Naturally, not everyone is at the same financial table. While some are doing reasonably well, others have skyrocketed to great wealth. And among the wealthy, one name sticks out above the rest: the indisputable richest Yoruba actor in Nigeria. But acting is not their sole source of income. Many of these celebrities have built their wealth through skilful business endeavours, multimillion-naira endorsement deals, wise investments, political appointments, and even revenue from social media influence. So, who tops the list? Who are the other heavy hitters? Let’s dive into the top 10 richest Yoruba actors in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Richest Tribes in Nigeria.
Top 10 Richest Yoruba Movie Actors and Their Net Worth
10. Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) – Net Worth: $200,000
- Net Worth: $200,000 (over N82 million)
- Active Years: 1964 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Business
- Best Known For: Comedy half-hour
In the Yoruba film industry, veteran actor Adebayo Salami, also affectionately known as Oga Bello, is a veritable legend. The TV show Comedy Half Hour, which initially brought him to the public’s attention, gave him the nickname. With multiple films to his name, Oga Bello has established a remarkable career as a director, producer, and actor throughout the years.
He’s one of the oldest and most respected figures in Yoruba Nollywood, and the passion clearly runs in the family — five of his children are in the movie industry too, including the popular actor Femi Adebayo. Born and raised in Lagos State, Oga Bello had both his primary and secondary education there. With decades of contribution to the film industry, his net worth is estimated at $200,000.
9. Yinka Quadri – Net Worth: $250,000
- Net Worth: $250,000 (over N102.6 million)
- Active Years: 1976 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Businesses
- Known For: Kura matete
You don’t need an introduction to Yinka Quadri if you enjoy Yoruba films. Yinka has earned his spot among the greats of the industry as a true veteran and elder statesman. Although he was born and raised in Lagos, where he also finished his early schooling, he is originally from Igbomina in Kwara State. Thanks to his efforts as an actor, producer, and director over the course of several decades, Yinka Quadri has accumulated a decent net worth of $250,000. Although he keeps them fairly discreet, he is also active in other businesses.
8. Olaniyi Afonja (Sanyeri) – Net Worth: $400,000
- Net Worth: $400,000 (N164.1 million)
- Active Years: 1992 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Advertisement deals
- Best Known For: Opa kan, muniru ati ambali
Sanyeri, whose real name is Olaniyi Mikhail Afonja, is one of the most beloved Yoruba comic actors of all time. Known for his natural flair for comedy, Sanyeri has delivered unforgettable performances in countless movies. His ability to make audiences laugh is unmatched, and he continues to be one of the most sought-after actors in Yoruba Nollywood. Born in Oyo State, he attended St. Michael Primary School Oke Iho and completed his secondary education there as well. With a long list of notable films like Edun Ara, Jenifa, Omo Car Wash, Apaadi, and Opa Kan, Sanyeri has earned his place in the top 10. His estimated net worth? A solid $400,000.
Sanyeri has two children and a happy marriage. In an interview, when asked why he made the decision to move his family to Canada in order to provide them with a better future, he reaffirmed that he did not want his kids to go through the difficult beginning he did.
7. Wale Akorede (Okunnu) – Net Worth: $450,000
- Net Worth: $450,000 (over N184.7 million)
- Active Years: 1982 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Investments, Businesses
Adewale Akorede, widely recognized by his stage name Okunnu, is another fan favorite — especially when it comes to comedy roles. Born and raised in Ibadan, but originally from Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Okunnu is known for his hilarious facial expressions and slapstick humor that lights up every movie he’s in.
He studied Fine Art at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, but his passion for entertainment eventually took center stage. Over the years, he has worn many hats — actor, producer, director, and scriptwriter — but it’s his comic timing that audiences love the most. Okunnu’s impressive career has earned him an estimated net worth of $450,000.
As a great gentleman who loves his family above all else and always wants the best for them, Adewale Akorede has other priorities and is not in the race to become the wealthiest Yoruba actor. He has been married for a very long time and is blessed with a wife and three children. He relocated his wife and kids to Toronto, Canada, a few years ago.
