Lukman Ebun Oloyede, also known as Olaiya Igwe, is a well-known Nigerian actor and film producer. He is well-known for his mastery of role interpretation and his comedic performances in Yoruba Nollywood films.
Early Life and Education
Olaiya was born in Kenta, Oke-Ejigbo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria on July 27, 1957. He went to St. Judes Primary School in Abeokuta and Premier Grammar School in Ojere, Abeokuta for secondary school. He later attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, where he majored in mass communication.
Career
After seeing the late Adeyemi Afolayan’s film “Maaramo,” Oloyede was inspired to pursue acting. He pretended he’d never seen a movie star with tribal markings. He acted well without noticing the tribal marks on his face. At that point, he decided to pursue a career in theatre.
Olaiya Igwe, as she is affectionately known, began performing in the 1970s after joining Abeokuta’s Musbau Shodimu Theatre Organisation. He appeared in films such as Ololade (Mr Money), Iru Esin, Kosi Tabi Sugbon, Baale Oko ilu, and Son. He also appears in Awon Aladun De, a popular Africa Magic TV show.
He has appeared in films alongside top actors such as Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Ademoye, and IyaboOjo, among others.
Personal Life
Ridwan Oloyede, the son of Olaiya Igwe, is a musician chasing his dreams in New York. He reportedly has a mansion in Ogun state, the city where he was raised.
Olaiya is married, and his marriage is blessed with children.
Olaiya Tribal Marks
Olaiya objected to his tribal marks and claimed that if he had been a footballer, he would not have been able to play professionally because of them.
The actor expressed shame about the tribal markings on his face in an interview with City People. When discussing how he had come to appreciate his tribe’s markings, Olaiya used the Alaafin of Oyo as an example; he claimed that the Oyo king had tribal markings that were appropriate for him.
He also stated that the grandchildren of Alaafin of Oyo do not have tribal markings because it is not part of our custom. Several African tribes, particularly those in Nigeria, he claims, brand distinctive marks on their natives in order to identify them. However, many people have come to regret having these marks on their bodies because they are vulnerable to bullying, embarrassment, and lack of confidence as a result, among other things.
MC Oluomo’s Car Gift
On the 11th of August 2022, King Westt, Oluomo’s son, posted on Instatory, captioning the post, “My dad surprised actor Olaiya with a new Benz.” It’s a good thing to be good. Look at how he pushed him. “When you are loyal, you will always get what is rightfully yours.” Nigerians were taken aback when they saw the veteran actor prostrate and rolling on the floor in gratitude for the GLK350 Mercedes Benz gift from Musiliu Akinsanya, a.k.a. MC Oluomo, the chairman of the Lagos State Park and Garages Management.
Movies
He has starred in several movies, some of which are:
- Ololade (Mr Money)
- Irun Esin
- Kosi tabi Sugbon
- Baale oko ilu
- Oga Olopa
- Abela Pupa
- Posi Alaye
- Aye Olorogun
- Ito funfun
- Boya lemo
- Okan lomo
- Ologbon meji
- Sababi
- Obi omo
- Sunmi bare
- Ajoke Point One
- Ogbologbo
- Fila Daddy
- Aye Olorogun
- Olorun Esan
- Eni eleni
Awards and Nominations
- City People Movie Award for Comic Actor of the Year (Yoruba).
Net Worth
Olaiya has an estimated net worth of $750,000.
