This is a list of notable

Yoruba people The Yoruba people (, , ) are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitut ...

Film and cinema

Nollywood

Actors and actresses

Writers and directors

* Biyi Bandele (1967–2022), novelist, playwright and filmmaker * Kemi Adesoye, screenwriter *

Kemi Adetiba Kemi Adetiba (born 8 January 1980) is a Nigerian filmmaker, television director and music video director, whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Sound City TV, BET and Netflix. Education Kemi holds bachelor's degree in law ...

(b. 1980), filmmaker, television director, music video director * Kunle Afolayan (b. 1974), actor, film producer and director *

Meji Alabi Meji Alabi (born 13 December 1988) is a London-born Nigerian filmmaker, director, photographer and producer. He is a director and has worked alongside Beyonce, Burna Boy, Wizkid,Davido, Tiwa Savage, Popcaan, Goldlink, Koffee and Nasty C. Early l ...

Oyin Adejobi Chief Oyin Adejobi (1926–2000) was a Nigerian dramatist and actor. His name, Oyin, means "''Honey''". He wrote and performed in a variety of Yoruba productions on the stage, on television and in movies. He was married to actress Grace Oyin-Ade ...

(1926–2000), dramatist and actor *

Tomi Adeyemi Tomi Adeyemi (born August 1, 1993) is a Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach. She is known for her novel '' Children of Blood and Bone'', the first in the ''Legacy of Orïsha'' trilogy published by Henry Holt Books for Young Rea ...

(b. 1993), Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach * Tunde Kelani (b. 1948), filmmaker, storyteller, photographer, director and producer

Non-Nollywood

* Adepero Oduye * Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje *

Alex Lanipekun Alex Lanipekun (born 7 April 1981) is a British actor. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art but left early to join the cast of the BBC drama '' Spooks'' as journalist-cum-spy Ben Kaplan, the role for which he is best known. Earl ...

* Ariyon Bakare *

David Oyelowo David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo ( ; born 1 April 1976) is a British actor, director and producer. His accolades include a Critics' Choice Award and two NAACP Image Awards as well as nominations for two Golden Globe Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, ...

* Dayo Okeniyi * Gbenga Akinnagbe * Hakeem Kae-Kazim * Isaach de Bankolé * KSI * John Boyega * Richard Ayoade * Rotimi * Toks Olagundoye *

Sope Aluko Sope may refer to: People * Barak Sopé (born 1951), Vanuatu politician * Sope Aluko (born 1975), Nigerian-born British American actress * Sope Dirisu (born 1991), British Nigerian actor * Sope Johnson * Sope Willams Elegbe (born 1975), Niger ...

* Rick Famuyiwa * Femi Emiola

Academics

* Akinwumi Ogundiran (b. 1966), archaeologist, historian, anthropologist, author of ''The Yoruba: A New History'' * Bolaji Akinyemi (b. 1942), Nigerian professor of political science who was Nigeria External Affairs Minister in 1985-1987 * Bolanle Awe (b. 1933), Nigerian history professor *

Christopher Kolade Christopher Kolade, CON (born 1932), is a Nigerian diplomat and academic. Early life and education He was born in Erin – Oke, Osun State, Nigeria, in 1932. He completed his secondar-school education at Government College, Ibadan after which he ...

(b. 1932), Nigerian diplomat and academic * Hezekiah Ademola Oluwafemi (1919-1983), Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University from 1966 to 1975 * Isaac Folorunso Adewole (b. 1954), Nigerian professor of gynaecology and obstetrics *

Kofoworola Ademola Oloori Kofoworola "Kofo" Aina Ademola, Lady Ademola MBE, MFR, OFR (née Moore; 21 May 1913 – 15 May 2002) was a Nigerian educationist who was the president of the National Council of Women Societies in Nigeria and was the head of the women ...

(1913-2002), educationist, first black African woman to earn a degree from Oxford University * Lola Akande (b. 1965), academic, author, public relations professional. *

Olanrewaju Fagbohun Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun (born 19 October 1966) is a Nigerian lawyer, academic, author, investor, professor of environmental law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He served as the 8th substantive vice-chancellor of Lagos State University bet ...

(b. 1966), academic, author, investor, professor of environmental law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria * Orishatukeh Faduma * Oyeronke Oyewumi, sociologist, gender scholar * Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe (1949-2021), Nigerian professor of

systems engineering Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering and engineering management that focuses on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles. At its core, systems engineering utilizes systems thinki ...

, Vice-Chancellor of

University of Lagos The University of Lagos, popularly known as UNILAG, is a public research university located in Lagos, Nigeria and was founded in 1962. UNILAG is one of the first generation universities in Nigeria and is ranked among the top universities in th ...

Solomon Babalola Solomon Adeboye Babalola (born Ipetumodu, Osun State, Nigeria, 17 December 1926 – 15 December 2008) was a Nigerian academic, poet and scholar. Biography Professor Solomon Adeboye Oladele Babalola was born on December 17, 1926, into the Babalol ...

Stephen Adebanji Akintoye Stephen Adebanji Akintoye, also known as S. Banji Akintoye (born 1935), is a Nigerian-born academic, historian and writer. He attended Christ's School Ado Ekiti, Nigeria from 1951–1955, and studied history at the University College (Overseas Co ...

(b. 1935), academic, historian and writer *

Toyin Falola Toyin Omoyeni Falola (born January 1, 1953) is a Nigerian historian and professor of African Studies. Falola is a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria and of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, and has served as the president of the Afric ...

(b. 1953), historian and professor of African studies

Medicine

* Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (1956–2014), physician * Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (1933–1997), physician, educational administrator, professor of chemical pathology * Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi (1910–1971), first woman to practise as a physician in Nigeria * Latunde Odeku (1927–1974), neurosurgeon *

Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Olikoye Ransome-Kuti (30 December 1927 – 1 June 2003) was a paediatrician, activist and health minister of Nigeria. Early life and education Olikoye Ransome-Kuti was born in Ijebu Ode on 30 December 1927, in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria ...

(1927–2003), paediatrician, activist and health minister of Nigeria *

Oni Akerele John Oni Akerele (died 1983) was a Nigerian doctor, Nigeria's first indigenous surgeon. While living in London, in 1941 he married Dorothy Jackson, who was of African, European and Native American descent, and they set up home in Kilburn, in th ...

