Nollywood is one of the most important sectors in the entertainment industry, only behind the music Industry, generating, hundreds of billions every year. Under Nollywood is the Yoruba Movie Industry, which contributes majorly to the general success of Nollywood and the entire movie Industry as a whole. Thanks to the success of the industry, some stakeholders and actors have generated a fortune in the industry, with that being said here are the top 20 Richest Yoruba actors and actresses in Nigeria.

But before diving into the list, we must take a look at the historical development of the Yoruba Movie Industry since it was established. The origin of the industry can be traced as far back as the early 1940s, before the prominence of motion pictures in Nigeria. The industry then was characterized by travel theatre groups, most notably those of Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, and Duro Ladipo.

Following the introduction of motion pictures into the Industry and the establishment of cinemas all around the country, the majority of these theatre practitioners transitioned to the big screen. Thanks to the oil boom of 1973 through 1978, there was a boost in the cinema culture of Nigerians ultimately resulting in the growth of the Yoruba movie Industry.

The Industry experienced a second major boom in the 1980s, thanks to the thriving television productions, which led to the emergence of the video film market in Nigeria. Since then the Industry has been in a stage of linear growth and has become one of the most lucrative industries in the entertainment sector today, producing several Millionaires. With data obtained from several sources on the web, Here is a list of the top 20 richest Yoruba actors In Nigeria.

1. Funke Akindele ($11 million)

Veteran Actress, producer, and director,  Funke Akindele is the richest Yoruba Actor in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $11 Million. She is also one of the richest actors in the entire Nigerian movie industry at large. Funke Akindele or Jennifer as she is popularly called rose to fame after her lead role in the Classic Yoruba Movie “Jenifa”

Before that, She starred in the popular sitcom I Need to Know, which ran from 1998 to 2002. Following the success of Jenifa, Funke has led and appeared in numerous Yoruba movies, developing one of the most critical portfolios in the industry. She branched into the general Nollywood Industry further establishing her dominance as one of the greatest actors and filmmakers that have ever graced the industry.

As a director, Funke’s movies:   Battle on Buka Street and  Omo Ghetto: The Saga, are the top 2 highest-grossing Nigerian movies of all time. Both grossing over 600 Million Nairas. She is also the founder of Funke Ayotunde Akindele network, a Nigerian movie studio responsible for producing previously stated movies.

Aside from her fulfilling career as an actor, Funke Akindele is also one of the highest-paid African celebrities/influencers on Instagram, with over 16 Million followers. She also has endorsement deals with some of the biggest Nigerian brands such as  Dettol and Irokotv. Keystone Bank and WAW Nigeria, She is also a recipient of multiple awards such as the  African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in  Leading Role in 2009 and the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2016.

READ ALSO:  Funke Akindele-Bello’s Full Profile, Career, and Net Worth

2. Odunlade Adekola ($5 million)

Notoriously Tall and Funny Odunlade Adekola takes second place amongst the richest Yoruba actors and actresses with an estimated net worth of $ 5 Million. He gained prominence for his lead role in Ishola Durojaye’s 2003 movie, Asiri Gomina Wa, and has since then featured in numerous Nollywood movies both as a lead and supporting actor.

Odunlade lead movies such as Emi Nire Kan (2009), Sunday Dagboru (2010), Monday Omo Adugbo(2010), and  Oyenusi (2014) are some of the most commercially successful Yoruba movies in 2000. Aside from acting, Odunlade also doubles as a singer, filmmaker, producer, and director.

As a director, Odunlade movie, Orisa (2023) is the seventeen highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time as it grossed over N170 Million Naira in the Cinema. The Vendor (2018) also took the 61st spot as it grossed over N46 Million. Aside from his earnings from the movie industry, he is also a  brand ambassador of numerous companies such as RevolutionPlus Property Development Company, Goldberg Beer, and Globacom Telecommunications.

