Who is Toyin Afolayan?
Toyin Afolayan, better known by her stage name Lola Idije, debuted as a Nigerian actress. Her portrayals as a mother, aunt, or older sibling in Yoruba films including Deadly Affair, Irapada, Anikulapo, and Arojinle have made her a household name.
She is also the aunt of several Nollywood performers, including Gabriel Afolayan and Kunle Afolayan, and the cousin of the late renowned actor and filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan.
She is widely acknowledged and esteemed as a highly influential matriarch within the Nigerian film industry.
Filmography
- Deadly Affair
- Irapada
- Anikulapo
- Ojuloge Obirin
- Glimpse
- Arojinle
- Ile Afoju
- Dara
- Oko Ramota
Childhood and Education
Toyin Afolayan was born in Agbamu, a municipality situated in Kwara State, Nigeria, on September 24, 1959. She is the cousin of the late renowned actor, producer, and director Adeyemi Afolayan, also known as Ade Love.
Numerous members of her family were employed in the entertainment industry during her childhood. She was a student at St. Anne’s Primary School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School Kwara State Ilorin.
Subsequently, she earned a diploma in Catering and Hotel Management from Kwara State Polytechnic.
Personal Life
In the early 1980s, Toyin Afolayan wed Mr. Afolayan, an individual involved in business.
One of their three daughters was stillborn, and the other was a male. Since the demise of her spouse in 1996, she has been a widow.
She stated that remarriage is not a priority at her age and has not done so since that time. She is a devout Christian and a member of the Cherubim and Seraphim congregation.
She is also the cherished grandmother of a number of grandchildren.
Toyin Afolayan Career as an Actress
Toyin Afolayan began her career as an actress in the 1980s at the behest of her cousin Ade Love.
Ade Love directed the film Ija Ominira, in which she made her film debut. Following her performance as Madam Adisa in Tade Ogidan’s 1995 film Deadly Affair, she rose to prominence.
Subsequently, numerous Yoruba films have featured her, including Arojinle, Irapada, Anikulapo, Ojuloge Obirin, and Glimpse. She is well-known for her portrayals of strong, wise, and authoritative characters in her roles as a mother, aunt, or older sibling.
She likewise gave rise to widely used internet vernacular expressions such as “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear,” both of which were incorporated into her films.
Notable actresses and actors with whom she has collaborated include Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami, Funke Akindele, Odunlade Adekola, and Mercy Aigbe.
She is also the aunt of the renowned Nollywood actors and filmmakers Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, Moji Afolayan, and Aremu Afolayan.
Awards
Toyin Afolayan has received numerous honors and distinctions for her contributions to Nollywood, including the following:
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Zulu African Film Academy Awards 2011.
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards 2013.
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards 2014.
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba) at the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2016.
- City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Net Worth
Several online sources place the estimated net worth of Toyin Afolayan at $500,000. She generates income through endorsements, acting, and other ventures.
Social Media
- Instagram: @lola_idije1959
- Twitter: @lola_idije