Born on September 14, 1958, in Otu, Oyo State, Margaret Bandele Olayinka grew up in southwestern Nigeria. Her parents came from different parts of Oyo, with her mother hailing from Iseyin and her father working as a trader in Ibadan.
She was the only child her mother had in a polygamous home, a factor that added emotional weight to her childhood. Due to family maltreatment in her hometown, she eventually fled to Ibadan in search of peace and independence.
In Ibadan, she worked low-income jobs without her parents’ awareness to sustain herself. Among her early responsibilities was working as a housemaid, which became a stepping stone to her acting journey.
Iya Gbonkan’s Real Name and Meaning of Her Alias
Her full name is Margaret Bandele Olayinka Mojoyoniola, though she’s universally known as Iya Gbonkan. The alias “Iya Gbonkan” came from her 1989 appearance in the Yoruba film Koto Orun, where she played a fearsome witch.
The late actor Tajudeen Akanmu, famously known as Koledowo, coined the name during the film because her physical features complemented the character; the nickname stuck and became her professional identity.
Career in Yoruba Theatre
Iya Gbonkan entered the theatre scene after escaping an arranged marriage in Ibadan. She ran from confinement and eventually found herself at the doorstep of Duro Ladipo, one of Nigeria’s iconic dramatists.
Duro took her under his wing, introducing her to stage acting and Yoruba drama. She stayed with his group for four years, learning the craft and refining her skills in front of live audiences.
Training and Stage Work Before Nollywood
After leaving Duro Ladipo’s troupe, she moved to Osogbo and worked under Kola Ogunmola for six years until his passing. Her growth continued when she later joined Akin Ogungbe’s team, where she worked for three more years.
Her professional path also crossed with Pa Oyin Adejobi, although their relationship had a temporary fallout. That fallout resolved years later when she returned to Osogbo and resumed her career in full swing.
Breakthrough in Yoruba Film Industry
Iya Gbonkan’s film career began to gain traction through Ifa Olokun, a Yoruba TV series created by Yemi Elebuibon. Her breakout role came in Koto Orun, directed by Yekini Ajileye, where she captivated viewers with her intense portrayal.
She further solidified her presence with roles in Koto Aiye and Olori Emere, which also touched on spiritual themes. Her ability to convincingly play menacing characters turned her into a household name in Yoruba-language cinema.
Signature Roles and Typecasting
Her stature, facial expression, and performance style made her a top choice for supernatural or wicked roles. She became synonymous with characters that explored folklore, witchcraft, and morality tales in Yoruba films.
Even though these roles shaped her public persona, they also led to real-life misconceptions. Some viewers have had difficulty separating her from the eerie characters she frequently plays.
Movies Featuring Iya Gbonkan
Over the years, she has appeared in multiple Yoruba films. Her filmography includes Awon Eleye Oba (2023), Iseju Meta Aiye (2022), Tanpepe (2022), and Entipede (2022).
Other notable titles are Omo Iya Gbonkan, Sinzu Money, Ayilara, Kodoro, Ajekunrin, Igi Aladi, Omi Aro, Olukoya, Baba Oni Bread, and Game of Death.
She also starred in Abuke Oshin, Ayekooto, and her best-known classics Koto Orun and Koto Aiye. These appearances span several decades, reflecting her dedication to her craft.
Collaborations with Other Yoruba Actors
Throughout her career, she has worked with top names in the Nigerian film industry. She has appeared alongside Gabriel Afolayan, Lateef Adedimeji, Kemi Afolabi Adesipe, and Eniola Ajao.
Her collaborations also include performances with Bimbo Oshin, Bimbo Ademoye, Odunlade Adekola, Yinka Qadri, Aisha Lawal, Segun Oni, Bode Olayode, and Adegoke Ademuyiwa.
Personal Life and Marriage
Iya Gbonkan got married to Duro Ladipo’s younger brother, whom she met during one of their theatrical events. He worked as a teacher and supported her early acting career until his passing.
The couple had two children—a boy and a girl—and lived together in Osogbo during their marriage. Despite her prominence, she has kept her family life relatively private.
Rumored Grandson and Online Buzz
In 2021, a social media post stirred rumors about her family. A man named Asiwaju Lerry claimed to be her grandson by sharing a digitally altered photo showing them together.
He later clarified in 2023 on Facebook that the claim was false. According to him, the image was photoshopped and he had never met Iya Gbonkan personally.
Net Worth of Iya Gbonkan
Iya Gbonkan has an estimated net worth of over $50,000. This sum reflects her decades-long contribution to Yoruba theatre and film.
Some estimates place her wealth anywhere between $10,000 and $100,000, depending on role availability and project budgets. Her income has come primarily from acting, with no confirmed reports of alternative ventures.
Living Conditions and Public Appeal
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared her struggles with housing and transportation. She publicly expressed that she neither owned a house nor a car, despite her long career.
Her comments prompted a wave of support from fans and well-wishers. She expressed hope that kind-hearted individuals could help her fulfill her dream of owning a home.
Contribution to Nigerian Cinema
Iya Gbonkan’s career spans over fifty years, during which she has influenced the Yoruba movie genre. She stands as one of the few performers whose face is instantly recognized in traditional Nollywood circles.
While many actors fade with time, she remains active and continues to take on roles.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