Odunlade is also prominent among Nigerian netizens as photographs of him during filming are widely used as internet memes across the Nigerian WebSphere.In April 2014, He won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor of the Year. The veteran actor is also the founder and CEO of Odunlade Adekola Film Production which has produced several actors and movies.

READ ALSO:  Odunlade Adekola’s Full Profile, Career, Net Worth)

3. Femi Adebayo ($5 million)

Femi Adebayo is a Nigerian film director, actor, producer, and one of the richest Yoruba actors, with an estimated net worth of $5 Million. He is the son of Nollywood veteran actor Adebayo Salami, and the special adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture, and Tourism. He is one of the Nollywood actors who dominated the screen In the 2000s and the 2010s

Femi began acting featuring in his father’s first movie titled “Ogun Ajaye”. He however did not attain mainstream until he took on a lead role in the classic comic Yoruba movie: Jelili (2011). He has since then starred in over 500 Nigerian Films including The Ghost and the Tout (2018), October 1 (2014), and Survival of Jelili (2019), all of which are part of the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time.

One of Femi’s most notable works Jagun Jagun (2023) attained critical acclaim and earned 2,100,000 views in its first three days, making it one of the top 10 most-watched non-English films on Netflix globally, during that period. He also produced  King of Thieves (2022) which is the seventh highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time as it grossed N320 Million In the cinema.

Aside from his earnings as a movie superstar,  Femi is also the MD/CEO of the J-15 media network. He is also a brand ambassador for the digital TV platform, StarTimes and Kubanah whisky.  Like Many on this list, Femi Adebayo is also a recipient of numerous Awards, such as the City People Entertainment Awards, African Film Awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and many others.

READ ALSO: Femi Adebayo Net Worth And Biography (2022)

4. Sola Sobowale ($5 Million)

Veteran and iconic Nollywood actor, Sola Sobowale takes the fourth spot amongst the richest Yoruba actors and actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $5 Million.  The 57-year-old Nollywood star is one of the few faces that have been in the industry for more than two decades now and are still as relevant as ever.

Sola began her career-making appearances in classic Nigerian television series and soap operas, such as The Village Headmaster (1968 -1988), and Mirror in the Sun (1984 -1986). She also featured in the classic Yoruba film, Asewo To Re Mecca (1992). She however had her big break in 2001, in the premiere of Nigeria’s popular television drama series Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter.

The popular television soap opera shot Sola into the limelight and scored her numerous roles in movies produced by the Awada Kerikeri Group, under the leadership of Adebayo Salami. She has since then featured, co-scripted, directed, and produced several Nigerian films.

Some of the notable movies in her filmography include Battle on Buka Street (2022), The King of Boys Franchise, The Wedding Party Franchise, Gold Statue (2019),  Aníkúlápó (2022) and Christmas Is Coming (2017) all of which are part of the highest grossing Nigerian films of all time.

5. Toyin Abraham ($4.5 Million)

With an estimated net worth of $4.5 Million, Toyin Abraham, a respected actor, filmmaker, and producer takes the fifth spot among the richest Yoruba Actors and actresses in Nigeria.  Like many on this list, Toyin is one of the prominent actors who dominated the indigenous entertainment screen in the late 2000s and 2010s and is still relevant to date.

According to unverified reports, Toyin began acting in 2003, when the veteran Nigerian actress Bukky Wright noticed her talent and featured in her movie shoot in  Ibadan. Toyin however was not popularly known until the early 2010s when she took on lead roles in some of the most commercially successful Yoruba movies at the time some of which include Alani Baba Labake (2013). Ebi mi ni (2013) and most notably Alakada (2013)

With a critically backed portfolio, Toyin became one of the most prominent actresses in the Yoruba movie industry, therefore establishing her own production house, Toyin Abraham Productions, and directing movies. Her 2022 suspense thriller, Ijakumo is the ninth highest-grossing Nigerian film of all time, grossing over N270 Million.  The Ghost and the Tout Franchise which is produced by her grossed over 200 Million together while the Alakada Franchise grossed over N170 MIllion.

