Samuel Olaoluwa Olasehinde

CAREER

Samuel Olaoluwa Olasehinde is a Nigerian actor, writer, and director with over two decades of experience in the industry. He began acting as a child in 1997 at age 4 and has appeared in early Yoruba films such as Oshodi-Oke (Korede Films, 1997), Arowolo (Korede Films, 1999), Ige Adubi (Bayowa Films, 2002), and Narrow Path (Mainframe Production, 2005). After graduating with a Law degree from OAU in 2014, he returned to the industry and evolved into behind-the-scenes roles while continuing to act. He is passionate about telling original African stories—both time-piece and contemporary—and bringing them to the world in their full beauty. He is the CEO of Topika Studios and works as a filmmaker, director, and writer. Notable Credits Include: Acting: Keji (2023) as Yinka; various Yoruba films from his childhood. Writing: Different Strokes; Malaika (Toyin Abraham, 2023). Directing: Kese; Bidemi Jagba; Ẹ̀GBẸ̀JÍ (2024 short film, which won Best Short Film at the Slate-One Short Film Festival 2025 in Ibadan and received nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards 2025 in Lagos for Best Special Effects, Best Actor, Best Short Film, and Best Director). He has also been involved in producing and other creative roles. His work often reflects cultural themes and social issues, and he aims to integrate his legal background into his filmmaking. He is known for his versatility and commitment to quality storytelling in Nollywood.

EARLY LIFE

Samuel Olaoluwa Olasehinde, popularly known as Samuel Ajirebi, was born on July 16, 1993, in Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. He hails from Patako in Kwara State and is of Yoruba ethnicity. He is the eldest son of veteran Nollywood comedian and actor Kayode Olasehinde (popularly known as Pa James or Ajirebi). His family originates from a rural area in Kwara State. Samuel grew up listening to didactic tales from his father, who was a no-nonsense, principled, calm, quiet, and straightforward person at home—very different from his comical on-screen persona. His mother met his father at a movie location. He has two younger brothers who are also involved in drama—one as a drama coordinator in a school in Kwara State and the other as president of his secondary school’s drama group. Samuel began acting at the age of 4 in 1997, appearing in early Yoruba films produced by companies like Korede Films and Bayowa Films. He took a break from full-time acting to pursue formal education, studying Law at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife from 2009 to 2014. At OAU, he was deeply involved in the Dramatic Arts department, often participating in plays and spending more time there than in the Faculty of Law. His father’s fame sometimes opened doors for him, including preferential treatment at school, though his father preferred to stay low-key during visits.

PERSONAL LIFE

Samuel maintains a close but respectful relationship with his father, whom he sometimes playfully calls “Aji.” He describes his father as a no-nonsense disciplinarian who uses blows (rarely) rather than canes when correcting his children, and who values honesty, hard work, and avoiding waste. His father relaxes by staying indoors, listening to radio news, and has few close friends (described as “kori kosun” in Yoruba). Samuel’s mother and father have been married for over 20 years and settle disagreements by speaking their minds. The family planned a thanksgiving service for his father’s 60th birthday. Samuel is conscious of his father’s advice to pursue excellence in education to improve upon traditional theatre, which did not generate much economic success in his father’s time. He attributes his drive for quality education to his rural background and desire to think independently. He currently resides in Meiran, Lagos State.