List of Yoruba people
This is a list of notable Yoruba people.
Film and cinema
Nollywood
Actors and actress
- Adebayo Salami (b. 1953), Nigerian actor, filmmaker, movie producer and director
- Aderounmu Adejumoke
- Adunni Ade
- Afeez Oyetoro
- Akin Ogungbe
- Antar Laniyan
- Aremu Afolayan
- Ayo Adesanya
- Ayo Makun
- Babatunde Omidina
- Bolaji Amusan
- Bukky Ajayi
- Bukky Wright
- Dele Odule
- Desmond Elliot
- Dorcas Shola Fapson
- Eniola Ajao
- Eniola Badmus
- Faithia Balogun
- Femi Adebayo
- Funke Akindele
- Funsho Adeolu
- Gabriel Afolayan
- Gbenro Ajibade
- Gloria Bamiloye, dramatist, film actress, producer and director
- Iyabo Ojo (b. 1977), film actress, director and producer
- Jide Kosoko (b. 1954)
- Joke Silva (b. 1961), actress, director and businesswoman
- Lateef Adedimeji (b. 1986), actor, film-maker, producer and director
- Mike Bamiloye (b. 1960), actor, dramatist, producer and director
- Mosun Filani, film and voice actress
- Moji Afolayan (b. 1968), actress, film-maker, producer and director
- Moji Olaiya (1975-2017), Nigerian actress
- Muyiwa Ademola
- Nike Peller
- Odunlade Adekola
- Oga Bello (b. 1953)
- Olaniyi Afonja
- Olu Jacobs
- Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
- Ramsey Nouah
- Saheed Balogun
- Sola Sobowale
- Shaffy Bello
- Toyin Abraham
- Toyin Afolayan (b. 1959), popularly known as Lola Idije, actress
- Yewande Adekoya (b. 1984), actress, film-maker, director and producer
- Yinka Quadri (b. 1959), actor, film-maker, producer and director
Writers and directors
- Biyi Bandele
- Kemi Adesoye
- Kemi Adetiba (b. 1980), filmmaker, television director, music video director
- Kunle Afolayan (b. 1974), actor, film producer and director
- Oyin Adejobi
- Tomi Adeyemi (b. 1993), Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach
- Tunde Kelani (b. 1948), filmmaker, storyteller, photographer, director and producer
Non-Nollywood
Academics
- Akinwumi Ogundiran (b. 1966), archaeologist, historian, anthropologist, author of The Yoruba: A New History
- Bolaji Akinyemi (b. 1942), Nigerian professor of political science who was Nigeria External Affairs Minister in 1985-1987
- Bolanle Awe (b. 1933), Nigerian history professor
- Christopher Kolade (b. 1932), Nigerian diplomat and academic
- Hezekiah Ademola Oluwafemi (1919-1983), Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University from 1966 to 1975
- Isaac Folorunso Adewole (b. 1954), Nigerian professor of gynaecology and obstetrics
- Kofoworola Ademola (1913-2002), educationist, first black African woman to earn a degree from Oxford University
- Olanrewaju Fagbohun (b. 1966), academic, author, investor, professor of environmental law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria
- Oyeronke Oyewumi, sociologist, gender scholar
- Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe (1949-2021), Nigerian professor of systems engineering, Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos
- Solomon Babalola
- Stephen Adebanji Akintoye (b. 1935), academic, historian and writer
- Toyin Falola (b. 1953), historian and professor of African studies
Medicine
- Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (1956–2014), physician
- Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (1933–1997), physician, educational administrator, professor of Chemical pathology
- Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi (1910–1971), first woman to practise as a physician in Nigeria
- Latunde Odeku (1927–1974), neurosurgeon
- Olikoye Ransome-Kuti (1927–2003), paediatrician, activist and health minister of Nigeria
- Oni Akerele (d. 1983), Nigeria's first indigenous surgeon
- Gbeminiyi Oyinloye (b. 1989), Public Health Specialist
- Orisadipe Obasa (1863–1940), doctor and prince
- Segun Toyin Dawodu (b. 1960), physician
Journalism and the media
- Adeola Fayehun (b. 1984), journalist
- Abraham Adesanya (1922–2008), Nigerian politician, lawyer, activist, welfarist and liberal progressive
- Dele Giwa (1947–1986), journalist, editor and founder of Newswatch magazine
- Dele Momodu (b. 1960), journalist/publisher, businessman and motivational speaker
- Dotun Adebayo (b. 1960), British radio presenter, writer and publisher
- Femi Adesina, journalist
- Femi Oke (b. 1966), British television presenter and journalist
- Kehinde Bankole (b. 1985), actress, model and television host
- Kitoye Ajasa (1866–1937), Nigerian lawyer and legislator during the colonial period, first Nigerian to be knighted
