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Iyabo Ojo

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Iyabo Ojo
Born
Alice Iyabo Ogunro

(1977-12-21) 21 December 1977 (age 46)
Lagos State, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
Alma materLagos State Polytechnic
Occupations
  • Actress
  • Film director
  • Film producer
Years active1998–present
Known forEntertainment activism

Alice Iyabo Ojo (Listenⓘ) (born 21 December 1977) is a prominent Nigerian film actress,[1] director, and producer popularly known for her contributions in the Nollywood film industry.[2][3][4][5] She has featured in over 150 films and has produced more than 14 of her own.[2]

Early life

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Iyabo Ojo was born as Alice Iyabo Ogunro on 21 December 1977 in Lagos, Nigeria, although her father was from Abeokuta, Ogun State.[6] She is the youngest of three children, having two older brothers.[6]

Education

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She attended National College in Gbagada, Lagos, before enrolling at Lagos State Polytechnic to pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Estate Management[7]


Career

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Having been involved in a drama group at secondary school, Iyabo Ojo commenced her acting career in 1998. She registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) with the help of Bimbo Akintola and was also able to network to other people [8]

Ojo has scripted and featured in several Nigerian films. Her first role was in 1998's Satanic, an English-language film. In 2002, she made her Yoruba-language debut with Baba Darijinwon.[9] In January 2015, her film Silence, which features Joseph Benjamin Alex Usifo, Fathia Balogun, and Doris Simeon, premiered at the Silverbird Cinemas, Ikeja, in Lagos.[10][11]

In 2004, Ojo started producing her own films. Her first production was Bolutife, after which she made Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan and Okunkun Biribiri.[2] She also divorced her husband before her fame started.[12]

Personal life

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Marrying a Lagos-based Clearing Agent in 1999, when she was 21,[13] Iyabo took a break from pursuing her career. She gave birth to a son and then a daughter (born in 1999 and 2001 respectively), namely Felix Ojo and Priscilla Ajoke Ojo, but is now divorced from their father.[14][2][6] She has attributed the breakup of her first marriage to marrying too young.[15] She has spoken of her intention to stop using her former husband's surname, Ojo.[13]

Tax Dispute with Lagos State Government

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Iyabo Ojo made headlines when the Lagos State Government issued her a notice, demanding payment of ₦18,640,092.00 as personal income tax within seven days, or face penalty.[16]

According to the government's letter, Iyabo Ojo was accused of owing ₦7,376,000.00 in taxes for the year 2022, as well as ₦11,264,092 in back taxes for the 2021 tax year. In response, the actress took to her Instagram page to express her dissatisfaction with the tax assessment process, questioning the basis for the exorbitant amount she was being asked to pay.

In her post, Iyabo Ojo addressed Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, and the Lagos State Government, highlighting that she had already paid several taxes related to her businesses and personal assets. She questioned the rationale behind the additional charges.

The actress further emphasized that despite complying with the government's request to declare her income and explaining her financial situation through her tax consultant, she did not receive a satisfactory response. She expressed frustration over the perceived lack of assistance or support from the government, while being burdened with an overwhelming tax obligation.

She concluded her post by stating her willingness to face any consequences, including the closure of her business or potential legal actions, as she believed the tax demand was unreasonable. Iyabo emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the tax assessment process and questioned the government's contributions to her personal and professional life.

As a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Iyabo Ojo's public dispute with the Lagos State Government over her tax obligations has sparked discussions among the public and media regarding tax assessment practices and the relationship between the government and individuals in Nigeria.

Pinkies Foundation

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Iyabo Ojo launched her NGO, Pinkies Foundation, which caters to children with special needs and the less privileged, in May 2011. She celebrated the fifth anniversary of the foundation on 1 May 2016 at the R&A City Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.[17]

Activism

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In April 2021, she strongly condemned fellow actor, Yomi Fabiyi for sympathising with Olanrewaju Omikunle (Baba Ijesha) who was arrested for molesting a minor.[18] On 12 May 2021, she took legal action against Yomi Fabiyi (who had earlier staged a protest requesting the release of Baba Ijesha) for making "defamatory statements" about her.[19][20] Her actions did not go down well with the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, (TAMPAN), and they blacklisted her on 28 June 2021.[21] According to Legit.ng, actor Jide Kosoko, speaking for TAMPAN, said that Nollywood filmmakers under the association will stop working with her.[22]

As documented by Nelogram, Ojo publicly accused fellow celebrity, Naira Marley of spiritual and physical dealings with Mohbad, implying potential culpability in his death. Marley vehemently denied these accusations and retaliated with a N1 billion defamation lawsuit against Ojo, claiming her comments damaged his reputation. Ojo countered with her own legal claims, alleging improper service of the lawsuit.[23]