Aside from the fortunes she earned from acting and filmmaking, Toyin Abraham also serves as a brand Ambassador for numerous brands such as  Revolution Plus Properties, Purit Hygiene Soap, Checkers Family Custard, Avila Skin care products, Fair Money Microfinance bank, and many others.  She is also a recipient of numerous awards such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Five Continents International Film Festival, and many others.

READ ALSO: Toyin Abraham Biography, Husband, Children, Career, And Net Worth

6. Mercy Aigbe ($4 million) 

Mercy Aigbe is a Nigerian actress, fashionista, businesswoman, and one of the richest Yoruba actors and Actresses in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $4 million. Although not as prominent as she used to be, Mercy was one of the female Yoruba actresses who dominated the entire Nollywood in the early 2010s.

Mercy began her acting career by starring in some soap operas including the popular TV drama series “Papa Ajasco”. She, however, did not join the Nollywood industry fully until 2006, when she acted in the movie ‘Ara’, a movie produced by Remi Lupo. Despite fully joining the Industry in 2006, Mercy remained underground until her lead role in Omoge Osas (2012). The role shot her into the limelight, eventually landing some of the biggest roles in her career.

Aside from the fortune she earns from acting, Mercy is also one of the biggest African celebrities/influencers on Instagram, with over 11 Million followers on the platform. With this number of followers comes an unprecedented number of endorsement deals with brands such as Elephant Gold Rice, Prestige Cosmetic, giant domestic company, Mary Make, and many others. She is also the founder of Mag Divas Boutique in Lagos, with an outlet in Ibadan.

Over her career, she has numerous awards, including the City People Entertainment Awards for Yoruba Movie Personality of the Year and Links and Glitz World Awards for Fashion Entrepreneur of The Year, both in 2015.

READ ALSO: Mercy Aigbe’s Net Worth And Biography

7. Iyabo Ojo ($ 4 Million)

Social media influencer and veteran film actress, Iyabo Ojo takes seventh place among the richest Yoruba actors and actresses in Nigeria, With an estimated net worth of $4 million.  Iyabo who also doubles as a director and producer is popularly known for her contributions to the Nollywood film industry. She has featured in over 150 films and has produced more than 14 of her own.

Iyabo Ojo started her acting career in 1998 after registering with the Actors Guide of Nigeria through the help of Bimbo Akintola. She landed her first role ever in the 1998 English movie titled “Satanic” and since then scripted and featured in several other Nigerian films  In 2002, she made her Yoruba-language debut with Baba Darijinwon and began producing her films in 2004. Her first production was Bolutife, after which she made Bofeboko, Ololufe, Esan, and Okunkun Biribiri.

Aside from her notable Nollywood career, Iyabo Ojo is also a prominent social media influencer and activist, with over 6 Million followers on Instagram and 2.4 Million followers on TikTok, making her one of the most followed Nigerians on the platform. She also serves as a brand ambassador for numerous brands in the real estate industry, and the cosmetic and beauty industry.

READ ALSO: Iyabo Ojo Net Worth And Biography

8. Eniola Badmus ($3.5 Million)

With an estimated net worth of $3.5 Million, Eniola Badmus joins the list of the richest Yoruba Actors and Actresses in Nigeria. The notable film star who also doubles as a scriptwriter, entertainer, and social media influencer is one of the most popular comedic Nollywood  stars in the 2010s, notorious for taking on gluttonous roles

Eniola Badmus began her career as a professional actor in the year 2000. She however never came into the limelight until 2008 when she featured in two of the most commercially successful Yoruba films of the time: Jenifa (2008) and Omo Ghetto (2010). Both movies are instrumental to her rise in the Nigerian entertainment industry which has since seen her star as both a lead and supporting actress in several Nollywood movies such as Omo ghetto the Saga (2020), the second highest-grossing Nigerian Film of all time.

