Yewande Adekoya Biography Introduction

Yewande Adekoya is a versatile Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer, and content creator celebrated for her compelling performances in Yoruba cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a prominent figure in Nollywood, known for her fierce on-screen presence, creative storytelling, and dedication to uplifting the industry through her production work.

Basic Information

Early Life and Education

Yewande Adekoya was born on January 20, 1983, in Ososa-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria. As the eldest of five children, she was raised by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Engr. E.A. Adekoya, who provided a nurturing environment that balanced care with independence. Growing up in Lagos, Yewande shared a close bond with her siblings, who have remained a private but integral part of her life.

Yewande attended Bright Star Nursery and Primary School in Somolu, Lagos, before proceeding to Bright Star Comprehensive High School in Bariga, Lagos. Her academic journey continued with a diploma in Network Engineering from the National Institute of Information Technology. She later pursued higher education at Babcock University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 2008.

During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Ibadan, Oyo State, Yewande began exploring her acting ambitions, laying the groundwork for her future in the entertainment industry.

Career

Launching Her Career

Yewande Adekoya launched her acting career in 2002 with the Alphabash Music and Theater Group, honing her skills in stage performance before transitioning to film in the late 2000s. Her first significant production, Life Secret (2006), an English-language TV series, marked her debut as a writer and producer. By 2009, she ventured into Yoruba cinema with Igbo Dudu, establishing herself as a creative force in Nollywood.

Breakthrough Production

In 2012, Yewande produced and starred in Omo Elemosho, featuring notable actors Bimbo Oshin and Muyiwa Ademola, which received five nominations at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards. This project solidified her reputation as a multifaceted artist.

Her production company, Ednawey Productions, founded in 2006, has since delivered acclaimed films, including Iyawo Adedigba (2017), which won Best Movie of the Year at the City People Movie Awards, and Kudi Klepto, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and director. Other notable works include Bantale (2022) and Oba Esan (2020).

Contributions to Nollywood

Yewande Adekoya’s fierce on-screen presence and ability to portray complex characters have earned her a loyal fan base. She has collaborated with industry giants and continues to advocate for increased funding and support for Nigerian filmmakers. Her work as a makeup artist and content creator further highlights her multifaceted talent, making her a respected figure in the Yoruba cinema industry.

Filmography

• Life Secret (2006, TV series, producer/writer)
• Igbo Dudu (2009, producer)
• Omo Elemosho (2012, actress/producer)
• Kudi Klepto (2013, actress)
• Iyawo Adedigba (2017, actress/producer)
• Once Upon a Time (2016, actress)
• Fadaka (2018, actress)
• Belladonna (2018, actress)
• Omo Aniibire (2019, actress)
• Oba Esan (2020, actress)
• Bantale (2022, actress)
• Iwa Eda (2022, producer)

Awards and Nominations

• Winner: Best New Actress, City People Entertainment Awards (2014)
• Winner: Most Promising Actress, Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (2014)
• Winner: Most Promising Act, Yoruba Heritage Awards U.S.A. (2014)
• Winner: Best Actress in a Leading Role, ACIA Awards, Atlanta, U.S.A. (2016, for Kurukuru)
• Winner: Best Movie of the Year, City People Movie Awards (2017, for Iyawo Adedigba)
• Nominee: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best of Nollywood Awards (2014, for Kudi Klepto)
• Nominee: Best Supporting Actress (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2016, 2017)
• Nominee: Best Movie Producer (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2016, 2017)
• Nominee: Best Movie of the Year (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2016)
• Nominee: Best Actress (Yoruba), City People Movie Awards (2017)

Personal Life

Yewande Adekoya is currently separated, having ended her marriage to actor and producer Abiodun Ishola Thomas in April 2022. The couple met in 2008 during Yewande’s NYSC service in Ibadan and dated for five years before marrying on February 14, 2013.

They have two daughters, Precious Abiodun (born 2015) and Treasure Abiodun (born 2020), who often appear in their parents’ social media posts. Yewande has publicly shared that she experienced emotional abuse for 14 years during the marriage, leading to their separation, though they are not officially divorced.

An avid traveler and reader, Yewande enjoys learning new skills, chatting with fans, and meeting new people. She is passionate about using her films to inspire and make a positive impact in lives.

In 2017, Yewande Adekoya faced controversy over unverified reports of an arrest in the U.S. for alleged credit card fraud, which she firmly debunked, stating she was in Nigeria working at the time and has since traveled freely to the U.S. and Canada. Yewande’s resilience and commitment to her craft continue to endear her to fans across Nigeria and beyond.

Net Worth

Yewande Adekoya is a prominent Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and producer with an estimated net worth of $500,000. Her wealth stems from her successful ventures in film production, acting roles, and various business endeavors.

Conclusion

Yewande Adekoya’s journey in the Nigerian film industry showcases her talent and determination. From her beginnings as a stage performer to becoming a celebrated actress and producer, she exemplifies resilience and creativity. As she continues to inspire others through her work, Yewande remains a significant figure in Nollywood.