Debbie Shokoya

EARLY LIFE

Debbie Shokoya was born and raised in Lagos into a middle-class family of ten children; she is the eighth. She hails from Ijebu Remo in Ogun State. She has described her childhood as fun and formative. Her father was a strict disciplinarian whose words and discipline later helped build her resilience, while her mother was supportive and remains her biggest fan. She completed her primary and secondary education in Lagos before studying Public Administration at The Polytechnic, Ibadan in Oyo State. Before fully entering acting, she spent time working in her mother’s shop.

CAREER

Debbie began her professional acting career in 2012 with a role in the film Creative Man (produced by John Olakunle Da’silva). She steadily built experience before gaining major recognition around 2015–2017 for her role as the sassy, sharp-mouthed “Fatty Abebelube” in the popular Yoruba movie Aye Loja (also styled Ayeloja), which featured stars such as Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Peju Ogunmola, and Tunde Owokoniran. The role earned her the nickname “Fatty” among fans. She has appeared in numerous Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films and TV projects, including Ijakumo (Young Asabi), Ada Omo Daddy, Traffic, Olugbeja Olorun (which she also produced), Ere Oran, Wetin Women Want, Sisters in Crime, The Secret Behind Our Marriage, and many others. She is known for versatility, strong character interpretation, and a preference for romantic roles (while refusing to go nude). Beyond acting, she produces films (her first major production was Olugbeja Olorun) and hosts content on her YouTube platform Debbie Show TV (also associated with lifestyle and talk-show style content). She has received the City People Movie Award for Best New Actress of the Year (Yoruba). As an entrepreneur, she owns the skincare brand Stay Natural by DBS and the gym-wear/accessories line Unusual DBS Fit.

PERSONAL LIFE

Debbie is married to Adetola Ejalonibu. The couple got engaged on Valentine’s Day 2023 and later married. She has publicly referred to herself as “Iyawo Imam” (the Imam’s wife). In August 2024, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Khairat Ayokunmi Ejalonibu, after Debbie had earlier suffered a devastating miscarriage at eight months of pregnancy that nearly cost her life. She has described motherhood as the start of her best life and frequently shares gratitude for the experience. Born into a Christian family, she converted to Islam after marriage. In 2025 she publicly stated: “Christianity by birth, Muslim by marriage… God is love! Humanity always.” She emphasizes that her relationship with God is personal and that she does not discriminate against any religion. She has also publicly denied false rumours claiming the Fuji singer Obesere is her biological father, stating she has never met him and that she resembles her actual father. She has spoken about challenges in her marriage, including friends spreading claims that her husband used “jazz” (charms) on her, and has credited her husband as a strong supporter who pushes her to greater heights.

Debbie Shokoya is open about her faith journey, family values, and the realities of balancing career and motherhood. She has spoken against fake people, industry challenges, and the importance of verifying information before spreading it. She remains active across social media and continues to take on both acting and producing projects in Nollywood.