- Mosunmola Abudu (b. 1964), Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist
- Oluremi Oyo (1952-2014), Nigerian veteran journalist
- Omoyele Sowore (b. 1971), Nigerian human rights activist, founder of an online news agency Sahara Reporters
- Reuben Abati (b. 1965), journalist, politician, television anchor and newspaper columnist
- Seun Osewa (b. 1982), Nigerian internet entrepreneur
- Tolu Ogunlesi (b. 1982), Nigerian journalist, poet, photographer, fiction writer and blogger
Visual arts
Artists
- Laolu Senbanjo (b. 1982), Nigerian visual artist, musician, singer/songwriter and former human rights attorney
- Aina Onabolu (1882–1963), pioneering Nigerian modern arts teacher and painter
- Ibiyinka Alao (b. 1975), Nigerian American artist, architect, writer, film director and musical theater composer
- Kehinde Wiley
- Nike Davies-Okundaye (b. 1951), Nigerian batik and adire textile designer
- Olowe of Ise (c. 1873 – c. 1938), wood sculptor
- Yusuf Grillo (1934-2021), Nigerian painter
Photography
- Bayo Omoboriowo (b. 1987), Nigerian photojournalist and documentary photographer
- Lola Akinmade Åkerström. photographer and travel writer
- Rotimi Fani-Kayode (1955–1989), Nigerian-born photographer
- TY Bello
Politics and administration
Politics
- Adebayo Salami (1951–2021), Senator, chieftain of All Progressives Congress
- Adekunle Fajuyi (1926–1966), first military governor of Western Region, Nigeria
- Adeyemo Alakija (1884–1952), lawyer, politician, businessman, president of Egbe Omo Oduduwa
- Akinwunmi Ambode (b. 1963), Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria from 2015 to 2019
- Ayodele Fayose (b. 1960), Governor of Ekiti State
- Babajide Sanwo-Olu (b. 1965), Governor of Lagos State from 2019
- Babalola Borisade (1946–2017), Federal Minister of Nigeria
- Babatunde Fashola (b. 1963), lawyer and politician, former Governor of Lagos State
- Benjamin Adekunle (1936–2014), Nigerian Army Brigadier
- Bola Ige (1930–2001), lawyer and politician
- Bola Tinubu (b. 1952), national leader of All Progressives Congress
- Bukola Saraki (b. 1962), 13th President of the Senate of Nigeria
- Christopher Omoworare Babajide (b. 1968), Nigerian politician
- Desmond Elliot (b. 1974), Nigerian actor, director and politician
- Dipo Dina (1960–2010), politician, philanthropist, administrator
- Ernest Shonekan (1936-2022), Nigerian lawyer and statesman
- Femi Fani-Kayode (b. 1960), Nigerian politician, essayist, poet and lawyer
- Femi Gbaja Biamila (b. 1962), Nigerian lawyer
- Femi Hamzat (b. 1964), Nigerian politician
- Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (b. 1952), Nigerian senator and retired custom officer
- Frederick Fasehun (1935–2018), Nigerian medical doctor, hotel owner and politician
- Funsho Williams (1948–2006), politician from Lagos State
- Gbenga Daniel (b. 1956), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011
- Gboyega Oyetola (b. 1954), 9th Governor of Osun State
- Herbert Macaulay (1864–1946), Nigerian nationalist, politician, surveyor, engineer, architect, journalist and musician
- Ibikunle Amosun (b. 1958), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ogun State from 2011 to 2019
- Joseph Fadahunsi
- Kayode Fayemi (b. 1935), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ekiti State
- Kofo Abayomi (1896–1979), Nigerian ophthalmologist and politician
- Lawan Gwadabe (b. 1949), Military Administrator of Niger State from 1987 to 1992
- Lola Young
- M.K.O. Abiola
- Mudashiru Obasa
- Nicolas Grunitzky
- Oladipo Diya
- Obafemi Awolowo
- Olu Falae
- Oluremi Tinubu
- Olusegun Aganga
- Olusegun Mimiko
- Olusegun Obasanjo
- Olusegun Oni
- Oyinkansola Abayomi
- Rauf Aregbesola
- Rotimi Akeredolu
- Samuel Akintola
- Seyi Makinde
- Thomas Boni Yayi
- Alhaji Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo
- Tunde Idiagbon
- Victor Adebowale
- Yemi Osinbajo (b. 1957), Nigerian lawyer and politician, Vice-President of Nigeria since 2015
Administration
- Akinwumi Adesina (b. 1960), President of African Development Bank since 2015
- Joseph Oladele Sanusi (b. 1938), Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1999 to 2004
- Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu (b. 1960), fifth President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization
- Oye Owolewa (b. 1989), Nigerian-American pharmacist and politician
- Wally Adeyemo (b. 1981), Deputy Treasury Secretary, United States of America.
