Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli, born on April 22, 1978, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, is a renowned Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, film director, and producer. The daughter of the late Chief Mattew Eriyovwe Ukey, she studied foreign languages at the University of Benin before training in digital filmmaking at the New York Film Academy.

EARLY LIFE

Omoni Oboli was born on April 22, 1978, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The daughter of the late Chief Mattew Eriyovwe Ukey. From her youthful years, Omoni displayed remarkable charisma and natural leadership abilities. During her secondary school education (1989–1994), she held various positions of responsibility, including Head Girl, President of the Literary and Debating Society, Editor of the Press, and President of the French Club. She exhibited a flair for languages and went on to study Foreign Languages, majoring in French, at the University of Benin, Nigeria, graduating in 1999. Following the completion of her first degree, Omoni Oboli went abroad for further studies at the New York Film Academy where she studied digital editing in a 4-week workshop. Omoni’s love for acting emerged early in life. She began her acting career as a child at the age of three, debuting as a churchgoer in a Biblical play about the beggar at the Beautiful Gate. Her first spoken line was, “The Bible says that he who does not work should not eat.” She continued acting in both English and French plays during her secondary school days, showcasing her natural talent for the craft.

CAREER

Omoni joined Nollywood in the mid-1990s, spurred on by friends who introduced her to industry veterans like Keppy Ekpenyong and Uche Macaulay. Her formal Nollywood debut was in the movie Bitter Encounter (1996), where she played the role of a secretary. This was followed by other notable roles in movies like Shame (as Liz Benson’s house help), Not My Will, Destined to Die, and Another Campus Tale. Despite a promising start, Omoni temporarily left the industry in 1996 to complete her university education. After graduating, she married Nnamdi Oboli and moved to the United Kingdom with her family. She returned to Nollywood years later, revitalizing her career with passion and determination. Omoni’s return to Nollywood marked a turning point in her career. Known for her poise, class, and professionalism, she quickly rose to prominence, earning the title of “Nollywood Sweetheart.” Her ability to bring depth and versatility to her roles made her a sought-after actress in the industry. In 2007, Omoni co-produced The Rivals with her friend Blessing Effiom. The movie won the Best International Drama award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, becoming the first Nigerian film to achieve such recognition at the festival. In 2010, Omoni Oboli became the first actress from Nollywood to win Best Actress in two international festivals (that are not organized by Nigerians or Africans) in the same year: the Harlem International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Movie Awards for her lead role in the movie Anchor Baby. Omoni has since featured in critically acclaimed movies, including: The Figurine (2009), Entanglement, Behind a Smile, Jungle Ride, Anchor Baby (2010), Being Mrs Elliot, and Fifty (2015). Her dedication to excellence and work ethic has set her apart as a role model in Nollywood. Apart from acting, Omoni is a gifted writer with several screenplays to her credit, including Fatal Imagination and Wives on Strike. Her passion for storytelling extends to producing, with works that have garnered international acclaim. She is known for creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences both locally and globally. Omoni Oboli has worked alongside some of Nollywood’s most respected figures, including Kunle Afolayan, Emem Isong, and Lancelot Imasuen. Her collaborations have solidified her reputation as a versatile and dependable actress. Additionally, she has built a strong media presence, using platforms like Instagram to engage with fans, promote her projects, and advocate for causes close to her heart, such as women’s empowerment and education.

PERSONAL LIFE

Omoni is married to Nnamdi Oboli, an accomplished filmmaker and her biggest supporter. The couple has three sons: Gozi Oboli, Chizi Oboli, and Tobe Oboli, who are a source of joy and inspiration for her. When not working, Omoni enjoys baking and cooking for her family, nurturing a close-knit household. While Omoni has largely maintained a positive public image, her career has not been without controversy. In 2017, there was a legal dispute involving her film Okafor’s Law, which faced allegations of intellectual property infringement. However, Omoni successfully defended her work, and the movie went on to receive critical acclaim. Omoni Oboli also set up a charity organization, 'The Omoni Oboli Foundation', to use her celebrity status to bring relief to the plight of the less privileged women and children of Nigerian society. The foundation has been able to embark on several projects which included the feeding of street children in Lagos.