Laide Bakare

EARLY LIFE

Laide Bakare was born on 7 October 1980 in Lagos State, Nigeria, and is a native of Ibadan, Oyo State. Her father, Alhaji Bakare, is a businessman who owned a hotel and construction company (a street in their community is reportedly named after the family); her mother, Alhaja Bakare, is from Oshogbo in Osun State. She grew up in a predominantly female household with one brother. She attended primary and secondary school in Lagos. She obtained a diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan and a degree in History and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos. She completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), initially posted to Yobe State before redeploying to Lagos.

CAREER

Bakare entered the industry in the late 1990s. Her father’s hotel, which often hosted film crews, provided early exposure; she began acting while still a university student. Her screen debut was in the 1999 film Adeyemi (produced by Muka Ray). She quickly became a prominent figure in Yoruba Nollywood, appearing in and producing dozens of films. Notable works include Iranse Aje (2008; nominated for Most Outstanding Actress – Indigenous Category at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards), Jejere (which won Best Costume Design at the 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards and premiered in the UK), Ewon Ife, Body Bag, Madami, and many others such as Asiri Owo, Okun Omo Iya, Ore Meta, Mi O Foworola, Adun Ewuro, and more recent titles. She has also worked in makeup and production. Beyond acting, she founded Simline Records (music label), has entrepreneurial interests including real estate, and in 2024 published the book Becoming Laide Bakare: Make Millions in 6 Months. In February 2025 she was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts, Culture, and Tourism to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke. She received an honorary doctorate in Arts & Humanities in late 2024.

PERSONAL LIFE

Bakare is a mother of three: a daughter, Similoluwa (Simi) Okufulure (born 3 September 2008 in the US), from her relationship with Olumide Okufulure; and two sons, Oluwadamilare Orilowo (born 31 May 2013) and Oluwajomiloju Abdul-Samad Orilowo (born October 2014), from her marriage to Alhaji Mutairu Atanda Orilowo. All three children were born in New York City, and the family has American citizenship ties. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of relationships and marriage in the public eye, previously describing past unions and stating in 2026 that an upcoming marriage would be her “first official” one. She has also addressed public speculation about other relationships. In recent years she has balanced family life with her career and political role.

Bakare is known for her versatility, business acumen, and public engagement. She has been involved in philanthropy and has spoken about plans for a travel company, foundation, and film academy. In 2026 she faced brief online backlash over the timing of a dancing video relative to the death of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) and issued an apology while paying tribute. She remains active on social media and continues to balance entertainment, business, and her political appointment.