(d. 1983), Nigeria's first indigenous surgeon * Orisadipe Obasa (1863–1940), doctor and prince * Segun Toyin Dawodu (b. 1960), physician

Journalism and the media

* Adeola Fayehun (b. 1984), journalist *

Abraham Adesanya Chieftain, Chief Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya (24 July 1922 in Ijebu Igbo – 27 April 2008) was a Nigerian politician, lawyer, activist, welfarist, and liberal progressive. He was the son of a famous and powerful traditional healer, the late ...

(1922–2008), Nigerian politician, lawyer, activist, welfarist and liberal progressive *

Dele Giwa Dele Giwa (16 March 1947 – 19 October 1986) was a Nigerian journalist, editor and founder of '' Newswatch'' magazine. Early life and career Sumonu Oladele "Baines" Giwa was born on March 16, 1947 to a family working in the palace of Oba Ades ...

(1947–1986), journalist, editor and founder of ''Newswatch'' magazine *

Dele Momodu Chief Dele Momodu (born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu; 16 May 1960) is a Nigerian journalist/publisher, businessman, and motivational speaker. He is the CEO and publisher of ''Ovation International'', a magazine tha ...

(b. 1960), journalist/publisher, businessman and motivational speaker *

Dotun Adebayo Oludotun Davey Moore "Dotun" Adebayo (born 25 August 1959) is a British radio presenter, writer, and publisher. He is best known for his work on '' Up All Night'' on BBC Radio 5 Live, as well as the obituary programme ''Brief Lives''. Early ...

(b. 1960), British radio presenter, writer and publisher *

Femi Adesina Femi Adesina OON is a Nigerian journalist who served as the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. Education Adesina attended Obafemi Awolowo University Osun, State and t ...

, journalist *

Femi Oke Femi Oke ( ; born 30 June 1966) is a British television presenter and journalist. Early life and education Femi Oke was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents of the Yoruba ethnic group. She is a graduate of Birmingham University, where ...

(b. 1966), British television presenter and journalist * Henry Dele Alake * Kayode Soyinka *

Kehinde Bankole Kehinde Bankole (born 27 March 1985) is a Nigerian actress, model, and television host. She made her entertainment debut in the ''2003 Miss Commonwealth Nigeria beauty contest'', then proceeded to the ''2004 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria page ...

(b. 1985), actress, model and television host * Kitoye Ajasa (1866–1937), Nigerian lawyer and legislator during the colonial period, first Nigerian to be knighted * Laolu Akande * Laura Ikeji *

Mosunmola Abudu Mosunmola Abudu, also known as ''Mo Abudu'', (born 11 September 1964), is a Nigerian media mogul, philanthropist, and former human resources management consultant. She has been described by Forbes as "Africa's Most Successful Woman", and rated ...

(b. 1964), Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist * Oluremi Oyo (1952-2014), Nigerian veteran journalist * Omoyele Sowore (b. 1971), Nigerian human rights activist, founder of an online news agency

Sahara Reporters Sahara Reporters is an online news agency based in New York City that focuses on promoting citizen journalism by encouraging everyday people to report stories about corruption, human rights abuses and other political misconduct in Africa, with s ...

* Reuben Abati (b. 1965), journalist, politician, television anchor and newspaper columnist * Seun Osewa (b. 1982), Nigerian internet entrepreneur *

Tolu Ogunlesi Tolu Ogunlesi (born 3 March 1982) is a Nigerian journalist, poet, photographer, fiction writer, and blogger. Ogunlesi was appointed to the role of special assistant on digital/new media by President Muhammadu Buhari on 18 February 2016.

(b. 1982), Nigerian journalist, poet, photographer, fiction writer and blogger

Visual arts

Artists

* Laolu Senbanjo (b. 1982), Nigerian visual artist, musician, singer/songwriter and former human rights attorney * Aina Onabolu (1882–1963), pioneering Nigerian modern arts teacher and painter * Ibiyinka Alao (b. 1975), Nigerian American artist, architect, writer, film director and musical theater composer *

Kehinde Wiley Kehinde Wiley (born February 28, 1977) he returned to Nigeria, leaving Freddie to raise the couple's six children. 3/sup> Wiley has said that his family survived on welfare checks and the limited income earned by his mother's 'thrift store' – ...

* Nike Davies-Okundaye (b. 1951), Nigerian

batik Batik is an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to the whole cloth. This technique originated from the island of Java, Indonesia. Batik is made either by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a spouted tool called a ''ca ...

and adire textile designer * Olowe of Ise (c. 1873 – c. 1938), wood sculptor * Yusuf Grillo (1934-2021), Nigerian painter

Photography

* Bayo Omoboriowo (b. 1987), Nigerian photojournalist and documentary photographer * Lola Akinmade Åkerström. photographer and travel writer * Rotimi Fani-Kayode (1955–1989), Nigerian-born photographer *

TY Bello Toyin Sokefun-Bello (born 14 January 1978), better known as TY Bello, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, photographer and philanthropist. Prior to pursuing a solo career, she was a member of the now defunct gospel band Kush. TY Bello is also a m ...

Politics and administration

Politics

Adebayo Salami Adebayo Ayoade Salami (26 July 1951 – 7 January 2021) was a Nigerian politician who served as Senator representing the Osun State Central constituency at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic running on the Alliance for Democracy (AD) ...

(1951–2021), Senator, chieftain of

All Progressives Congress The All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the two major contemporary political parties in Nigeria, along with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Founded on 6 February 2013 from a merger of Nigeria's three largest opposition parties, the ...

Adekunle Fajuyi Francis Adekunle Fajuyi (26 June 1926 – 29 July 1966) was a Nigerian soldier of Yoruba origin. and the first military governor of the former Western Region, Nigeria. Originally a teacher and clerk, Fajuyi of Ado Ekiti joined the army in ...

(1926–1966), first military governor of

Western Region, Nigeria The former Western State of Nigeria was formed in 1967 when the Western Region was subdivided into the states of Lagos and Western State. Its capital was Ibadan, which was the capital of the old region. In 1976, the state was subdivided into thre ...