6. Muyiwa Ademola (Authentic) – Net Worth: $450,000
- Net Worth: $450,000 (N184.7 million)
- Active Years: 1991 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Investments, Businesses
- Best Known For: Ogo Osupa, Ori
Muyiwa Ademola, also known as Authentic, stands up to his name with every performance. Muyiwa is a famous personality in the Yoruba film industry, known for his superb storytelling and performance. The epithet “Authentic” did not appear out of nowhere; it reflects the consistent brilliance that his admirers have grown to anticipate.
He was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and reared in Ibadan. He finished his elementary and secondary school before graduating from the University of Ibadan with a degree in Adult school and Community Development. He made his film debut in 1991 and has since worked as an actor, producer, and director.
Muyiwa’s debut movie Asise (Mistake) dropped in 1995, but it was Ogo Osupa (1997) that turned him into a household name. His work has earned admiration from fans far and wide — including one in Texas who once surprised him with a brand-new Toyota Corolla after watching his classic movie Ori.
He’s not just popular; he’s award-winning too. Some of his accolades include Best Actor at the 2015 Oodua Image Awards, Best Versatile Actor at the 2018 Greenview Awards, and the Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Award for Excellence.
Muyiwa’s $450,000 net worth reflects his long-standing impact in the industry, mostly earned through acting, directing, and producing high-quality films. While he might not be the richest on this list, he’s undeniably one of the most respected and influential.
5. Afeez Abiodun (Afeez Owo) – Net Worth: $500,000
- Net Worth: $500,000 (N205.2 million)
- Active Years: 2000 till date
- Other Sources of Income: Property Investments, Businesses
- Best Known For: Abusi Edumare
Afeez Abiodun, widely known as Afeez Owo, has been part of the Yoruba film industry for over two decades, steadily growing his reputation and fan base. Originally from Iseyin in Oyo State, Afeez had his secondary education in both Ogun and Oyo States, although he didn’t pursue higher education.
What he may lack in academic credentials, he makes up for in raw talent and hard work. His consistency and dedication have earned him a net worth of $500,000, making him one of the industry’s top earners. Afeez continues to thrive as both an actor and a filmmaker, with a solid fan following that appreciates his craft.
4. Femi Adebayo – Net Worth: $680,000
- Net Worth: $680,000 (N279.1 million)
- Active Years: 1985 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Investments, Businesses, social media
- Best Known For: Owo Blow, Jelili
Next up comes the multi-talented Femi Adebayo, also known as Jelili, a nickname derived from his legendary comic part in the film of the same name. It’s safe to assume that acting runs deep within him. He is the son of legendary actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), and several of his siblings are also in the Yoruba film industry.
But Femi has established himself as a talented actor, director, and producer, rather than relying solely on his family name. With a talent for both comedic and dramatic roles, he has delivered a number of hit films throughout the years, gaining both critical praise and economic success. His estimated net worth of $680,000 places him comfortably among the top players in the Yoruba film scene, and he’s still going strong.
His cars and their cost are presented below:
- Toyota Hilux TRD (N35 million)
- Volkswagen Passat (N4 million)
- Toyota highlander (N18 million)
- Kia Sorrento (N5.5 million)
- Toyota Camry (N10 million)
- Toyota venza (N10 million)
3. Jide Kosoko – Net Worth: $700,000
- Net Worth: $700,000 (N287.3 million)
- Active Years: 1964 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Investments, Businesses
- Best Known For: Asiri nla
Prince Jide Kosoko, a true icon in both Yoruba and mainstream Nollywood, has established himself among the industry’s elite. With decades of acting experience, he has appeared in numerous Yoruba and English-language films, leaving an unmistakable mark on Nigerian cinema.
Jide was born into the royal Kosoko family on Lagos Island and received his early schooling in Lagos before enrolling at Yaba College of Technology, where he got an HND in business administration. Later in life, his passion for the arts prompted him to study Performing Arts at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Jide’s experience spans acting, directing, and producing, and his mentorship has helped shape the careers of many younger stars. With a net worth of $700,000, his contributions to the industry are not just legendary — they’re lucrative too.
2. Kunle Afolayan – Net Worth: $750,000
- Net Worth: $750,000 (N307.8 million)
- Active Years: 2005 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Businesses
- Best Known For: The Figurine, Phone Swap
Kunle Afolayan is a well-known figure in Yoruba cinema and throughout the Nollywood industry. Kunle, who was born in Ebute Metta, Lagos, but originally from Kwara State, began his education in Lagos and later earned a degree in Economics from a Nigerian institution. However, his journey takes a more artistic turn when he decides to pursue his passion for filmmaking by enrolling in the prestigious New York Film Academy, where he received a diploma in Digital Filmmaking.
