In this article, platinumtimes.ng annals top 10 Celebrities who hail from Ondo state in Southwestern Nigeria.
Ondo state among the 36 states in Nigeria, it’s capital and largest city is Akure.
The state is mostly dominated by the Yoruba speaking people of Nigeria and it houses a population of over 3 million people who are mostly Christians.
It was created on 3rd February, 1976 from the former Western State and Nicknamed the “Sunshine State. The state economy is dominated by the petroleum industry. Cocoa production, asphalt mining, and activities related to the state’s extensive coastline also are part of the economy. It is the home to the Idanre inselberg hills, top educational institutions and renowned personalities in the country.
The people of Ondo are known for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and at home. They are also rated among the prominent people in different fields of endeavor such as education, politics, sports, entertainment industry and others.
This article takes a look at top 10 personalities in Nigeria whose ancestral roots are traced to Ondo State.
Summary of top Celebrities from Ondo State
- Victor Boniface
- Yemi Alade
- Ayo Makun (AY)
- Omotola Jalade
- Akpororo
- King Sunny Ade
- Simi
- Jibola Dabo
- Shola Sobowale
- Funsho Adeolu
Victor Boniface
Famous football striker, Victor Okoh Boniface is an indigene of Ondo state.
He plays for the Nigerian national team and Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. He was born on December 30th 2000 in Akure and had his early education at T- Chris international school.
He was among the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations that held Ivory Coast.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Eberechi Alade is an award winning afropop singer from Ondo State. She is known for her blend of Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop and R&B in her music.
She was born into a multi-ethnic home on March 13th, 1989. She is released her hit single “Johnny” in 2014 after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009.
She has since then released serveral songs which has earned her lots of awards and recognitions within and outside Nigeria.
Ayo Makun (AY)
Ayodeji Richard Makun, also known by his stage name A.Y, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, producer and film director.
He is a native of Ifon, Ose local government in Ondo State and was born on 19th August, 1971.
He h as hosted different TV programmes such as the A.Y live shows and A.Y comedy skits. He holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the Delta State University, Abraka. He is the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment Nigeria and has once been named a UN Ambassador.
Omotola Jalade
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a seasoned Nollywood actress, singer and philantropist.
She hails from Ondo State but was born in Lagos I February 7th, 1978. She has received a national honor as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
She has also featured in over 300 films and has accumulated a good number of fans on her social media platforms. She studied Estate Management at the Yaba College of Technology, she is also married with children.
Akpororo
Popular stand-up conedian, actor a d vocalist Akpororo whose real name is Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola is an indigene of Ilaje in Ondo State. He was born and raised in Warri, Delta State where he had his early education.
He has has received the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards for his outstanding performances in the entertainment industry.
He holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Lagos and is married to Josephine Ijeoma Abraham.
King Sunny Ade
Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye MFR famously called King Sunny Ade is a legendary Nigerian jùjú singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
He was born Oshogbo on September 22nd, 1946 but hails from Ondo State. He is the first Nigerian musician to gain international recognition and be nominated for the Grammys awards.
He serves as chairperson of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria and also founded the King Sunny Ade Foundation, an organization that includes a performing center, a state-of-the-art recording studio, and housing for young musicians.
He is a visiting lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and recipient of the Order of the Federal Republic.
Simi
Simisola Bolatito Kosoko better known as Simi is a Nigerian singer from Ondo State.
She was born on 19th April, 1988 in Ojuelegba, a suburb of Surulere, Lagos State and studied at the Covenant University whete she earned a degree in Mass Communication.
She was one of the top judges in season 7 of the Nigerian idol TV show in 2022., She gained public recognition in 2014 after releasing “Tiff”, a song that was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015.
She is married to Adekunle Gold, another popular musician.
Jibola Dabo
Jibola Dabo is another veteran actor from Ondo State. He has been awarded as the Best actor of the year at the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF).
He hails from Owo in Ondo State and graduated from the University of Lagos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Mass Media from the Columbia State University.
Shola Sobowale
Sola Sobowale is a Nollywood actress, screenwriter, director and producer from Ondo State.
She is a brand Ambassador for Mouka mattress company. She began acting in several television series like the Super Story before she became famous after featuring in The Village Headmaster, Mirror in the Sun, and the Yoruba film, Asewo To Re Mecca and the blockbuster movie, King of Boys in 2018.
She has also produced and directed several movies over the years. She is married and has four children.
Funsho Adeolu
Funsho Adeolu is a Nollywood actor who hails from Ondo State. He was born on May 9th, 1968 and had his early education at the Baptist Academy.
He featured in Heroes and Zeroes, a 2012 Nigerian drama film and has received diffe movie awards for his performances. He is married to Victoria Adeolu and the marriage is blessed with children.