Adeyemo Alakija Oloye Sir Adeyemo Alakija, (25 May 1884 – 10 May 1952) was a Nigerian lawyer, politician and businessman. He served as a member of the Nigerian legislative council for nine years starting in 1933. In 1942, he became a member of the governor' ...

(1884–1952), lawyer, politician, businessman, president of

Egbe Omo Oduduwa Egbé Ọmọ Odùduwà (Yoruba National Movement) is a Nigerian political organisation established in 1945 by Yoruba leaders in London. Its initial purpose was to unite the Yorùbá people in a manner similar to the tenets of the Ibibio State Un ...

Akinwunmi Ambode Akinwunmi Ambode (born 14 June 1963) is a Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Lagos State from 2015 to 2019. He was a civil servant for 27 years and a financial consultant before running for public office. Ambode ran for office of t ...

(b. 1963), Governor of

Lagos State, Nigeria Lagos State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó) is a state in southwestern Nigeria. Of the 36 states, it is both the most populous and smallest in area. Bounded to the south by the Bight of Benin and to the west by the international border with Benin ...

from 2015 to 2019 * Ayodele Fayose (b. 1960), Governor of

Ekiti State Ekiti State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkìtì) is a state in southwestern Nigeria, bordered to the north by Kwara State, to the northeast by Kogi State, to the south and southeast by Ondo State, and to the west by Osun State. Named for the Ekiti peo ...

Babajide Sanwo-Olu Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born 25 June 1968) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State. He became governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after contesting and unexpectedly winning the gubernatorial p ...

(b. 1965), Governor of Lagos State from 2019 * Babalola Borisade (1946–2017), Federal Minister of Nigeria *

Babatunde Fashola Babatunde Raji Fashola ( yo, Bàbátúndé Rájí Fáṣọlá; born 28 June 1963) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician currently serving as the Federal Minister of Works and Housing of Nigeria. He served two terms as Governor of Lagos State f ...

(b. 1963), lawyer and politician, former Governor of Lagos State *

Benjamin Adekunle Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle (26 June 1936 – 13 September 2014) was a Nigerian Army Brigadier and Civil War commander. Early years and background Adekunle was born in Kaduna. His father was a native of Ogbomosho, while his mother was of the ...

(1936–2014), Nigerian Army Brigadier *

Bola Ige Chief James Ajibola Idowu Ige , ( yo, Bọ́lá Ìgè; 13 September 1930 – 23 December 2001), simply known as Bola Ige, was a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He served as Federal Minister of Justice of Nigeria from January 2000 till his assa ...

(1930–2001), lawyer and politician *

Bola Tinubu Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu (born 29 March 1952) is a Nigerian accountant and politician who served as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and Senator for Lagos West during the brief Third Republic. In June 2022, he was chosen as the A ...

(b. 1952), national leader of

Bukola Saraki Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, (born on 19 December 1962) is a Nigerian politician. He was the 13th President of the Senate of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019 and Chair of the 8th Nigeria National Assembly. He was ...

(b. 1962), 13th President of the

Senate of Nigeria The Senate is the upper chamber of Nigeria's bicameral legislature, the National Assembly of Nigeria. The National Assembly (popularly referred to as NASS) is the nation's highest legislature, whose power is to make laws, is summarized in chapt ...

Christopher Omoworare Babajide Babajide Christopher Omoworare (born 31 October 1968) is a Nigerian politician who was elected Senator for the Osun East constituency of Osun State, Nigeria in April 2011, He ran on the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform. He was re-elected ...

(b. 1968), Nigerian politician *

Desmond Elliot Desmond Elliot'' (born Desmond Oluwashola Elliot; 4 February 1974)'' is a Nigerian director, and politician He was elected as a lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency, in the 11 April 2015 Nigerian General Elec ...

(b. 1974), Nigerian actor, director and politician *

Dolapo Osinbajo Oludolapo Osinbajo, (''née'' Soyode, born 16 July 1967) is a Nigerian lawyer and political figure. As the wife of the Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo, she has been the Second Lady of Nigeria since 29 May 2015.Yahaya BalogunDolapo Osinbaj ...

* Dipo Dina (1960–2010), politician, philanthropist, administrator *

Ernest Shonekan Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan (9 May 1936 – 11 January 2022) was a Nigerian lawyer and statesman who served as the interim Head of State of Nigeria from 26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993. He was titled Abese of Egbaland from ...

(1936-2022), Nigerian lawyer and statesman *

Femi Fani-Kayode David Oluwafemi Adewunmi Abdulateef Fani-Kayode (born 16 October 1960) is a Nigerian politician, essayist, poet and lawyer. He was a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was with the opposition's All Progressive Congress (A ...

(b. 1960), Nigerian politician, essayist, poet and lawyer *

Femi Gbaja Biamila Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila (born 25 June 1962), is a Nigerian lawyer and politician. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gbajabiamila has served as Speaker of the House of Representatives since 2019. Early life and education Ol ...

(b. 1962), Nigerian lawyer *

Femi Hamzat Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (born 19 September 1964) is a Nigerian politician who serves as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria into the family of Late Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat and Late Alhaja Kehinde Hamzat from Iga Eg ...

(b. 1964), Nigerian politician *

Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi Fadahunsi Francis Adenigba (born 12 July 1952) is a retired custom officer and a Nigerian senator representing Osun East constituency in the National Assembly's House of Senate. He was born in Ilase-Ijesa in Osun State Osun State (; yo, ...

(b. 1952), Nigerian senator and retired custom officer * Frederick Fasehun (1935–2018), Nigerian medical doctor, hotel owner and politician * Funsho Williams (1948–2006), politician from Lagos State *

Gbenga Daniel Gbenga Daniel (born 6 April 1956) is a Nigerian politician and Governor of Ogun State of Nigeria from 29 May 2003 to 29 May 2011. He is the owner of Kresta Laurel, an Electro-mechanical Engineering company, he started in 1990. He is also the F ...

(b. 1956), Nigerian politician, Governor of

Ogun State Ogun State is a state in southwestern Nigeria. Created on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State. Ogun State borders Lagos State to the south, Oyo State and Osun State to the north, Ondo State to the east, and the Republic of Benin to the ...

from 2003 to 2011 *

Gboyega Oyetola Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (born 29 September 1954) is a Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022. He contested for the Osun State gubernatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Se ...

