celebrates her birthday and their marriage on social media.
In a 2020 interview, Adekola explained that maintaining a successful marriage requires patience, understanding and commitment. He acknowledged that their relationship, like others, had experienced challenges.
He also publicly celebrated Ruth’s fortieth birthday in November 2021, describing her as an important person in his life.
Their marriage is documented by P.M. News and TheCable Lifestyle.
How Many Children Does Odunlade Adekola Have?
Odunlade Adekola has publicly confirmed having four children with his wife, Ruth. In a May 2017 interview with Punch, he stated that he had four children and was happily married.
The couple welcomed their fourth child, a boy named Adedore, in November 2015. Reports at the time described their children as four sons.
His fourth son’s birth and naming ceremony were documented by QED.ng in December 2015.
Some online biographies list different numbers of children, but the count of four is supported by Adekola’s own 2017 interview and contemporary family reporting. No newer, independently verified family announcement was established in the sources reviewed.
Although the actor occasionally shares photographs with his children, he generally avoids disclosing extensive details about their education and private lives.
Odunlade Adekola’s Latest Movies in 2026
In 2026, Adekola continued appearing in new Nigerian films, including Yoruba-language productions and projects selected for international festivals.
Onibọn Oje: October 2026 Cinema Release
On October 23, 2026, Onibọn Oje opened in Nigerian cinemas.
The film features Adekola as a powerful warlord whose actions threaten an ancient Yoruba kingdom. When the community faces destruction, an unexpected warrior rises to challenge him.
Other cast members include Fathia Balogun, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Joke Muyiwa, Raphael Niyi and Bose Akinola.
The film was produced by Exceptional Pictures and Pacesetter Film Arena and distributed by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution.
It was directed by Mustapha Jayeola and Olawale Samson Adebayo, with filming taking place at Pacesetter Film Arena in Ibadan.
The movie’s release date, storyline and cast are confirmed by Tribe Nation’s official announcement and Silverbird Cinemas.
As of October 25, the film is showing in selected cinemas, including venues in Lagos and Abuja.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives
Another major 2026 project is The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, directed by Daniel Oriahi and produced through Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films.
The movie adapts the novel by Nigerian author Lola Shoneyin and explores the complicated relationships within a polygamous household.
Adekola plays Baba Segi, a wealthy patriarch whose household begins to experience conflict following the arrival of his youngest wife.
The cast also includes Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Ademoye and Omowunmi Dada.
The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026. It subsequently screened at the BFI London Film Festival on October 14 and 15.
Its Nigerian theatrical release is scheduled for December 4, 2026.
Festival screenings are confirmed by the British Film Institute, while the release schedule is available through the film’s official website.
His Popularity on Social Media
Odunlade Adekola has become widely recognised beyond traditional cinema audiences because of the popularity of photographs and short video clips from his movies.
His facial expressions, gestures and reactions frequently appear in Nigerian internet memes and social media posts.
These images are often used to express surprise, confusion, excitement or disbelief during online conversations.
This internet visibility has introduced his performances to younger audiences, including people who may not have watched the original movies from which the images were taken.
He has also appeared in advertising campaigns and served as a brand ambassador for companies including Globacom and Goldberg Lager.
Odunlade Adekola’s Net Worth in 2026
Odunlade Adekola’s exact personal net worth in October 2026 has not been independently verified.
His documented sources of professional income include acting, directing, film production, advertising partnerships and other entertainment activities.
His production company and cinema releases also provide business opportunities beyond acting fees.
For example, Lakatabu earned more than ₦200 million in reported cinema revenue during 2024. However, box office earnings cannot be treated as his personal income because producers, distributors, cinemas and other stakeholders share the revenue.
Some celebrity websites publish estimates of his personal fortune, but those figures are not supported by publicly available audited financial statements.
Without dependable financial records, assigning him a precise amount would be speculative.
Where Is Odunlade Adekola Now?
As of October 25, 2026, Odunlade Adekola remains active as an actor, film director and producer.
His latest theatrical release, Onibọn Oje, opened on October 23, while The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives recently screened at the London Film Festival and is scheduled for its Nigerian cinema release in December.
He remains married to Ruth Abosede Adekola and continues maintaining a public profile through film projects, advertising and social media.
His career has developed from church drama performances and small Yoruba film roles into leading parts in cinema productions shown internationally.
Viewers discovering his work can begin with Asiri Gomina Wa to understand his breakthrough, The Vendor and Orisa for his directing career, and Lakatabu for his more recent commercial success.
His latest roles in Onibọn Oje and The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives show that Yoruba-language storytelling remains central to his work, even as Nigerian films continue attracting wider international audiences.