Aside from her successful career as an actor and a scriptwriter, Eniola Badmus is also one of the most prominent influencers in Nigeria, with over 3.6 Million followers on Instagram.  As an influencer, she serves as a brand ambassador for notable brands such as  Etisalat, Western Lotto, Indomie, and Peak Milk.

Eniola Badmus is also a recipient of numerous awards for her contribution to The Yoruba Movie Industry and the entire Nollywood at large. Examples of such awards include the City People Entertainment Awards, Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards, and the Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts

9. Adebayo Salami ($3 Million)

Adebayo Salami popularly known by his stage name Oga Bello is a veteran Nigerian actor, filmmaker, producer, director, and one of the richest Yoruba actors, with an estimated net worth of $3 Million. Oga Bello, with over 50 years of acting can be said to be one of the stakeholders, responsible for the development of the Industry.

Oga Bello began his acting career in 1964, with a group called Young Concert Party, under the leadership of Ojo Ladipo, popularly known as Baba Mero. After a few years, the group changed its name to Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group and later metamorphosed into Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group.

Following the demise of Ojo Ladipo in 1978, Salami took the mantle of leadership of the group, which brought him into the limelight. He transitioned the group from theatre practitioner to the big screen, thereby featuring in the first ever Yoruba film, Ajani Ogun (1976), produced by Ola Balogun. He also featured in a movie titled Kadara and the popular Nigerian comedy series Comedy Half Hour with the stage name Oga Bello.

Under Salami’s Leadership, The Awada Kerikeri Theatre Group is said to have produced many of the most successful Yoruba films in the 80s and 90s such as the previously stated Asewo To Re Mecca in 1992. He produced his first movie, Ogun Ajaye, in 1985.  Since then he has produced, directed, and featured in several Yoruba movies.

10. Jide Kosoko ($3 Million)

Veteran actor and prince of the the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island, Jide Kosoko takes the tenth spot amongst the richest Yoruba actors in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $3 Million. Like Sola Sobowale and Adebayo Salami, he is one of the few veteran actors of the 80s and 90s still relevant to date.

Prince Jide began his acting career as a child actor in 1964 in a television production named Makanjuola. According to a Wikipedia report, he was inspired by the huge success of Hubert Ogunde to go into acting. After a successful run with Makanjuola, Kosoko continued with acting, performing with the Awada Kerikeri group consisting of Sunday Omobolanle, Lanre Hassan, and Oga Bello.

Prince Jide made numerous appearances in Movies and several TV shows such as New Masquerade (1980 -1990), before forming his theatre troupe in 1972. He then began to write and produce his films and stage plays such as the Ogun Ahoyaya. He became prominent during the Video film era, after producing his film, Asiri n la in 1992, and starring in Asewo to re Mecca (1992) and the sequel of Tunde Kelani’s Ti Oluwa Nile in 1993.

Aside from the fortunes he has earned in the Yoruba movie Industry, Prince Jide also serves as a Brand Ambassador for numerous notable brands such as the popular juice production company Chivita and MeritAbode Limited.  He is also one of the brand ambassadors for Western Lotto Nigeria.

11. Kunle Afolayan  ($2.5 Million)

Iconic producer, actor, and director, Kunle Afolayan takes the tenth spot among the richest Yoruba actors in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $2.5 Million. He is widely credited for elevating the quality of Nollywood movies through larger budgets, shooting on 35mm, releasing in cinemas, and improving cliché Nollywood storylines.

Kunle began his career as an actor starring in the the 1999 political drama Saworoide, which was one of the best-selling Yoruba Movies at the time. He however remained in obscurity until he made his directorial debut with Irapada in 2006, which won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Film in an African Language.

Kunle became more prominent after producing and directing some of the most iconic movies to ever grace the entire Nollywood industry such as The Figurine (2009),  Phone Swap (2012), October 1 (2014), CEO (2016), Omugwo (2017) and Mokalik (2019) all of which are part of highest grossing Nigerian film of all time.