(b. 1954), 9th Governor of

Osun State Osun State (; yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Ọ̀ṣun), occasionally known as the State of Osun by the state government, is a state in southwestern Nigeria; bounded to the east by Ekiti and Ondo states, to the north by Kwara State, to the south by Ogun S ...

Herbert Macaulay Olayinka Herbert Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay (14 November 1864 – 7 May 1946) was a Nigerian nationalist, politician, surveyor, engineer, architect, journalist, and musician and is considered by many Nigerians as the founder of Niger ...

(1864–1946), Nigerian nationalist, politician, surveyor, engineer, architect, journalist and musician *

Ibikunle Amosun Ibikunle Amosun (born 25 January 1958) is a Nigerian politician, former governor of Ogun State and two-term senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He first served as an elected senator for Ogun Central district of Ogun State, Nigeria from Ap ...

(b. 1958), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ogun State from 2011 to 2019 * Joseph Fadahunsi *

Kayode Fayemi John Olukayode Fayemi (born 9 February 1965) is a Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Ekiti State from 2018 to 2022. He previously served in office between 2010 and 2014 before losing re-election to Ayo Fayose, Ayodele Fayose. He was ...

(b. 1935), Nigerian politician, Governor of

* Kofo Abayomi (1896–1979), Nigerian ophthalmologist and politician *

Lawan Gwadabe Lawan Gwadabe (born 1949) is a Nigerian military officer, he was Military Administrator of Niger State in Nigeria from December 1987 to January 1992 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Gwadabe was one of the few men in the a ...

(b. 1949), Military Administrator of

Niger State Niger is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria and the largest state in the country. Niger state has three political zones, zone A,B and C. The state's capital is at Minna. Other major cities are Bida, Kontagora and Suleja. It was fo ...

from 1987 to 1992 *

Lola Young Margaret Omolola Young, Baroness Young of Hornsey (born 1 June 1951) is a British actress, author, crossbench peer, and Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. Education and career Born in Kensington, Lola Young was educated at the Parliam ...

* M.K.O. Abiola * Mudashiru Obasa *

Nicolas Grunitzky Nicolas Grunitzky (; 5 April 1913 – 27 September 1969) was the second president of Togo and its third head of state. He was President from 1963 to 1967. Grunitzky was Prime Minister of Togo from 1956 to 1958 under the French Colonial ''loi ...

Oladipo Diya Donaldson Oladipo Diya (born 3 April 1944) is a Nigerian general who served as Chief of the General Staff, (''de facto'' Vice President of Nigeria) under military head of state General Sani Abacha from 1994 until his arrest for treason in 1997. ...

Obafemi Awolowo Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo (; 6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987) was a Yoruba nationalist and Nigerian statesman who played a key role in Nigeria's independence movement (1957-1960). Awolowo founded the Yoruba nationalist group Egbe Om ...

Olu Falae Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae (born 21 September 1938), is a Nigerian banker, administrator and politician, he was secretary to the military government of Ibrahim Babangida from January 1986 to December 1990, and was briefly the Finance Minister ...

Oluremi Tinubu Oluremi Tinubu (born 21 September 1960) is a Nigerian politician who served as the first lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and is currently a senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the Nigerian National Assembly. She is a ...

Olusegun Aganga Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga (born 1955) is a Nigerian politician, he was the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria from 2011 to 2015. He was first nominated by President Olusegun Obasanjo and appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan ...

Olusegun Mimiko Olusegun Rahman Mimiko ( yo, Olúṣẹ́gun Mímikò ; born 3 October 1954), is a Nigerian doctor and politician, he was the senatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party for Ondo Central District in the 2019 Senate elections. He served as ...

Olusegun Obasanjo Chief Olusegun Matthew Okikiola Ogunboye Aremu Obasanjo, , ( ; yo, Olúṣẹ́gun Ọbásanjọ́ ; born 5 March 1937) is a Nigerian political and military leader who served as Nigeria's head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as its pres ...

Olusegun Oni Olusegun Oni (born 5 September 1954) is a Nigerian politician who served as governor of Ekiti State from 29 May 2007 to 14 October 2010. He was a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In 2014 he defected from the PDP and joined ...

Yemi Osinbajo Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo (born 8 March 1957) is a Nigerian lawyer, professor, and politician who is the 14th and current Vice President of Nigeria since 2015. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he previously served as Attorney Ge ...

Oyinkansola Abayomi Iyaloye Oyinkansola "Oyinkan" Abayomi, Lady Abayomi (6 March 1897 – 19 March 1990) was a Nigerian nationalist and feminist. She was the head of the Nigerian Girl Guides and founder of the Nigerian Women's Party. Early life and education She w ...

Rauf Aregbesola Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola (born 25 May 1957) is a Nigerian politician who is the current Minister of the Federal Ministry of Interior of Nigeria. Before that, he served as the fourth civilian governor of Osun State. He is a native of Iles ...

Rotimi Akeredolu Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (born 21 July 1956) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who is currently the Governor of Ondo State, in office since 24 February 2017. His adopted prefix is "Arakunrin", while his nickname is "Aketi". He is a Sen ...

Samuel Akintola Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá, otherwise known as ''S.L.A.'' (6 July 1910 – 15 January 1966), was a Yoruba politician, aristocrat , orator, and a Yoruba Lawyer. He was one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria, he served as ...

Seyi Makinde Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (born 25 December 1967) is a Nigerian businessman, politician and philanthropist who has served as Governor of Oyo State since 29 May 2019. He is an engineer and a subject matter expert on fluid and gas metering. He is th ...

Thomas Boni Yayi Thomas Boni Yayi (born 1 July 1951) is a Beninese banker and politician who was President of Benin from 2006 to 2016. He took office after winning the March 2006 presidential election and was re-elected to a second term in March 2011. He also s ...

Alhaji Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo (June 14, 1941 – March 12, 2002), popularly known as 'Alhaji how are you', was a Nigerian and prominent Yoruba politician. He was born in Ado-Ekiti the Ekiti State capital to Sir. Rufai Adeyemo & Princess Adebolarin A ...

Tunde Idiagbon Babatunde "Tunde" Abdulbaki Idiagbon (14 September 1943 – 24 March 1999) was a Nigerian general who served as the 6th Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters (second-in-command) under military head of state General Muhammadu Buhari from 198 ...