Trans-Atlantic slave trade
Brazil
Canada
Cuba
- Carlota (d. in battle if 1844), one of the leaders of the slave rebellion in the Triunvirato plantation
- José Antonio Aponte
Guyana
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
- Victor Pascall (1886–1930), cricketer
United States
- Oluwale Kossola(Cudjoe Lewis)
- Redoshi (Sally Smith)
- Scipio Vaughan
Aristocrats
Monarchs
- Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni Ojikutujoye I (b. 1958), Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo
- Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II (1950–2013), traditional ruler of the Akure Kingdom
- Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III (b. 1943), Alake of Egbaland
- Adeniji Adele (1893–1964), Oba of Lagos
- Adesoji Aderemi (1889–1980), Ooni of Ife
- Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (b. 1974), Ooni of Ile-Ife
- Adeyinka Oyekan (1911–2003), second Christian Oba of Lagos
- Ajaka, Oyo Emperor
- Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I (r. 1886–1910), Ewi of Ado Ekiti
- Daniel Aladesanmi II (1902–1983), Ewi of Ado Ekiti
- Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III (1941–2019)
- Fredrick Kumokun Adedeji Haastrup (1820–1901), Oba Obokun of Ilesa, first Christian Oba of Yorubaland
- Ladapo Ademola (1872–1962), Alake of Abeokuta
- Lamidi Adeyemi (b. 1938), Alaafin of Oyo
- Moremi Ajasoro (12th century), legendary queen and folk heroine of the Yoruba people
- Oba, Orisha of the river Oba
- Oduduwa, divine king, according to tradition, first Ooni of Ife (r. c. 1100 AD), ancestor of many dynasties
- Olagbegi Atanneye I (r. 1913–1938)
- Olagbegi Atanneye II
- Olateru Olagbegi I (r. 1913–1938)
- Olateru Olagbegi II (1910–1998)
- Olubuse II (1930–2015), traditional ruler of Ife
- Oranyan, legendary founder of Oyo
- Orompoto (16th century), female Alaafin of Oyo
- Oshun
- Osupa
- Oya
- Oyekan I
- Rilwan Akiolu
- Rufus Aladesanmi III
- Samuel Akinsanya
- Shango
- Sikiru Kayode Adetona
Chiefs and princes
- Abibatu Mogaji (1916–2013), business magnate
- Abiodun Duro-Ladipo
- Abiola Dosunmu
- Adeniran Ogunsanya
- Afe Babalola
- Bisoye Tejuoso
- Christopher Sapara Williams
- Efunroye Tinubu
- Efunsetan Aniwura
- Gaha
- Gani Adams
- Henry Fajemirokun
- H.O. Davies
- John Otunba Payne (1839–1906), Nigerian sheriff, administrator and diarist
- MKO Abiola
- Moses Majekodunmi
- Oluyole
- Oguntola Sapara
- Richard Akinjide
- Roseline Osipitan
- Sara Forbes Bonetta
- Sunday Igboho
- Tejumade Alakija
- T.O.S. Benson
- Yemi Elebuibon
- Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon
Sports
Football (soccer)
- Adebayo Akinfenwa
- Ademola Lookman
- Asisat Oshoala
- Babajide Collins Babatunde
- Best Ogedegbe
- Bukayo Saka
- David Alaba
- Dele Alli
- Dominic Solanke
- Emmanuel Adebayor
- Eniola Aluko
- Femi Ajilore
- Fikayo Tomori
- Folarin Balogun
- Jamal Musiala
- John Fashanu
- Junior Ajayi
- Kevin Schade
- Leon Balogun (b. 1988), defender for the Nigeria national football team
- Manuel Akanji
- Mathieu Adeniyi
- Michael Obafemi
- Mudashiru Lawal (1954-1991), Nigerian footballer who played as a midfielder
- Obafemi Martins (b. 1984), Nigerian professional footballer
- Patrick Owomoyela (b. 1979), German former professional footballer
- Peter Odemwingie (b. 1981), retired Nigerian professional footballer who played as a forward and a winger
- Rabiu Afolabi
- Rasheed Yekini (1963-2012), Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker
- Razak Omotoyossi (b. 1985), Beninese professional footballer
- Sammy Ameobi
- Saturnin Allagbé (b. 1993), player for the Benin national football team
- Segun Odegbami (b. 1952), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as forward
- Shola Ameobi (b. 1981), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker
