Kwara State, located in Nigeria’s North Central region, is known for its rich culture and impressive human resources. Beyond agriculture and academia, the state has birthed influential personalities in Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry, Nollywood. While Lagos may be the capital of Nigerian entertainment, Kwara State has produced some of Nollywood’s biggest stars—talented actors and actresses who have risen to the top of their careers and built considerable wealth from acting, directing, producing, and endorsements.
In this detailed blog post, we explore the lives, accomplishments, and net worths of the top richest Nollywood actors and actresses who trace their roots to Kwara State.
1. Femi Adebayo – Estimated Net Worth: $1.5 Million
Femi Adebayo is one of Nigeria's most celebrated Yoruba-language actors, and his roots can be traced back to Ilorin in Kwara State. Born into a family of performers—his father is the veteran actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello)—Femi had the early exposure and passion that fueled his successful career.
Beyond acting, he is a lawyer, movie producer, and politician. His hit movies include Jelili, Sonto Alapata, and Survival of Jelili. His performances are marked by charm, emotional depth, and powerful dialogue delivery. He also serves as the Special Adviser on Arts, Culture, and Tourism to the Governor of Kwara State.
Femi Adebayo’s consistent output in Nollywood and Yoruba cinema, combined with political appointments and brand endorsements, has earned him a fortune.
2. Kunle Afolayan – Estimated Net Worth: $1.3 Million
Although born in Lagos, Kunle Afolayan is proudly of Kwara descent. He is the son of Adeyemi Afolayan (Ade Love), a pioneer in the Nigerian movie industry. Kunle is widely recognized not just as an actor but as a world-class movie director and producer.
He is known for high-budget, award-winning films like The Figurine, October 1, Citation, and Aníkúlápó. His studio, Golden Effects Pictures, has produced films that have premiered at international film festivals and landed on platforms like Netflix.
Kunle’s wealth stems from his production business, international partnerships, digital distribution deals, and film grants. He has also secured endorsement deals with brands like Globacom, Air France, and others.
3. Ibrahim Chatta – Estimated Net Worth: $1 Million
Ibrahim Chatta is a dynamic and passionate actor whose roots lie in Bacita, Edu LGA of Kwara State. Known for his fluency in Yoruba and his emotive style of acting, he is a favorite among Yoruba movie fans. Despite not having the privilege of formal higher education, Chatta’s natural talent carried him to prominence.
His filmography includes hit Yoruba movies such as Eberu Adigun, Oje Laye, and Saworo. He is also a musician and scriptwriter. Chatta has built wealth through movie roles, directing, producing, and personal business ventures.
Despite being a private individual, his popularity and consistency in the Yoruba movie scene make him one of Kwara’s wealthiest entertainers.
4. Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) – Estimated Net Worth: $950,000
Oga Bello is a legendary figure in the Nigerian film industry. A native of Ilorin, he began his acting journey in the 1960s and has been pivotal in the development of Yoruba cinema. His career spans decades, and he has mentored numerous younger actors, including his son, Femi Adebayo.
Oga Bello has acted in and directed over 100 Yoruba films and TV dramas. Though he is more active behind the scenes today, he remains a respected authority in the industry.
His wealth has come from acting, directing, film production, and his influence as a mentor and elder statesman in Nollywood.
5. Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje) – Estimated Net Worth: $850,000
Fausat Balogun, better known as Madam Saje, is a veteran actress originally from Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. She became popular through her roles in Yoruba movies and TV series such as Erin Kee Kee.
She is admired for her maternal roles and comic timing. Over the years, she has appeared in over 100 movies, earning her a special place in the hearts of Yoruba movie lovers.
Her income sources include acting, brand endorsements, and appearances in stage plays and TV commercials. Madam Saje’s longevity and consistent presence have translated into impressive financial stability.
6. Yinka Quadri – Estimated Net Worth: $800,000
Yinka Quadri, although born in Lagos, hails from Oro, Kwara State. He is a Nollywood veteran with a career that spans over four decades. Quadri has acted in numerous Yoruba films and is known for his deep voice, wise roles, and leadership in the Odunfa Caucus—one of the most powerful acting guilds in Yoruba Nollywood.
He is also a movie director and mentor to many upcoming actors. His income stems from acting, directing, producing, and his business interests.
7. Faithia Williams – Estimated Net Worth: $750,000
Faithia Williams, formerly Faithia Balogun, is an award-winning actress and producer. Though of Delta origin, she was raised in Kwara State and attended Kwara State Polytechnic. This has given her deep ties to the state.
She rose to fame through Yoruba films and is known for her compelling storytelling, producing skills, and elegant screen presence. She has won several Best Actress awards and is known for movies like Farayola and Shola Arikusa.
Her net worth is boosted by endorsement deals, acting roles, and her production company.
8. Saheed Balogun – Estimated Net Worth: $700,000
Saheed Balogun is a filmmaker, actor, and director with strong ties to Kwara State, having attended Kwara Polytechnic. He is a creative innovator and known for producing groundbreaking films like Modupe Temi and Eti Keta—the first two-cast movie in Nigeria.
His dedication to experimenting with new concepts has earned him both local and international recognition. Saheed’s earnings come from acting, film production, directing, and endorsement contracts.
9. Lasun Ray – Estimated Net Worth: $500,000
Lasun Ray is a respected filmmaker and actor from Aran-Orin in Kwara State. He is known for his behind-the-scenes work and contributions to the development of Yoruba theater arts and film.
Although not as popularly known as others on this list, Lasun Ray has built a solid reputation in production and has mentored young filmmakers in Kwara and across the Southwest.
10. Bukky Awoyemi (Arugba) – Estimated Net Worth: $400,000
Bukky Awoyemi, best known for her role in Arugba, hails from Eruku, Kwara State. She shot to fame after starring in the critically acclaimed film directed by Tunde Kelani. Since then, she has featured in various Yoruba and English-speaking films.
She’s also recognized for her beauty, poise, and ability to take on challenging roles. Though not as financially buoyant as others, her brand continues to grow, and she has several endorsement deals and side businesses.
Summary Table: Top Richest Actors and Actresses from Kwara State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Femi Adebayo | $1.5 Million | Actor, producer, politician |
| 2 | Kunle Afolayan | $1.3 Million | Director, actor, international filmmaker |
| 3 | Ibrahim Chatta | $1 Million | Actor, singer, Yoruba cinema influencer |
| 4 | Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) | $950,000 | Veteran actor, film director, mentor |
| 5 | Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje) | $850,000 | Actress, motherly roles in Yoruba cinema |
| 6 | Yinka Quadri | $800,000 | Actor, director, Odunfa Caucus leader |
| 7 | Faithia Williams | $750,000 | Actress, film producer, businesswoman |
| 8 | Saheed Balogun | $700,000 | Actor, innovative filmmaker |
| 9 | Lasun Ray | $500,000 | Filmmaker, mentor |
| 10 | Bukky Awoyemi (Arugba) | $400,000 | Actress, known for the film “Arugba” |
Final Thoughts
Kwara State has contributed greatly to Nigeria's entertainment landscape, producing some of the most talented and wealthy figures in Nollywood. From legendary veterans to rising stars, these actors and actresses have carved out successful careers through hard work, talent, and passion.
As the industry continues to evolve, there’s no doubt that more talents from Kwara will rise to fame and fortune, adding to this impressive list in the future.