Bode Thomas Chief Bode Thomas (October 1919 – 23 November 1953) was a Nigerian lawyer, politician, statesman and traditional aristocrat. Thomas served as both a colonial minister of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria and a nobleman and privy counse ...

* Victor Adebowale (b. 1962),

People's peer In the United Kingdom, life peers are appointed members of the peerage whose titles cannot be inherited, in contrast to hereditary peers. In modern times, life peerages, always created at the rank of baron, are created under the Life Peerages ...

, current chair of the

NHS Confederation The NHS Confederation, formerly the National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts, is a membership body for organisations that commission and provide National Health Service services founded in 1990. The predecessor organisation was calle ...

(b. 1957), Nigerian lawyer and politician,

Vice-President of Nigeria The vice president of Nigeria is the second-highest officer in the executive branch of the federal government of Nigeria, after the president of Nigeria, and ranks first in the presidential line of succession. Officially styled vice presiden ...

since 2015

Administration

Akinwumi Adesina Akinwumi "Akin" Adesina is a Nigerian economist, who is currently serving as the President of the African Development Bank. He previously served as Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Until his appointment as Minister in 2010 ...

(b. 1960), President of African Development Bank since 2015 * Joseph Oladele Sanusi (b. 1938), Governor of the

Central Bank of Nigeria The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the central bank and apex monetary authority of Nigeria established by the CBN Act of 1958 and commenced operations on 1 July 1959. The major regulatory objectives of the bank as stated in the CBN Act are ...

from 1999 to 2004 *

Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu (born 13 April 1960) was the fifth and past President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, ) is a specialized agency of the United Nations ...

(b. 1960), fifth President of the Council of the

International Civil Aviation Organization The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO, ) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation, and fosters the planning and development of international sc ...

Oye Owolewa Adeoye "Oye" Owolewa (born 1989) is a Nigerian American politician, pharmacist, and a member of the Democratic Party. In November 2020, he was elected as the shadow representative of the United States House of Representatives from the District o ...

(b. 1989), Nigerian-American pharmacist and politician *

Wally Adeyemo Adewale "Wally" Adeyemo (born May 20, 1981) is a Nigerian-American government official serving as the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, United States deputy secretary of the treasury. He was the first president of the Obama Foundation and also se ...

(b. 1981), Deputy Treasury Secretary, United States of America.

African diaspora

Brazil

* Cândido da Fonseca Galvão * Osifekunde *

Pacifico Licutan Pacífico Licutan was a Muslim slave and Islamic community and religious leader in colonial Brazil in the 1800s, and was involved in the 1835 Malê Revolt in a leadership capacity. He was not killed in the revolt but did die shortly afterwards, af ...

Canada

* Thomas Peters

Cuba

* Carlota (d. in battle in 1844), one of the leaders of the slave rebellion in the Triunvirato plantation * José Antonio Aponte

Suriname

* Johannes Alabi

Trinidad and Tobago

* Victor Pascall (1886–1930), cricketer

United States

* Oluwale Kossola (Cudjoe Lewis) *

Matilda McCrear Matilda McCrear (c. 1857 – January 1940) was the last known living survivor in the United States of the transatlantic slave trade and the ship '' Clotilda''. She was a Yoruba who was captured and brought to Mobile, Mobile County, Alabama, ...

Redoshi Redoshi ( 1848 – 1937) was a Beninese woman who was kidnapped and smuggled to the U.S. state of Alabama as a girl in 1860. Until a later surviving claimant, Matilda McCrear, was announced in 2020, she was considered to have been the last ...

(Sally Smith) *

Scipio Vaughan Scipio Vaughan (1784–1840) was an African-American artisan and slavery in the United States, slave who inspired a "Back-to-Africa movement, back to Africa" movement among some of his offspring to connect with their roots in Africa, specifically ...

Aristocrats

Monarchs

Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni Ojikutujoye I Oba Lateef Adeniran Akanni, Obaarun-Oladekan I (3 December 1958 – 7 January 2022) was a Nigerian monarch. He was the Oba of Ado & Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo and the traditional ruler of the Yoruba kingdom of Ado-Odo. He was installed a ...

(b. 1958), Olofin Adimula of

Ado-Odo ' Ado-Odo is the metropolitan headquarters of the kingdom of Ado, renowned for its Oduduwa/ Obatala temple, the ancient fortress of the traditional practice of Ifá (''Ado n'ile Ifa''). Oodu'a is also regarded by traditionalists as the mother o ...

Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II (1950–2013) was chosen as the traditional ruler, or Deji, of the Akure Kingdom, based in the city of Akure in Ondo State, Nigeria on 13 August 2010. State governor Olusegun Mimiko presented him with the st ...

(1950–2013), traditional ruler of the

Akure Kingdom The Akure Kingdom is a traditional state with headquarters in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. It is the successor to an ancient Yoruba city state of the same name. The ruler bears the title "Deji of Akure". Location Akure is located in southweste ...

Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III (born 14 September 1943) is the current Alake of Egba, a clan in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He has ruled since 2 August 2005. Early life Gbadebo was born on 14 September 1943, into the Laarun Ruling House. He is a grandson of ...

(b. 1943), Alake of Egbaland * Adeniji Adele (1893–1964),

Oba of Lagos The Oba of Lagos, also known as the Eleko of Eko, is the traditional ruler ( Oba) of Lagos. The Oba is a ceremonial Yoruba sovereign with no political power, but is sought as a counsel or sponsor by politicians who seek support from the resident ...

Adesoji Aderemi Oba Sir Titus Martins Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi (Atobatele I), alias Adesoji Aderemi, (15 November 1889 – 3 July 1980), was a Nigerian political figure and Yoruba traditional ruler as the Ooni (King) of Ife (or ''Ilé-Ifẹ̀'', as it is p ...

(1889–1980),

Ooni The Ooni of Ile-Ife (Ọọ̀ni of Ilè-Ifẹ̀) is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife and the spiritual head of the Yoruba people. The Ooni dynasty existed before the reign of Oduduwa which historians have argued to have been between the 7th- ...

of Ife *

Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Oba (ruler), Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; (''Ọjájá II'') (born 17 October 1974) is the 51st and current List of rulers of Ife, Ooni of Ife. He is the Nigerian traditional rulers, traditional ruler/monarch of the Yoruba people, Yoruba Lis ...

