Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya Igwe, is a veteran Nigerian actor and film producer with a net worth estimated at around $100,000. His date of birth is put at around July 27, 1957. Olaiya Igwe has so far built a career spanning over four decades, earning fame for his roles in Yoruba Nollywood films like Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022), King of Thieves (2022), Ó kojá òfin (2007), and Obáj’obalo (2003).
Quick Facts About Olaiya Igwe
- Full name: Lukmon Ebun Oloyede
- Nickname: Olaiya Igwe
- Gender: Male
- Date of birth: July 27, 1957
- Age: 68 years
- Ethnicity: Yoruba
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Religion: Islam
- Marital status: Married
- Children: Ridwan Oloyede and others
- Net worth: Over $100,000
- Social media: Instagram @olaiyaigwefilms, Facebook Olaiya Igwe
How Old is Olaiya Igwe
Olaiya Igwe, born in Kenta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has kept much of his early life private. He attended St. Judes Primary School and later Premier Grammar School in Abeokuta.
After secondary school, he earned a degree from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and, in 2022, graduated from Crescent University in Abeokuta.
Olaiya Igwe Acting Career
His entertainment career began in the 1970s when he joined the Musbau Shodimy Theater Organization in Abeokuta. Watching Adeyemi Afolayan’s Ade Love performance inspired him, especially seeing a prominent actor embrace his tribal marks—something Olaiya shares. This motivated him to pursue acting confidently.
He became known mainly for comic roles in Yoruba-language films, with over 100 movies to his name across four decades. His versatility also shows through appearances in skits, where he collaborates with popular comedians like Mr. Macaroni and Cute Abiola.
Movies and TV Projects Featuring Olaiya Igwe
- Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022)
- Jagbajantis Reloaded (2022)
- U-Turn (2022)
- Coker Close (2022)
- King of Thieves (2022)
- Obankoba (2021)
- Jagbajantis (2021)
- Sunday Ewenje (2021)
- Saheed Esu (2020)
- Omoniyun (2019)
- Mokalik (Mechanic) (2019)
- Diamonds in the Sky (2019)
- Ayitale (2013)
- Jelili (2011)
- Oga olopa (2010)
- Obi omo (2009)
- Abidemi (2008)
- Omidan ìBáLé (2007)
- Àtànpàkò òtún (2007)
- Aye olorogun (2007)
- Aridunnu oko (2007)
- Ó kojá òfin (2007)
- Posi alaye (2007)
- Mewa n sele (2006)
- Alase aye (2006)
- Ologbon meji (2006)
- Sonibarin (2006)
- Iku lopin (2006)
- Sababi (2005)
- Iyawo panda (2005)
- Ere agbere (2005)
- Eni Eleni (2005)
- Ajoke Point One (2004)
- Olorun esan (2004)
- Suku suku bam bam (2004)
- Ito funfun (2004)
- Látòrunwá (2003)
- Ogun àdùbí (2003)
- Koroba koroba (2003)
- Fila Daddy (2003)
- Òkanlomo (2003)
- Obáj’obalo (2003)
- Ogbologbo (2003)
- Súnmibáre (2003)
- Abela Pupa (2003)
- Boya lemo (2002)
- Agogo èèwò (2002)
Skits and New Media Presence
Olaiya Igwe embraced skit acting to reach new audiences. He’s worked with leading comedians such as Mr. Macaroni and Cute Abiola.
In 2021, he expressed plans to create and produce his own skits, expanding beyond guest appearances. This move has boosted his popularity, especially on social media, where fans eagerly request more content from him.
Director and Producer Roles
Besides acting, Olaiya Igwe directs and produces films. One standout project is Abela Pupa (2003), featuring top Nollywood stars like Remi Abiola and Clarion Chukwura.
Over the years, he’s produced about 20 movies. Though his directing and producing aren’t as renowned as his acting, these roles show his multi-talented presence in the Nigerian film industry.
Net Worth of Olaiya Igwe
With over 40 years in Nollywood, Olaiya Igwe’s net worth stands at over $100,000. Most of his income comes from acting in box office hits and endorsements.
Films like Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper and King of Thieves have earned hundreds of millions of naira, boosting his financial profile.
Box Office Hits Contributing to His Wealth
King of Thieves grossed ₦320 million, with Olaiya in a key supporting role. The film was directed by Tope Adebayo and produced by Femi Adebayo.
Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper earned ₦278 million in 2022. Though Olaiya played a minor role, the film featured major stars such as Toyin Abraham and Bimbo Akintola.
Financial Challenges and Losses
Despite his earnings, Olaiya Igwe faced setbacks. In 2014, he reportedly lost ₦52 million to piracy. Pirated copies of his film flooded the market even before the official release, cutting into his expected profits.
Medical expenses have also affected his finances. In 2021, he underwent treatment for kidney stones overseas, costing a significant amount. The hospital bills were reportedly covered by Oluremi Tinubu, wife of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom Olaiya publicly supports.
Controversies
Olaiya’s open support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu stirred controversy. A video of him praying unclothed for Tinubu’s presidential victory went viral in December 2022. The incident brought public criticism and disciplinary action from the Nigerian filmmakers’ committee.
Olaiya Igwe’s Cars and Houses
Olaiya keeps his personal life under wraps, but it is known that he owns homes in Lagos and Ogun State. He mainly lives in Lagos. In 2022, MC Oluomo gifted him a Mercedes Benz GLK SUV, showing appreciation for his contributions.
And Finally…
Olaiya Igwe continues to be a respected figure in Yoruba Nollywood, with a career marked by steady roles, producing, and engaging with a new generation of fans through digital platforms.
Article updated 6 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
