Toyin Afolayan, famously recognized as Lola Idije, was born on September 24, 1959, in Agbamu, Kwara State, Nigeria. She belongs to the Afolayan lineage, one of the most respected families in the Nigerian movie industry.
Her cousin, Adeyemi “Ade Love” Afolayan, was a legendary figure in filmmaking who inspired her entry into acting. Raised in a large Yoruba household, Toyin experienced life in a close-knit family filled with creative minds.
Although her youthful appearance often leads people to mistake her for a sibling of Kunle Afolayan and his brothers, Toyin is actually their aunt. Her late brother, Adeyemi Afolayan, was a key figure in her life and career before passing in 1996.
Education and Personal History
While Toyin has never publicly shared detailed information about her early education, it is known she attended St. Anne’s Primary School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Ilorin. She later pursued a diploma in Catering and Hotel Management from Kwara State Polytechnic.
Despite her fame, Toyin has kept personal details about her parents and upbringing largely away from the spotlight. Her focus has remained on her professional growth and her children.
Relationship with the Afolayan Acting Family
Toyin Afolayan is the aunt of celebrated filmmakers and actors, including Kunle Afolayan, Moji Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Aremu Afolayan. She played a close role in their lives and careers, maintaining strong bonds with her late brother’s children.
She has worked on-screen with Kunle Afolayan in films such as Irapada and Anikulapo. Her relationship with the Afolayan family extends beyond bloodlines to collaborative achievements in Nollywood.
Toyin Afolayan’s Rise in Nollywood
Lola Idije’s acting journey began in the 1980s after encouragement from her brother Adeyemi Afolayan. Though she was running a business and was initially uninterested in acting, she eventually gave in.
Actors like Baba Omoloja and Isola Ogunsola helped ease her transition into Nollywood. Her debut came through the TV series Nkan Mi, which gave her early exposure in Yoruba-language television.
She earned her nickname “Lola Idije” after playing a cunning woman in Obinrin Asiko, a role that defined her screen persona. The phrase she used in the movie—“Idi tije, Idije”—became widely associated with her.
Acting Style and Recognition
Toyin often plays matriarchal roles such as mother, aunt, or elder sister, resonating deeply with audiences. Her performances are marked by sharp wit, emotional depth, and cultural relevance.
She’s credited with bringing everyday Yoruba expressions into popular use, including phrases like “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear,” which gained traction beyond film circles.
Film and Television Appearances
Throughout her decades in the industry, Toyin Afolayan has appeared in over 30 productions. Some of her known works include:
- Deadly Affair (1995)
- Ayomida (2003)
- Ajoke Point One (2004)
- Irapada (2006)
- Iyawo Asiko (2006)
- Atanpako Otun (2007)
- Taiwo Taiwo (2008)
- Elewon (2009)
- Glimpse (2017)
- Anikulapo (2022)
- Rising City of Dreams (2022)
Her characters are often authoritative, wise, and emotionally grounded, aligning with her real-life image as a cultural matron.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Toyin has earned numerous awards over the years for her performances in Yoruba films. These include the 2017 City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Supporting Actress awards at several regional and continental events.
Other accolades came from institutions like the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards. Her sustained contribution to Nigerian cinema continues to earn recognition both locally and internationally.
Personal Life and Widowhood
Toyin married Mr. Afolayan in the 1980s, a period during which she balanced marriage and business. The couple had three daughters and a son, who unfortunately passed away in infancy.
Her husband died in 1996, the same year she lost her brother Adeyemi, leaving her a widow and single mother. She never remarried, citing her children’s welfare as her main priority.
Her Role as a Mother and Grandmother
Toyin is the mother of Temitope Aduke and Okikiola Adetoun. Her first daughter, Temitope, was born in the 1980s and got married in 2016, now raising two children of her own.
Okikiola, her second daughter, was born on March 1 and has pursued a professional path outside entertainment. Though not in the film industry, her daughters remain close to her life and values.
Family Gatherings and Celebrations
In May 2016, Toyin Afolayan hosted a traditional introduction ceremony at her Lagos home for her daughter. Friends, family, and Nollywood colleagues came to honor the event.
She wore a white lace dress with a blue gele, welcoming in-laws in a culturally rich ceremony. The event reflected her role not just as an actress but also as a beloved family matriarch.
Current Life and Social Media Presence
At 65, Toyin remains active both professionally and socially. She frequently posts photos, moments, and flashbacks on her Instagram account @lola_idije1959, which boasts over a million followers.
She uses her platform to connect with fans, promote cultural content, and support fellow actors in the Yoruba film industry.
Summing her Career Achievements
Starting her career with Ija Ominira, Toyin has maintained relevance across generations. Her influence stretches from early Yoruba cinema to today’s digital film platforms.
She’s worked alongside icons like Jide Kosoko, Funke Akindele, Odunlade Adekola, and Mercy Aigbe. Her collaborations cut across different generations, bridging old and new Nollywood.
Toyin Afolayan Net Worth and Business Interests
Toyin Afolayan’s net worth is estimated at around $500,000. This income comes from acting, endorsements, and small business engagements over the years.
Her long-standing presence in the industry and sustained demand for her roles continue to generate income and opportunities.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