(b. 1974),

of Ile-Ife *

Adeyinka Oyekan Adeyinka Oyekan II (30 June 1911 – 1 March 2003) was Oba of Lagos from 1965 to 2003. He was the grandson of Oba Oyekan I. Early life and education Adeyinka's father was a Methodist teacher, Prince Kusanu Abiola Oyekan. Adeyinka Oyekan attend ...

(1911–2003), second Christian

Ajaka Ajaka was an Oyo emperor who was twice on the throne. His father was Oranyan or Oranmiyan and his brother, according to the historian Samuel Johnson, was Shango. Life Ajaka lived in a fierce and tumultuous age, but he was originally a man of a p ...

, Oyo Emperor * Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I (r. 1886–1910), Ewi of

Ado Ekiti Ado Ekiti is the capital city of Ekiti State, Nigeria. It is the headquarter of the Ekiti central senatorial district, southwest, Nigeria. History Ado Ewi is an ancient city, founded by Ewi Awamaro the son of Biritikolu. Awamaro (the restles ...

Daniel Aladesanmi II Daniel Akomolafe Anirare Aladesanmi II OBE CFR (1902 – 7 January 1983) was a Yoruba Oba who reigned as Ewi of Ado Ekiti in Nigeria from 1937 until 1983. Early life Aladesanmi was born in 1902 to Olori Ifalete and Oba Ajimudaoro Aladesan ...

(1902–1983), Ewi of

Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III, CFR, SAN (June 26, 1941 – April 17, 2019) was the traditional ruler of Owo (Olowo of Owo), Ondo State, Nigeria. He was the eldest son of the late Olowo of Owo, Sir Olateru Olagbegi (1910–1998). He succeeded ...

(1941–2019) * Fredrick Kumokun Adedeji Haastrup (1820–1901), Oba Obokun of

Ilesa Ilesa () is an ancient town located in the Osun State, southwest Nigeria; it is also the name of a historic kingdom (also known as Ijesha) centred on that village. The state is ruled by a monarch bearing the title of the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ij ...

, first Christian Oba of Yorubaland *

Ladapo Ademola Oba Sir Ladapo Samuel Ademola KBE, CMG (1872–1962), also known as Ademola II, was the Alake of Abeokuta from 1920 to 1962. Before he was crowned Alake, Ademola was involved in the affairs of the Egba United Government. As a member of the ...

(1872–1962), Alake of

Abeokuta Abeokuta is the capital city of Ogun State in southwest Nigeria. It is situated on the east bank of the Ogun River, near a group of rocky outcrops in a wooded savanna; north of Lagos by railway, or by water. , Abeokuta and the surrounding are ...

Lamidi Adeyemi Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (15 October 1938 – 22 April 2022) was the Alaafin, or traditional ruler, of the Yoruba town of Oyo and rightful heir to the throne of its historic empire. Early life and ancestry Alaafin Adeyemi III was born Lam ...

(b. 1938-2022),

Alaafin Alaafin, or ''The Owner of the Palace'' in the Yoruba language, is the title of the emperor of the medieval Oyo empire and present-day Oyo town of West Africa. He ruled the old Oyo Empire which extended from the present day Benin republic to Ni ...

of Oyo *

Moremi Ajasoro Moremi Ajasoro ( Yoruba: ''Mọremí Àjàṣorò'') was a legendary Yoruba queen and folk heroine in the Yorubaland region of present-day southwestern Nigeria who is fabled to have assisted in the liberation of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife from ...

(12th century), legendary queen and folk heroine of the Yoruba people * Oba,

Orisha Orishas (singular: orisha) are spirits that play a key role in the Yoruba religion of West Africa and several religions of the African diaspora that derive from it, such as Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican Santería and Brazilian Candomblé. T ...

of the river Oba *

Oduduwa Oduduwa was a Yoruba divine king. According to tradition, he was the holder of the title of the ''Olofin'' of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba holy city. He ruled briefly in Ife, and also served as the progenitor of a number of independent royal dynasties ...

, divine king, according to tradition, first

Ooni of Ife The Ooni of Ile-Ife (Ọọ̀ni of Ilè-Ifẹ̀) is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife and the spiritual head of the Yoruba people. The Ooni dynasty existed before the reign of Oduduwa which historians have argued to have been between the 7th-9 ...

(r. c. 1100 AD), ancestor of many dynasties *

Olagbegi Atanneye I Olagbegi Atanneye I was a paramount ruler of Owo Kingdom, Ondo state, southwestern Nigeria who reigned between 1913 and 1938. He was the brother of Olowo Ajike Ogunoye and son of Olowo Olagbegi Atanneye II Olagbegi Atanneye II was a paramount ru ...

(r. 1913–1938), paramaunt ruler of Owo Kingdom *

Olagbegi Atanneye II Olagbegi Atanneye II was a paramount ruler of Owo Kingdom, Ondo state, southwestern Nigeria and the father of Olagbegi Atanneye I and Olowo Ajike Ogunoye Ajike Ogunoye was a paramount ruler of Owo Kingdom, Ondo state, southwestern Nigeria ...

Olateru Olagbegi I Olagbegi Atanneye I was a paramount ruler of Owo Kingdom, Ondo state, southwestern Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ...

(r. 1913–1938) *

Olateru Olagbegi II Oba Sir Olateru Olagbegi II, (August 1910 – 1998) was the King (Olowo) of Owo, an ancient city which was once the capital of an Eastern Yoruba city state in Nigeria. He was appointed Olowo in 1941 and ruled for 25 years before he was d ...

(1910–1998) *

Olubuse II Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuwade, or Sijuade, (1 January 1930 – 28 July 2015) was the fiftieth traditional ruler or ''Ooni'' of Ife from 1980 to his death in 2015, taking the regnal name Olubuse II. Ife is a traditional Yoruba state based in th ...

(1930–2015), traditional ruler of Ife * Oranyan, legendary founder of Oyo *

Orompoto Orompoto (also spelled Oronpoto) was an Alaafin of the Yoruba Oyo Empire. The empire of which she ruled is located in what is modern day western and north-central Nigeria. History Orompoto was the sister of her predecessor, Eguguojo. She became t ...

