Ekiti State, located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, is famously referred to as the "Fountain of Knowledge" due to its high literacy rate and remarkable academic culture. But beyond academia, Ekiti has made a strong imprint on Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. From the dynamic world of Nollywood to music and media, numerous talented individuals of Ekiti origin have risen to prominence and achieved both fame and fortune.
This blog post shines a spotlight on the wealthiest actors and actresses from Ekiti State. These individuals have not only captivated audiences across the continent but have also built significant wealth through acting, endorsements, businesses, and other entrepreneurial ventures.
1. Odunlade Adekola – The Undisputed Star of Yoruba Nollywood
Origin: Otun Ekiti
Estimated Net Worth: $50 million
Odunlade Adekola is arguably the most popular and successful Yoruba-language actor in Nigeria. His meteoric rise began in the early 2000s, with roles in hit Yoruba movies such as Asiri Gomina Wa, which marked a turning point in his career.
Beyond acting, Odunlade is a successful director, producer, and businessman. He owns the Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), which trains and nurtures young actors. He's also involved in real estate and owns a luxurious hotel in Ogun State.
His comedic timing, dramatic flair, and larger-than-life presence have made him a household name. He regularly features in high-grossing Yoruba and English-language movies and commands high fees for roles and appearances.
2. Folarin Falana (Falz) – The Multi-Talented Entertainer
Origin: Ado-Ekiti
Estimated Net Worth: $45 million
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is a rapper, actor, comedian, and lawyer. The son of the famous human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Falz carved out a niche for himself in Nigeria's entertainment industry through satire, socially conscious music, and top-tier acting.
He rose to prominence with comedy skits and rap songs, eventually transitioning to acting. Notable performances include Jenifa’s Diary, Chief Daddy, and The Wedding Party franchise. His work in Merry Men cemented his status as a Nollywood heavyweight.
Falz owns Bahd Guys Records and is involved in numerous endorsement deals, collaborations, and activism campaigns. His wealth stems not just from acting, but from a diversified entertainment career and smart investments.
3. Adebimpe Oyebade (Mo Bimpe) – The Fashionable Starlet
Origin: Ijero-Ekiti
Estimated Net Worth: $700,000 – $1 million
Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe, is one of the fastest-rising actresses in the Yoruba movie industry. She first gained attention with her role in Onikede and has since become a regular face in Nollywood productions.
Known for her beauty, fashion sense, and compelling screen presence, Mo Bimpe has featured in over 50 movies. She’s also a savvy entrepreneur, managing a fashion brand and skincare line.
Married to fellow Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, the couple forms one of Nollywood’s most admired power duos. Her combined income from acting, endorsements, and businesses has earned her a spot among the wealthiest female actors from Ekiti.
4. Bukunmi Oluwasina – A Force of Talent and Versatility
Origin: Okemesi-Ekiti
Estimated Net Worth: $500,000 – $1 million
Bukunmi Oluwasina is a highly respected actress, screenwriter, and music artist. She is a graduate of Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University and gained acclaim for her role in Ayomi, which she also wrote and produced.
Her movies are known for their emotional depth and social commentary, often resonating with both Yoruba and English-speaking audiences. She’s won several awards, including Best Actress at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.
In addition to her film work, Bukunmi has released several singles and has endorsement deals in the beauty and lifestyle industry. Her artistic flair and business ventures make her one of the wealthiest young actresses from Ekiti State.
5. Sharon Rotimi – The Emerging Star
Origin: Ekiti State
Estimated Net Worth: $200,000+
Sharon Rotimi is a rising Nollywood actress known for her work in contemporary Nigerian cinema. While she may not have reached the financial heights of some of her peers, Sharon is gaining recognition through roles in films like Chronicles and Son of the Soil.
Educated and deeply committed to her craft, she’s quickly building a solid fanbase and industry credibility. With time and strategic career choices, Sharon is poised to become a major player in the Nollywood scene.