In 2021, Kunle signed a three-picture deal with the American streaming giant Netflix, to release Swallow and Aníkúlápó, an epic Nigerian fantasy, which was the most-watched non-English Netflix original film at the time of its release. Aside from being a filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan is also an entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Golden Effects Pictures, a  production company incorporated in 2005, KAP Film and Television Academy, and Ire Clothing.

12. Afeez Ayetoro ($2.5 Million)

With an estimated net worth of $2.5 Million,  Afeez Oyetoro takes the twelfth place amongst the richest Yoruba actors in Nigeria. The Nigerian comic actor, popularly known as “Saka”  was one of the faces that dominated the Nigerian video film era and the screen in the 2010’s

Afeez began his career as a member of Laffomania, a theatre group in Ibadan, as a resident artiste. He moved to Lagos afterward to continue his craft, meeting Gbenga Windapo, who introduced him to NTA, eventually bagging a role in one of the TV programs, One Big Family. While with NTA, Afeez featured in other numerous programs such as Area C and House Apart, a comedy series that went viral and ushered Afeez to prominence.

Since then Afeez has been known for his clown role in Nollywood movies and has featured in several Nigerian films, such as Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015), Ojukokoro (2016), Most notably the Wedding Party Franchise.  According to the report, he was also invited by Opa Williams to write a popular Yoruba series, Abelejayan.

Aside from his outstanding movie career, Afeez is also a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Art at Adeniran Ogunsanya University of Education, Lagos State. He also serves as a brand ambassador for numerous brands and companies such as MTN, Etisalat, and many others

13. Faithia Balogun ($2 Million)

Nigerian actress, filmmaker, producer, and director Faithia Balogun is one of the richest Yoruba actors and actresses. The veteran filmmaker has an estimated net worth of $2 Million putting her in the thirteen places on the list. She is one of the few women that dominated the video film era.

Based on her Wikipedia profile, Faithia became an actress by chance after her uncle asked her to stand in for an actress who failed to show up for a movie production.  Thereafter, she continued till she carved out a glamourous career path for herself. She has since then starred, produced, and directed several Nigerian films.

Faithia Balogun is a recipient of numerous awards, She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Outstanding Actress Indigenous in 2008 and 2014,  for Best Actress of the Year. She also won the Best Indigenous Language award for the work done in the film “Iya Alalake” at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

14. Muyiwa Ademola ($2 Million)

With an estimated net worth of $2 Million, the iconic Nollywood Star, Muyiwa Ademola joins the list of the top 10 richest Yoruba actors and actresses. The veteran actor who doubles as producer and director is known for his enormous contribution to the Nigerian film industry In the 2000s as well as the 2010s

Muyiwa joined the movie industry, as a part-time actor. He however ventured into movie production after coming in contact with the legendary Yoruba movie director S.I Ola who taught him movie production. He began his acting career full-time in 1991 but did not attain the limelight until 1995 when he produced the movie titled Asise (Blunder).

Since 1995, he has produced, directed, and featured in several Yoruba Nollywood movies. In 2005, his film ORI (Fate) won the best indigenous film at the 1st Africa Movie Academy Awards. In 2008, he was nominated for the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards for Most Outstanding Indigenous Actor.

15. Olaniyi Afonja ($1.5 Million)

Olaniyi Afonja popularly known as Sanyeri is a Nollywood actor, producer, and comedian. The popular comic actor is one of the richest actors and actresses in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $ 1.5 Million.

Sanyeri began his acting career in 1992 after joining the theatre group introduced to him by a friend. He later relocated to Lagos to further his career and has since featured in many Nigerian movies, mostly Yoruba. Along with his popular comic brother, Adekola Tijani popularly known as Kamilu Kompo, created some iconic comic movies that dominated the  Nigerian TV screen in the 2010’s

Some of the movies that were released during this period include Muniru and Ambali (2007), and Opakan (2009) among others. Sanyeri is also a recipient of numerous awards. He was nominated for the best comic actor at the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards and the Best Movie Producer of The Year at the 2015 City People Awards.