- Taiwo Awoniyi
- Taye Taiwo (b. 1985), Nigerian professional footballer
- Tobi Jnohope, footballer
- Tosin Adarabioyo (b. 1997), English professional footballer
- Yakubu Aiyegbeni (b. 1982), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker
Coaches
- Festus Onigbinde (b. 1938), Nigerian football manager
- Segun Odegbami (b. 1952), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward
- Yemi Tella (c. 1951 - 2007), coach of the Nigerian football team
Basketball
- Alex Antetokounmpo
- Bam Adebayo
- Gani Oladimeji Lawal Jr.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Kostas Antetokounmpo
- Michael Olowokandi (b. 1975), Nigerian former professional basketball player
- Olu Famutimi (b. 1984), Canadian professional basketball player
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo (b. 1992), Greek professional basketball player
- Victor Oladipo (b. 1992), American professional basketball player
Fighting
- Anthony Joshua
- Kamaru Usman
- Israel Adesanya
- Benny Adegbuyi
- Ola Afolabi (b. 1980), British professional boxer
Volleyball
- Foluke Akinradewo (b. 1987), indoor volleyball player
American football
- Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (b. 1977), former American football defensive end
Ice hockey
Athletics
- Daley Thompson
- Femi Ogunode
- Karim Olowu
- Olusoji Fasuba (b. 1984), Nigerian sprinter
- Yakubu Adesokan
Wrestling
Squash and Table tennis
- Adewale Amao (b. 1990), Nigerian professional squash player
- Segun Toriola (b. 1974), Nigerian professional table tennis player
Track and field
- Olabisi Afolabi (b. 1975), retired track and field athlete from Nigeria
- Oludamola Osayomi
Music
African
Pre-2000s
- Abass Akande Obesere (b. 1965), Fuji musician
- Adewale Ayuba
- Angélique Kidjo
- Ayinla Kollington
- Ayo Bankole
- Bola Are
- Dunni Olanrewaju
- Ebenezer Obey
- Funmi Aragbaye
- Haruna Ishola
- Fatai Rolling Dollar
- Fela Kuti
- Hubert Ogunde
- I. K. Dairo
- K1 De Ultimate (b. 1957), Nigerian fuji musician
- King Sunny Adé
- Lagbaja
- Lara George
- Majek Fashek
- Mega 99
- Ojo Ade
- Orlando Owoh
- Saheed Osupa
- Sikiru Ayinde Barrister
- Shina Peters
- Sunny Ade
- Wasiu Alabi Pasuma
- Yinka Ayefele
- Yusuf Olatunji (1905-1978), Nigerian Sakara drum player
Post-2000s
- 9ice (b. 1980), Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer
- Adekunle Gold
- Aramide
- Aṣa
- Ayọ
- Ayo Jay
- Ayra Starr
- Bella Shmurda
- Brymo
- Burna Boy
- Dave
- CDQ
- Chinko Ekun
- D'banj
- Davido
- DJ Cuppy
- Dotman
- Eedris Abdulkareem
- eLDee
- Falz
- Femi Kuti
- Fireboy DML
- Jaywon
- JME
- Joeboy
- Kizz Daniel
- Korede Bello
- Ladipoe
- L.A.X
- Laycon (b. 1993), Nigerian media personality, rapper, singer and songwriter
- Lil Kesh (b. 1994), Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter
- Lyta
- Maleek Berry (b. 1987), British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist
- Mayorkun (b. 1994), Nigerian singer, songwriter and pianist
- Mr Eazi
- Mz Kiss
- Naira Marley
- Niniola
- Olamide
- Olu Maintain
- Reekado Banks
- Reminisce
- Seun Kuti
- Seyi Shay
- Skepta
- Shola Allyson
- Simi
- Small Doctor
- Sound Sultan
- Taio Cruz
- Tems
- Teni
- Tiwa Savage
- Tope Alabi
- Wale
- Wande Coal
- Wizkid
- Yemi Alade
- Ycee (b. 1993), Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter
- Zlatan (b. 1994), Nigerian singer, songwriter, musician and dancer
Directors and DJs
- Clarence Peters
- DJ Cuppy
- DJ Caise, Nigerian disc jockey
- DJ Jimmy Jatt (b. 1966), Nigerian disc jockey
- DJ Neptune
- DJ Spinall (b. 1984), Nigeriand disc jockey, record producer, songwriter, label executive and media personality
- DJ Xclusive (b. 1980), Nigerian disc jockey, recorder producer and recording artist
- D'Tunes