(16th century), female

of Oyo *

Oshun Ọṣun, is an orisha, a spirit, a deity, or a goddess that reflects one of the manifestations of the Yorùbá Supreme Being in the Ifá oral tradition and Yoruba-based religions of West Africa. She is one of the most popular and venerated ...

Osupa Osupa I, otherwise known as Òṣùpá t'Àdó là Ogiso Otolu Apaara, (Adesoro; c. 1776-1846) was a Yoruba monarch. He ruled the Akure Kingdom from 1834 until 1846. His lineal descendants are today known as the House of Osupa. They serve as one ...

* Oya *

Oyekan I Oba Oyekan I (died September 30, 1900) reigned as the Lagos Monarch from March 1885 - September 30, 1900. He ascended the throne about a month after the death of his father Oba Dosunmu. Prince Oyekan vs. Chief Apena Ajasa incident In 1883, Oba ...

* Rilwan Akiolu *

Rufus Aladesanmi III Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III CON (born 1945) is a Yoruba Oba and the current Ewi of Ado Ekiti. Reign Aladesanmi succeeded Adelabu I as the Ewi of Ado Ekiti in 1990. He serves as the chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University ...

Samuel Akinsanya Samuel Akisanya, (1 August 1898 – January 1985) was a Nigerian trade unionist and nationalist based in Lagos, Nigeria during the colonial era, one of the founders of the Nigerian Youth Movement. He was also the Oba of Isara, an office which ...

Shango Shango (Yoruba language: Ṣàngó, also known as Changó or Xangô in Latin America; and as Jakuta or Badé) is an Orisha, a deity in Yoruba religion. Genealogically speaking, Shango is a royal ancestor of the Yoruba as he was the third Alaafi ...

Sikiru Kayode Adetona Ọba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna (born 10 May 1934) is the Awùjalẹ̀ of the Ijẹbu Kingdom, a traditional state in Nigeria. He was installed as the king on 2 April 1960, which makes him one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria. He ...

(b. 1934), Awujale of the

Ijebu Kingdom Ijebu (also known as Jebu or Geebu) is a Yoruba people, Yoruba kingdom in Nigeria. It was formed around the fifteenth century. According to legend, its ruling dynasty was founded by Obanta whose personal name was Ogborogan of Ile-Ife. Its con ...

Chiefs and princes

* Abibatu Mogaji (1916–2013), business magnate *

Abiodun Duro-Ladipo Abiodun Duro-Ladipo (born 1941) is a Nigerian actress and singer of noble Yoruba people, Yoruba birth. In 1963, she joined the theatre company of Duro Ladipo, whom she married the following year. Acting in her husband's Epic theatre, epic plays, ...

Abiola Dosunmu Chieftain, Chief Abiola Dosunmu (formerly Dosunmu-Elegbede-Fernandez, born 29 July 1947), is a Nigerian businesswoman, socialite and Nigerian Chieftaincy, traditional aristocrat. In addition to a variety of other chieftaincy titles, she currently ho ...

Adeniran Ogunsanya Adeniran Ogunsanya, QC, SAN (31 January 1918 – 22 November 1996) was a Nigerian lawyer and politician. He was among the chief-founders of the Ibadan Peoples Party (IPP). He served as a Lagos State commissioner for Justice and Education and d ...

* Afe Babalola *

Bisoye Tejuoso Chieftain, Chief Esther Bisoye Tejuoso (1916 – 19 September 1996) was a Nigerian businesswoman from Abeokuta. She was born into the family of an Egba people, Egba farmer who was also a Tribal chief, chief in Abeokuta. She herself held the chieft ...

Christopher Sapara Williams Chief Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams (14 July 1855 – 15 March 1915) was the first indigenous Nigerian lawyer, called to the English bar on 17 November 1879. In addition to his legal practice, he came to play an influential role in the ...

Efunroye Tinubu Efunroye Tinubu ( 1810 – 1887), born Ẹfúnpọ̀róyè Ọ̀ṣuntinúbú, was a powerful Yoruba female aristocrat, merchant, and slave trader in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria. She was a politically and economically influential figure in ...

Efunsetan Aniwura Chief Ẹfúnṣetán Aníwúrà (c. 1820s – June 30, 1874) was the second Iyalode of Ibadan and one of the pre-eminent slave traders in the 19th century Ibadan. Revered as a successful merchant and trader, her impact encompassed the politica ...

* Gaha *

Gani Adams Chieftain, Chief Ganiyu Adams , popularly known as Gani Adams (born April 30, 1970), is a Nigerian activist, politician, traditional aristocrat and the 15th Oyo empire#Are Ona Kakanfo, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. Early life Gani Adams was bo ...

Henry Fajemirokun Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun, Orders, decorations, and medals of Nigeria, CON (July 26, 1926 – February 15, 1978) was a trade unionist who later became a prominent Nigerian industrialist and businessman and one of the country's dynamic indigenous e ...

* H.O. Davies * John Otunba Payne (1839–1906), Nigerian sheriff, administrator and diarist *

MKO Abiola Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola , also known as M. K. O. Abiola (24 August 1937 – 7 July 1998) was a Nigerian businessman, publisher, and politician. He was the Aare Ona Kankafo XIV of Yorubaland and an aristocrat of the Egba clan. M.K.O ...

* Moses Majekodunmi *

Oluyole {{Unreferenced, date=June 2022 ''For the Local Government Area of Oyo State, see Oluyole, Nigeria.'' Chief Oluyole was a distinguished, dominating army commander from Oyo. He rose to fame as Bashorun, a title he subsequently made famous, and w ...

Oguntola Sapara Chief Oguntola Odunbaku Sapara M.D. (9 June 1861 – June 1935) was a Yoruba doctor, originally from Sierra Leone, who spent most of his career and life in Nigeria. He was best known for his campaign against smallpox. Early life and education ...

* Richard Akinjide * Roseline Osipitan *

Sara Forbes Bonetta Sara Forbes Bonetta, otherwise known as Sarah Forbes Bonetta, (born Aina or Ina; 1843 – 15 August 1880), was ward and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. She was believed to have been a titled member of the Egbado clan of the Yoruba people in West ...