6. Seun Akindele – The Quiet Achiever
Origin: Ekiti State
Estimated Net Worth: $300,000 – $600,000
Seun Akindele is a versatile actor who has been active in Nollywood since 2005. He came into prominence after appearing in several top-rated English and Yoruba-language films.
Known for his deep voice, charisma, and intelligent portrayals, Akindele has starred in numerous TV series and movies such as The Banker, The Antique, and Last Affair. In 2011, he won the "Most Promising Actor" award at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
While not as flashy as others, Seun has built a solid financial base through acting, voiceovers, and brand partnerships.
7. Chief Peter Fatomilola – The Veteran Maestro
Origin: Ifisin-Ekiti
Estimated Net Worth: $400,000+
Chief Peter Fatomilola is a revered veteran in Nigerian theatre and film. Born in the 1940s, he is one of the early pioneers of Yoruba drama and film. Trained under Professor Ola Rotimi, Fatomilola has appeared in countless classic productions, including Sango, Saworoide, and Agogo Eewo.
He is known for portraying traditional roles and has been a cultural ambassador for the Yoruba people. His wealth, though not as ostentatious as younger actors, comes from decades of consistent work, royalties, and traditional titles.
8. Jimoh Aliu (Aworo) – The Cultural Pillar (Late)
Origin: Okemesi-Ekiti
Lifetime Contributions
Jimoh Aliu, popularly known as "Aworo," was a legendary figure in Nigerian drama and folklore. Though he passed away in 2020, his contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment heritage remain unmatched.
He was a sculptor, dramatist, playwright, and director. His shows, like Arelu and Yanpan Yanrin, dominated the airwaves in the 80s and 90s and influenced generations of filmmakers.
While his monetary wealth may not have rivaled modern Nollywood celebrities, his legacy is priceless. Aworo paved the way for many actors from Ekiti and across Nigeria.
Summary Table: Richest Actors and Actresses from Ekiti State
| Name | Profession | Origin | Estimated Net Worth | Notable Works / Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odunlade Adekola | Actor/Producer | Otun Ekiti | $50 million | Asiri Gomina Wa, OAFP, Hotel Ownership |
| Folarin Falana (Falz) | Actor/Rapper/Comedian | Ado Ekiti | $45 million | The Wedding Party, Merry Men, Bahd Guys Rec. |
| Adebimpe Oyebade | Actress/Entrepreneur | Ijero Ekiti | $700K – $1 million | Onikede, Fashion & Skincare Businesses |
| Bukunmi Oluwasina | Actress/Musician | Okemesi Ekiti | $500K – $1 million | Ayomi, Soundtrack Composer |
| Sharon Rotimi | Actress | Ekiti State | $200K+ | Chronicles, Son of the Soil |
| Seun Akindele | Actor | Ekiti State | $300K – $600K | The Banker, The Antique |
| Chief Peter Fatomilola | Actor/Playwright | Ifisin Ekiti | $400K+ | Sango, Saworoide |
| Jimoh Aliu (Aworo) | Actor/Director (Deceased) | Okemesi Ekiti | Legacy Figure | Arelu, Yanpan Yanrin |
Conclusion
Ekiti State’s contribution to Nollywood and Nigeria’s cultural heritage cannot be overstated. From the comedic genius of Odunlade Adekola to the socially conscious Falz and the elegance of Mo
Bimpe and Bukunmi Oluwasina, the state has produced a wide range of talent that continues to influence and inspire.
These actors and actresses have transformed their passion into fortune, proving that Ekiti is not just a fountain of knowledge, but also a wellspring of artistic brilliance. As the Nollywood industry continues to grow, we can expect to see even more stars rise from this culturally rich state.
Whether you're a fan of Yoruba movies or Nigerian cinema at large, keep an eye on Ekiti-born talents — they are setting the pace in both creativity and prosperity.