- Kiddominant (b. 1992), Nigerian recording producer, songwriter and artist
- Pheelz (b. 1994), Nigerian record producer and songwriter
Diaspora
- August Agbola O'Browne
- Babatunde Olatunji
- Chamillionaire
- Ibeyi
- Jme
- Kevin Olusola
- Keziah Jones
- Lola Falana
- Mo Jamil (b. 1995), English singer
- Rotimi
- Sade Adu
- Seal
- Skepta
- Taio Cruz
- Tosin Abasi
- Tunde Baiyewu (b. 1965), British singer
- Wale (b. 1984), American rapper
Modelling and fashion
- Deola Sagoe
- Yetunde Barnabas (b. 1990), Nigerian model, beauty queen, actress and film producer
Science and technology
- Ayodele Awojobi (1937-1984), Nigerian academic, author, inventor, social crusader and activist
- Babatunde Ogunnaike (b. 1956), American chemical engineer
- Ilesanmi Adesida (b. 1949), Nigerian American physicist
- John Dabiri, Nigerian-American aeronautics engineer
- Kunle Olukotun, computer scientist
- Olusegun Adewoye (1947-2015), researcher in ceramics science and engineering, physical metallurgy and corrosion engineering
- Oye Gureje (b, 1952), Nigerian psychiatrist
- T. M. Aluko (1918-2010), Nigerian writer and engineer
- Winston Wole Soboyejo (b. 1964), American materials scientist
Theatre
- Akpororo, Nigerian stand-up comedian, vocalist and actor
- Abiodun Duro-Ladipo (b. 1941), Nigerian actress and singer
- Gbenga Adeboye (1959-2003), Nigerian singer, comedian, radio presenter and master of ceremony
- Koffi Idowu Nuel (b. 1977), Nigerian entertainer, comedian, musician and actor
- Taaooma (b. 1999), Nigerian comedian, content creator, cinematographer and social media influencer
Online influencers
- Hushpuppi
- Jackie Aina
- KSI (b. 1993), British YouTuber, singer, songwriter and rapper
Military
- Abayomi Olonisakin (b. 1961), retired Nigerian General, former Chief of Defence Staff
- Adekunle Fajuyi (1926-1966), first military Governor of the former Western Region, Nigeria
- Adesola Nunayon Amosu
- Akinloye Akinyemi
- Babatunde Elegbede
- Benjamin Adekunle
- David Bamigboye
- Kayode Are
- Michael Bamidele Otiko
- Oladipo Diya
- Olagunsoye Oyinlola
- Olusegun Obasanjo
- Suraj Abdurrahman
- Theophilus Bamigboye
- Tolulope Arotile
- Tunde Idiagbon
- Victor Banjo (1930-1967), Colonel in the Nigerian army, accused of being a coup-plotter
Businesspeople
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Religion
Christianity
Anglican
- Isaac Oluwole, (1852-1932), Nigerian bishop of Sierra-Leonean and Egba heritage
- Peter Akinola (b. 1944), former Anglican Primate of the Church of Nigeria
- Samuel Ajayi Crowther (c. 1809 - 1891), Yoruba linguist and first African Anglican Bishop of West Africa
- Samuel Johnson
- Seth Kale
Catholic
Pentecostal
Other
- Samuel Oshoffa (1909-1985), founder of the Celestial Church of Christ
Islam
- Abu-Abdullah Adelabu
- Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory (1917-1992), Benin-Nigerian Islamic Scholar
Yoruba Religion
- Cleusa Millet
- Menininha do Gantois
- Olga de Alaketu
- Remigio Herrera
- Yemi Elebuibon
- Wande Abimbola (b. 1932), religious leader, university professor and politician
Law, activism and advocacy
Writers
Yorùbá language
- Adebayo Faleti (1921-2017), Nigerian poet, journalist, writer, Nollywood film director, actor, Africa's first stage play director
- Afolabi Olabimtan (1932-2003), Nigerian politician, writer and academic
- Akinwunmi Isola (1939-2018), Nigerian playwright, novelist, actor, dramatist, culture activist and scholar
- Bakare Gbadamosi (b. 1930), Yoruba poet, anthropologist and short story writer from Nigeria
- Daniel O. Fagunwa (1903-1963), Nigerian Yoruba author who pioneered the Yoruba language novel
- Duro Ladipo (1926-1978), Yoruba dramatist
- Isaac Delano
- Folahan Odunjo
- Obo Aba Hisanjani
- Olatubosun Oladapo
- Tade Ipadeola
- Wale Ogunyemi