Yewande Adekoya

EARLY LIFE

Yewande Adekoya Abiodun was born on January 20, 1983, in Lagos State, Nigeria, though she hails from Ososa-Ijebu in Ogun State. She is the first child in a family of five, with parents Engr. and Mrs. E. A. Adekoya. Growing up in Lagos, she was exposed to the vibrant cultural and entertainment scenes that would later shape her career in Nollywood. She attended Bright Star Nursery and Primary School for her early education, followed by Bright Star Comprehensive High School for secondary education. She pursued higher education at Babcock University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Mass Communications. This academic background in media and communications provided a strong foundation for her transition into acting, scriptwriting, producing, and directing. Her early exposure to storytelling and performance arts ignited a passion that led her to join the Alphabash Music And Theatre Group in 2002, marking the beginning of her professional journey in the entertainment industry.

PERSONAL LIFE

Yewande Adekoya was married to Thomas Abiodun (also known as Abiodun Ishola Thomas), with whom she shared a 14-year marriage that ended in April 2022. She publicly announced the divorce, revealing she had endured emotional abuse throughout the relationship. The couple welcomed a baby girl in April 2020, and Yewande is a mother of two children. In 2013, during her first pregnancy, she experienced a traumatic miscarriage involving severe bleeding and pain; doctors initially planned an evacuation procedure, but the process completed naturally after a profound spiritual experience that strengthened her faith in God. She has spoken openly about how this ordeal taught her resilience and deepened her belief in divine intervention. Yewande maintains an active presence on social media, often sharing messages of faith, encouragement, and personal growth. She balances her demanding career with motherhood and continues to inspire fans with her journey of overcoming personal challenges while staying grounded in her Yoruba cultural roots.

CAREER

Yewande Adekoya is a multifaceted Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer, and director who has made significant contributions to Nollywood, particularly in the Yoruba film genre. She began her acting career in 2002 with the Alphabash Music And Theatre Group, gaining stage experience before transitioning to film. In 2006, she scripted and produced her first project, Life Secret, followed by Life Secrets 2 in 2007. Her breakthrough came with films like Omo Elemosho (2012), in which she starred as Ero alongside stars such as Bimbo Oshin, Muyiwa Ademola, and Yomi Fash-Lanso; the movie earned five nominations at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards. She has since produced, directed, and acted in numerous acclaimed projects, including Kudi Klepto (2013), Emere (2014), Kurukuru (2015), The Sacrifice (2016), Tamara (2016), Ayanmo (2016), Ota Ile (2016), Once Upon a Time (2016), Double Trouble (2017, as Turayo), Iyawo Adedigba (2017—which premiered in cinemas and won “Best Movie of the Year” at the 2017 City People Movie Awards), Fadaka (2018), Belladonna (2018), Odun Ibole (2018), Ewatomi (2018), Black Veil (2019, as Jadesola), Omo Aniibire (2019), The Girl King (2019, as Fadeke), Ife Aimo (2019, as Lola), Ajoji (2020, as Kemi), Oba Esan (2020), Apoti Oke (2020), The Griot (2021, as Sunbo), Bantale (2022, as Bantale), Iwa Eda (2022, as Faderera), Oko Mi (2022), and Romoke's Demon (2023). Her work often explores themes of culture, love, family, and social issues, blending entertainment with meaningful storytelling. Yewande has received numerous accolades, including the “Most Promising Act” award at the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards in 2014, “Best New Actress” in the Yoruba category at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards, “Best Actress in a Leading Role” nomination at the 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards for Kudi Klepto, the Best Actress award at the 2016 ACIA for Kurukuru, and the Most Promising Act Award at the Yoruba Heritage Awards in the United States in 2014. She continues to expand her influence through cinema releases and digital platforms, establishing herself as a prominent voice in contemporary Yoruba cinema.

Yewande Adekoya remains an active and influential figure in Nollywood, using her platform to advocate for faith, resilience, and cultural preservation. She runs a YouTube channel where she shares content related to her work and personal insights. Her career reflects a seamless blend of acting prowess, creative production, and directorial vision, with a focus on stories that resonate with African audiences. Yewande has navigated personal and professional challenges with grace, often drawing strength from her faith and cultural heritage. She continues to produce impactful films while engaging with fans through social media, inspiring many with her journey from theatre enthusiast to award-winning filmmaker.