Lanre Hassan

EARLY LIFE

Lanre Hassan was born on 3 October 1950 in Lagos, Nigeria, and spent most of her early life on Lagos Island (Isale-Eko). She comes from a polygamous home and was raised in part by guardians, including the late Mrs. Olayemi Sasegbon Pedro (a headmistress). She attended Oduwabore Memorial School in Mushin, Lagos, and other schools including St. Peters (Faaji/Faji) on Lagos Island and Children’s Home School in Ibadan. She developed an early interest in performance.

CAREER

Hassan began acting at age 14 (around 1964) when she joined the Young Stars Concert Party with Ojo Ladipo (Baba Mero) and Adebayo Salami (later Oga Bello). The group evolved into the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group. After Baba Mero’s death in 1978, it became Awada Kerikeri under Adebayo Salami. To strengthen her craft, she trained at the Lagos School of Dramatic Arts in 1970 under Chief Olude and gained direct entry to the University of Lagos Centre for Cultural Studies for a theatre diploma (uncompleted due to pregnancy). She transitioned successfully from stage to television (including the popular Comedy Half Hour) and then to the home-video era of Yoruba Nollywood. She is celebrated for maternal and strong character roles. Selected film and television credits include: Owo Blow / Owo Blow: The Genesis (1996/1997) O Le Ku (1997) Back to Africa (1997) King of Boys (2018) Symphony (2022) The Cock-Tale (2020) Ajuwaya (2017) Omo Elemosho (2013) Ayitale (2013) Family on Fire (2011) Aje Metta (2008) Iró funfun (2009) Ìrírí Mi (2008) Àtànpàkò òtún (2007) Dokita Alabere (2006) Eto Ikoko (2005) Ògìdán (2004) Aso Ásiri (2002) Mama Insurance, Ilù Gángan, Baba Lukudi, Okun Emi, and more. She continues to appear in contemporary productions while remaining a respected elder stateswoman of Yoruba theatre and film.

PERSONAL LIFE

She was married to Aliu Hassan Adesina. The marriage faced tensions because her husband wanted her to quit acting after they wed; she refused, insisting on continuing her career as it was honest work she loved. Veterans such as the late Adediran Ajijedidun and Baba Mero mediated at times. He later passed away. She has three children (two sons and one daughter) and has spoken of losing two other children (one in 1974 and another in 1978). The combined losses, including the death of Baba Mero in 1978, nearly led her to quit acting, but her passion for the craft kept her going. She has remained single since becoming widowed and has declined further marriage proposals. She is a practicing Muslim and emphasizes hard work and faith.

Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero) is one of the longest-serving and most recognizable figures in Yoruba Nollywood, with a career spanning over 60 years from stage concert parties in the 1960s to modern cinema. She is admired for her longevity, maternal screen presence, and resilience in balancing family challenges with professional commitment. She has received lifetime achievement recognition and remains an inspiration to younger performers, advising hard work and faith.