16. Lateef Adedimeji ($1.5 Million)

Lateef Adedimeji is one of the actors of the recent generation of Nollywood stars and arguably, the most successful, with a critical and Commercial portfolio.  With an estimated net worth of $1.5 Million, Lateef Adedimeji is one of the richest Yoruba actors and actresses in the industry.

Lateef began his acting career in 2007, joining the Orisun TV production company of StarTimes. He however gained popularity with his first major role in Yewande Adekoya’s 2013 movie titled Kudi Klepto. He has since then established himself as a household name in the Nollywood Industry.

Some of the notable works in Lateef’s Filmography include Sugar Rush (2019), A Naija Christmas (2021), Ayinla (2021), and Jagun Jagun (2023) among others.  For his enormous contribution to Nollywood, Lateef was awarded the Best of Nollywood Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role in 2016.

17. Dayo Amusa ($1 Million)

Dayo Amusa is a Nigerian actress and television personality, and one of the richest Yoruba actors and actresses in the Nigerian Movie Industry, with an estimated net worth of $1 Million.  She is one the most prominent actresses of the 2000s and one the few that are popular in the English and Yoruba Movies industry.

Dayo commenced her acting career in 2002 and had her first production in 2006. Although she acts mostly in Yoruba language films of Nollywood, she has also acted in English language films. Aside from acting, Dayo amusia is also a businesswoman with numerous ventures all over the country.

Dayo Amusa is also a recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Best of Nollywood Awards in 2013  and the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards In 2014.

18. Bukky Wright ($1 Million)

Veteran actress, Bukky Wright, with an estimated net worth of $1 million joins the list of the richest Yoruba actors and actresses in the Nigerian movie industry. She is one of the most popular actors of the late  90’s best known for producing the iconic Movie Omatara Johnson.

Bukky Wright began her acting career in 1996. She has been featured in several Nollywood movies in Yoruba and English languages, including Wale Adenuga’s Television series Super Story and the notable Saworoide of 1999. Other movies in her filmography include Abeni (2006) and Outkast (2011).

Aside from acting, Bukky Wright is also an aspiring public office holder contesting for the Ogun state legislature in 2014. She is also a business person, with an interest in the fashion sector. She is the founder and chief executive officer of fashion house B Collections and the beauty spa B Wright.

19. Wale Akorede Okunnu ($ 1 Million)

Wale Akorede Okunnu is a Nollywood actor, scriptwriter, and producer who is popularly known for his comic and funny roles in Yoruba movies. He is also among the richest Yoruba actors and actresses, with an estimated net worth of $1 Million.

Before he was introduced to the movie industry by Muyiwa Ademola, Okunnu was a businessman, who traveled to Saudi Arabia to get garments that he distributed in Nigeria. He however left his business of 13 years, to venture into acting.  As an actor, Okunnu became one of the most successful comic actors to ever grace the screen.

Some of the notable works in his filmography includes Kunle Afolayan’s Mokalik in 2019, The Fate of Alakada in 202o, and The King of Thieves in 2022.

20. Yinka Quadri  ($1 Million)

The veteran Nollywood actor, Yinka Quadri concludes the list of the top 20 richest Yoruba actors and actresses in the movie industry, with an estimated net worth of $1 million. He is one of the few Nollywood stars who began their career as far back as the mid-70s and are still relevant to date.

Yinka who is also known as Fagbamila’s acting career started in 1976 when he and Taiwo Olayinka along with a group of friends formed a drama group called Afopina Theatre Group after dropping out of school. Evolving with the big screen Yinka Quadri transitioned to the big screen.

With a career spanning four decades, Yinka Quadri has starred in over 90 Yoruba films since his debut television series titled Agbodorogun. Some of the notable works in his Fimlograohy include Abeni (2006), and Owo Blow (1997) among others.

The richest actors and actresses in Yoruba