Selected filmography

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Films

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Films starring Iyabo Ojo
Year Film Role Notes
2024 Momiwa Kiki Comedy / Drama
2023 Merry Men 3: Nemesis Dep Stella
2023 Gangs of Lagos Mama Oba
2023 Shattered Innocence Mummy Theresa
2022 Palava Oma Bassey
2021 Under the carpet Tiana
Fools' Day Alase
2019 Misquided
Alter Date
2018 Divorce Not Allowed Omotara
Smash
Thin Line Kany
I Believe Lola
2017 Gone to America
Kostrobu Sholape
2016 Ipadabo [24]
Gangan Ronny
Twisted Twin
Ore
Trust
Tore Ife
Awusa
Black Val [25]
Apo Owo
Arinzo
2015 Beyond Disability Bisi
Silence
2013 Okanla
2012 Mama Insurance
2007 Egun
2002 Baba Darinjinwon
1998 Agogo Ide
Satanic

Television

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Television series starring Iyabo Ojo
Year Series Notes
2024 All of Us 4 episodes
2022 The Real Housewives of Lagos

Awards and nominations

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Year Award ceremony Category Film Result Ref
2010 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Supporting Actress –Yoruba Mario Nominated
2012 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Supporting Actress –Yoruba Ijo Olomo Won [26]
2014 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actress in Leading Role – Yoruba Silence Nominated
2015 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actress in Leading Role – English Beyond Disability Nominated
2017 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Supporting Actress –Yoruba Gangan Nominated [27]
2021 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Supporting Actress –Yoruba Black Veil Nominated

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Edeme, Victoria (17 June 2021). "Iyabo Ojo, former employee in verbal war over theft accusation". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Actress Iyabo Ojo Full Biography, Life And Career", T.I.N. Magazine, 27 January 2016.
  3. ^ Tolu (18 October 2014). "Iyabo Ojo Talks About Her Fashion Lifestlye". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  4. ^ "Iyabo Ojo's 'Silence' records low turn out at cinema". The Nigerian Tribune. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  5. ^ Haliwud (30 September 2014). "Iyabo Ojo tells us why her first marriage crashed". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  6. ^ a b c Adebayo Nurudeen, Francis Ogbonna and Stephen Aya, "Marriage Is A Distraction –Iyabo Ojo" Archived 7 November 2017 at the Wayback Machine, National Weekender, 16 January 2015.
  7. ^ "Iyabo Ojo Biography". Legit.ng. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Iyabo Ojo: Biography, Career, Movies & More". nigerianfinder.com. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  9. ^ Onikoyi, Ayo (26 May 2012). "I am not in a rush to remarry – Iyabo Ojo". Vanguard. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  10. ^ Ezeh, Maryjane. "Bad Market For Iyabo Ojo, As Stars, Fans, Media, Shun Her Movie Premiere". nigeriafilms.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  11. ^ "Several millions went into producing Silence — Iyabo Ojo". Vanguard News. 18 January 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  12. ^ "I Gave Up Education For My Kids - Iyabo Ojo". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2021.[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ a b "Iyabo Ojo Has Droped [sic] Her Ex Husband’s Name; Changes To Maiden Name ‘Ogunro’", Nigeria Films.
  14. ^ Olonilua, Ademola (26 March 2013). "I regret rushing into marriage –Iyabo Ojo". The Punch. Archived from the original on 16 March 2013.
  15. ^ Adebayo, Segun. "I've corrected my marital mistakes — Iyabo Ojo". tribune.com.ng. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  16. ^ "Lagos govt gives actress Iyabo Ojo 7 days to pay N18m tax or risk jail".
  17. ^ "Official Photos From Iyabo Ojo's Star-Studded Pinkies Foundation @ 5 Anniversary Event". Fashionpheeva. 4 May 2016.
  18. ^ Adekanye, Modupeoluwa (28 April 2021). "Iyabo Ojo Comes For Yomi Fabiyi Over His Comments On Baba Ijebu's Rape Saga". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  19. ^ Media, IFM Social (13 May 2021). "Iyabo Ojo Sues Yomi Fabiyi, Demands N100m For Defamation". Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  20. ^ "UPDATED: Baba Ijesha: Yomi Fabiyi leads protest in Lagos". 12 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021.
  21. ^ "Iyabo Ojo, Nkechi Blessing: 10 blacklisted Nollywood actors and actresses". Sidomex Entertainment. 30 June 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  22. ^ Ajetunmobi, Maymunah (28 June 2021). "TAMPAN suspends directors from working with Iyabo Ojo and Nkechi Blessing". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  23. ^ Nelogram, Kinghub (16 January 2024). "Iyabo Ojo: Beyond Movies, A Look at Nollywood's Queen of Controversy and Activism". Nelogram.com - African social network. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  24. ^ "Best Iyabo Ojo Movies 2017 | Latest Movies & Filmography". Yoruba Movies. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  25. ^ Izuzu, Chidumga (15 February 2016). "'Black Val' – Toyin Aimakhu, Iyabo Ojo, Dayo Amusa, Desmond Elliott attend premiere". Pulse.ng. Chidumga Izuzu. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  26. ^ "Joseph Benjamin, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Moyo Lawal & Alex Ekubo Win Top Awards at the 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) in Lagos – First Photos & Full List of Winners". BellaNaija. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  27. ^ "BON Awards 2017: Kannywood's Ali Nuhu receives Special Recognition Award". Daily Trust. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
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