Murphy Afolabi was married to Deenat Animashaun. She is the mother of his daughter, Afolabi Fathia Moyosore.
Aside from Deenat, he had other women in his life who bore his children, though their names and backgrounds have not been made public. The late actor fathered three children in total.
Murphy Afolabi’s Private Life
Born in Osogbo, Osun State, Murphy Afolabi was an actor, filmmaker, and director known for his work in Yoruba-language films. He died on May 14, 2023.
Though he occasionally shared photos with his daughter, the rest of his family remained largely off social media. He kept details of his relationships and family life confidential throughout his career.
Reports on His Marital Status
Public speculation often surrounded Murphy Afolabi’s love life. At different times, people linked him to several women, but he denied most of those claims.
Only Deenat Animashaun has been identified clearly as someone with whom he had a child. Information on whether he formally married any other woman remains unclear.
Deenat Animashaun’s Background
Deenat Animashaun is not only known as Murphy’s wife but also works in the movie industry. She is involved in acting, film production, and coordination roles.
She gave birth to Murphy’s only daughter, Fathia Moyosore. No evidence confirms that she had more children with the late actor.
Other Women Connected to Murphy Afolabi
Murphy Afolabi never publicly acknowledged the names of the other women who had children for him. These women remain unknown.
Some speculate they were girlfriends or co-parents, but there’s no public confirmation of whether they were married to him. The actor’s effort to separate personal and public life has kept many of these details vague.
Family Members of Murphy Afolabi
Murphy Afolabi’s family includes his daughter, Fathia, and two sons, Afolabi Olamilekan and Okikiola Afolabi. His known wife, Deenat Animashaun, was part of his immediate family.

He seldom posted about his family, and this has contributed to the general uncertainty surrounding his relationships. Fans have long wondered about the extent of his family ties.
Murphy Afolabi’s Father’s Role in His Life
Murphy’s father, Fabunmi Afolabi, once served as the Araba of Osogbo. He held the respected position of a chief priest in Osogbo, Osun State.
Fabunmi intended for his son to follow in his footsteps by becoming an Ifa priest. To support this plan, he sent Murphy to study under Ifaniyi Omoyemi in Oyo State.
How Murphy Chose Acting Over Tradition
After completing his Ifa training, Murphy did not become a priest. Instead, he shifted focus toward the arts and found a path in the theatre.
This decision allowed him to draw inspiration from Yoruba culture and spirituality in his films. His roots influenced many of his roles and storylines.
Murphy Afolabi’s Sons
Murphy had two sons: Afolabi Olamilekan and Okikiola Afolabi. During his funeral, Olamilekan expressed regret over an unresolved conflict with his father.
He broke down in tears while asking for his father’s forgiveness during the burial. The identity of the mother of either son remains unknown.
Uncertainty Around His Sons’ Mothers
There is no public record of who gave birth to Murphy’s sons. It’s also unclear whether the two boys share the same mother.
Unlike his daughter Fathia, whose mother is known, the women behind his sons have remained out of public view. Murphy kept their identities protected.
Murphy Afolabi’s Daughter
Fathia Moyosore Afolabi is the only daughter of the late actor. She completed secondary school in July 2023, about two months after his death.
Her emotional tribute at his burial left a lasting impression. The grief she showed captured the closeness she shared with her father.
Emotional Moment at Daughter’s Graduation
During Fathia’s graduation, her mother, Deenat Animashaun, broke down in tears. She wished Murphy Afolabi had lived to witness their daughter’s milestone.
In her words, she prayed for her daughter’s success and thanked the school for shaping her future. The message was filled with mixed emotions—joy for the accomplishment, and sorrow for Murphy’s absence.
Details About Murphy Afolabi’s Death
Murphy died on May 14, 2023, after slipping in his bathroom. The incident happened in his Ikorodu home, located in Lagos.
He reportedly hit his head on a hard surface and did not survive the injury. The news of his sudden death stunned the Nollywood community.
Impact of His Death on Nollywood
On the day he died, Nollywood actors declared it a Black Sunday. Another actor passed away the same day, deepening the shock and grief within the industry.
Many of Murphy’s colleagues shared tributes on social media. Some used black-themed images to express their sorrow.
His Last Birthday Celebration
Just nine days before his death, Murphy celebrated his 49th birthday. Fans and friends had no idea it would be his last.
His untimely death came shortly after this personal milestone. The proximity between both events added to the emotional weight of his passing.
Public Reaction and Mourning
Actors like Adeniyi Johnson, Biola Bayo, Damola Olatunji, and Mercy Aigbe mourned publicly. Others such as Yinka Solomon and Kemi Korede also shared their condolences.
Social media was filled with heartfelt messages, prayers, and disbelief. His death sparked widespread mourning in both the entertainment industry and among fans.
Burial of Murphy Afolabi
Murphy Afolabi was laid to rest at his residence in Ikorodu. Family, friends, fellow actors, and other well-wishers were present.
Many wept as his children and colleagues paid their last respects. Details about his burial and funeral moments can be found at Burial of Murphy Afolabi.
Murphy Afolabi’s Career
Murphy began his career as a child actor and was trained by the veteran Dagunro. He appeared in “Ifa Olokun” and went on to star in over 60 films.
His performances were mostly in Yoruba-language movies. He became known for his strong dialogue delivery and cultural storytelling.
Movies and Accolades
His films include Jimi Bendel, Bia Se Beru, and Mafiwonmi. He also worked as a producer and director alongside acting.
He received multiple nominations at the City People Movie Awards. These included recognition for best actor, best director, and best producer.
Murphy Afolabi’s Financial Standing
Before his death, Murphy had an estimated net worth of $400,000. His income came from film roles, production, and directing.
He built a steady career in the Yoruba film industry and maintained relevance for decades. His earnings showed the success of his contributions to Nollywood.
Article updated 22 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.