Segilola Ogidan

EARLY LIFE

Segilola Ogidan was born in Nigeria with family roots in Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State. She spent significant parts of her childhood and schooling in Lagos, attending Laurel Nursery and Primary School in Isolo and Vivian Fowler School for Girls in Surulere for secondary education. From a young age she showed a strong interest in acting, performing in church and school plays and imagining herself in roles inspired by performers such as Dorothy Dandridge. At around age 16 she sought professional training and later pursued higher education in the United Kingdom.

CAREER

Segilola Ogidan is a Nigerian actress, writer, director, and filmmaker with training and early professional experience in both the UK and Nigeria. After studying Media Arts at Royal Holloway, University of London, and completing a Master’s in Cinema Studies at the University of Bristol, she began working in film development and distribution in London before transitioning fully into acting and directing. Early and stage work: She made her professional stage debut in a production of Peter Pan at the King’s Head Theatre (directed by Stephanie Sinclaire). She also appeared in UK series and theatre before relocating more fully to Nollywood. Screen acting: She gained wider recognition for her role as Ajike in the Netflix original A Naija Christmas (2021). Other notable credits include: The Men’s Club (RED TV series) as Tonye Payday (2018) as Yemisole / Yemisola Bankole Glamour Girls (Netflix, 2022) as Helion Fault Lines as Adina The Olive / The Olive 2 as Dami Over the Bridge (lead role; earned her a Best Lead Actress nomination at the AMVCAs) The Man Died (2024) Additional projects including Tainted Canvas, Mum, Dad, Meet Sam, and others Writing, directing & producing: She made her directorial debut with Tainted Canvas (which she also wrote). She has directed and written further projects, including A Romantic Comedy Featuring Lara and Tobi. She continues to develop work across acting, writing, and directing. She received a nomination for Breakout Actress of the Year at the NET Honours (2022) for A Naija Christmas and a Best Lead Actress nomination for Over the Bridge.

PERSONAL LIFE

Segilola Ogidan is married to Bola Ogidan and is a mother of two boys. She has spoken about how marriage influences her role choices (she avoids nudity and highly explicit content out of respect for her husband and in-laws) and balances her career with active parenting. She enjoys reading and has expressed light-hearted personal dreams such as running a café in the South of France. She maintains a relatively private family life while sharing selected insights in interviews.

Segilola Ogidan is recognised as a multi-hyphenate talent who brings formal film education and international experience to Nollywood. She has spoken about remaining authentic, the joy she finds specifically in acting among her various skillsets, and the personal growth that comes with challenging roles. She continues to work across film and television while balancing family life and creative projects, including interest in more substantial literary adaptations (such as a potential Wole Soyinka-related work).