Kunle made a brave move in 2005, quitting his bank job to pursue his creative goals full-time. That same year, he established his own production firm, Golden Effects Pictures. Since then, it’s been hit repeatedly.
His movies like The Figurine(which scooped five major awards), Irapada, Phone Swap, The Tribunal, The CEO, and Omugwo have not only captivated audiences but also redefined production quality in Nollywood. Kunle is not your everyday actor. He’s a visionary—a director, producer, and cinematic storyteller with a rich, artistic touch. Whether it’s a movie premiere or a conversation about the future of African film, Kunle Afolayan’s name is never far from the spotlight. With a net worth of $750,000, he comfortably takes the second spot on our list of Yoruba Nollywood’s richest.
1. Odunlade Adekola – Net Worth: $2 Million
- Net Worth: $2 million (N823 million)
- Active Years: 1996 to date
- Other Sources of Income: Endorsements, Investments, Businesses
- Best Known For: Oyenusi, Sunday Dagboru, Alani Pamolekun, and Mufu Oloosha Oko
Taking the crown at number one is the man, the meme legend, the powerhouse himself—Odunlade Adekola. Let’s be honest, it’s almost impossible to talk about Yoruba movies without mentioning Odunlade. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State (though originally from Otun Ekiti in Ekiti State), he got his start like many others—attending school locally before going on to earn his Diploma from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and eventually a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lagos State University in 2018.
But schooling aside, Odunlade’s story is one of passion, talent, and hard work. He joined the industry in 1996, and since then, has featured in over 100 movies, often playing lead roles that fans just can’t get enough of. His unmatched energy, comedic timing, and dramatic flair have made him the go-to guy in Yoruba Nollywood. In fact, many fans believe that a Yoruba movie isn’t “complete” unless Odunlade is in it—and producers agree, which is why he’s always in hot demand.
Beyond acting, Odunlade is a singer, filmmaker, producer, and director. He earns around ₦400,000 per movie (according to insider reports), making him one of the highest-paid actors in Yoruba cinema—rubbing shoulders with the likes of Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo.
With all his accolades, influence, and continuous output, it’s no surprise that Odunlade sits pretty at the top of this list with an estimated net worth of $2 million. A true legend of our time!
How much does Odunlande Make in a Single Movie?
Odunlade Adekola made a living and amassed fortune over the years by doing what he does best: acting. An insider report claims that Odunlade is still the highest paid actor in Yoruba Nollywood, earning about N400,000, despite the fact that no performer receives an acting fee of up to half a million naira. Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, and others are in right around him.
Below are some of his cars, and they are worth:
- Range Rover Sport – N62.7 million
- Honda Civic Sedan – N8.9 million
- Hyundai Sonata – N9.6 million
- Mazda Premacy – N2.1 million
- Toyota Rav4 (2010) – N9.6 million
- Toyota Landcruiser – N30.6 million
Recap of the 10 Richest Yoruba Movie Actors and Their Net Worth
- Odunlade Adekola – $2 million (N823 million)
- Kunle Afolayan – $750,000 (N307.8 million)
- Jide Kosoko – $700,000 (N287.3 million)
- Femi Adebayo – $680,000 (N279.1 million)
- Afeez Abiodun – $500,000 (N205.2 million)
- Muyiwa Ademola – $450,000 (N184.7 million)
- Wale Akorede Okunnu – $450,000 (N184.7 million)
- Olaniyi Afonja (Sanyeri) – $400,000 (N164.1 million)
- Yinka Quadri – $250,000 (N102.6 million)
- Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) – $200,000 (N82 million)
- Top 10 Richest Hausa Musicians in Kannywood
Conclusion about 10 Richest Yoruba Movie Actors and Their Net Worth
There you have it! The top 10 richest Yoruba movie actors doing big things in the Nigerian film industry. From veterans like Jide Kosoko and Oga Bello to modern-day icons like Kunle Afolayan and Odunlade Adekola, these stars have not only entertained us—they’ve built empires while doing so. Liked this article? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Afrokonnectfor more juicy updates on your favorite celebrities!