Sunday Igboho Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho (10 October 1972, Igboho, Nigeria) is a Nigerian Yoruba self-determination activist and philanthropist. Nicknamed after his hometown, he rose to fame following his role in the Modak ...

Tejumade Alakija Tejumade Alakija (17 May 1925 – August, 2013) was a Nigerian civil servant who rose to be the first female head of Oyo State's civil service. Life Princess Alakija Tejumade was born on the 17, May 1925 in Ile-Ife, Oyo State, South-westhern part ...

* T.O.S. Benson * Yemi Elebuibon *

Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon is a prince of Ake in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. He hails from the Sogbulu and Ogunfayo lineage of the Laarun ruling house of Ake in Egbaland. Education and career He studied engineering at the University of Ibadan, ...

Sports

Football (soccer)

* Adebayo Adeleye (b. 2000), goalkeeper *

Adebayo Akinfenwa Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa (born 10 May 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker. Akinfenwa's professional breakthrough came at Doncaster Rovers, having spent time up until then in the lower leagues of English f ...

Ademola Lookman Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman (born 20 October 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Atalanta and the Nigeria national team. Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlt ...

* Arnaut Danjuma * Asisat Oshoala * Ayila Yussuf *

Babajide Collins Babatunde Babajide "Baba" Collins Babatunde (born 2 December 1988) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Career Collins began his career by FC Ebedei played there between 2006, joined then to Ikast FS. Collins played there ...

Best Ogedegbe Best Ogedegbe (3 September 1954 – 28 September 2009) was a Nigerian football goalkeeper. Career He played with Shooting Stars F.C. most of his career, and was the goalkeeper when Shooting Stars won Nigeria's first continental trophy, the A ...

* Bukayo Saka *

David Alaba David Olatukunbo Alaba (born 24 June 1992) is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or left-back for La Liga club Real Madrid and captains the Austria national team. Alaba started out in Bayern's youth system before b ...

Dele Ajiboye Oladele Muniru Ajiboye (born 7 August 1990 in Osogbo, Osun State) is a Nigerian football goalkeeper. He currently plays for Plateau United F.C. Career Ajiboye began his career with Prime F.C., and in September 2008 joined Wikki Tourists F ...

Dele Alli Bamidele Jermaine Alli ( ; born 11 April 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Beşiktaş, on loan from Premier League club Everton. Born and raised in Milton Keynes, he joined the youth ...

Dominic Solanke Dominic Ayodele Solanke-Mitchell (born 14 September 1997), known as Dominic Solanke, is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for side AFC Bournemouth. Solanke started his career with Chelsea, making his first-team debut ...

Emmanuel Adebayor Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor (; born 26 February 1984) is a Togolese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Togolese Championnat National club Semassi. He previously played for English clubs Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Ho ...

Eniola Aluko Eniola Aluko (born 21 February 1987) is a football executive, commentator, and former professional player. She is the first Sporting Director for Angel City FC of the American National women's soccer league and formerly held the position of Spor ...

* Femi Ajilore *

Fikayo Tomori Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola "Fikayo" Tomori (born 19 December 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club AC Milan and the England national team. Born in Canada, he represents England at international level. Early l ...

* Folarin Balogun * Funso Ojo * Ibraheem Jabaar *

Jamal Musiala Jamal Musiala (born 26 February 2003) is a German professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for club Bayern Munich and the Germany national team. Nicknamed "Bambi", Musiala is known for his world-class dribbling a ...

* Jamil Muhammad * Jodel Dossou *

John Fashanu John Fashanu (, born 18 September 1962) is an English television presenter and former professional footballer. In his former career, he was a centre-forward from 1978 until 1995, most notably in an eight-year spell at Wimbledon in which he w ...

* Junior Ajayi * Junior Olaitan *

Karim Adeyemi Karim-David Adeyemi (born 18 January 2002) is a German professional footballer who plays as a winger, striker or attacking-midfielder for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and the Germany national team. Club career Red Bull Salzburg Adeyem ...

* Kevin Schade *

Leon Balogun Leon Aderemi Balogun (born 28 June 1988) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for Queens Park Rangers and the Nigeria national team. Balogun has previously played for Türkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna ...

(b. 1988), defender for the

Nigeria national football team The Nigeria national football team represents Nigeria in men's international Association football, football. Governed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), they are three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, with their most recent title in ...

Manuel Akanji Manuel Obafemi Akanji (born 19 July 1995) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Manchester City and the Switzerland national team. Club career Youth football and early career Born in Neftenbach, Akanji began his ...

Mathieu Adeniyi Mathieu Adeniyi (born 26 April 1987 Porto-Novo) is a Beninense football player who plays for CPBB Rennes in France. His name "Adeniyi" means "The Crown is Precious" in the Yoruba language Career Adeniyi began his career by Association Sportive ...

(b. 1987),

Benin Benin ( , ; french: Bénin , ff, Benen), officially the Republic of Benin (french: République du Bénin), and formerly Dahomey, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north ...

ense football player *

Michael Obafemi Michael Oluwadurotimi Obafemi (born 6 July 2000) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL Championship club Swansea City and the Irish national team. Early life Obafemi was born in Dublin to Nigerian parents. Wh ...

* Mohammed Nur * Mudashiru Lawal (1954-1991), Nigerian footballer who played as a

midfielder A midfielder is an outfield position in association football. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role, breaking up attacks, and are in that case known as defensive midfielders. As central midfielders often go across boundarie ...

* Nathan Tella *

Olufolasade Adamolekun Olufolasade "Sade" Ayomide Danielle Adamolekun (born 21 February 2001) is an American-born Jamaican footballer who plays as a forward or a midfielder for USC Trojans and the Jamaica women's national team. Early life Born in Austin, Texas to a ...

Obafemi Martins Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins (born 28 October 1984) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He is known for his speed on the ball. After leaving Nigeria for Italy at age 16, he has since played for a number of top-d ...

(b. 1984), Nigerian professional footballer * Patrick Owomoyela (b. 1979), German former professional footballer *

Peter Odemwingie Peter Osaze Odemwingie (born 15 July 1981) is a retired Nigerian professional footballer who played as a forward and winger. Odemwingie grew up in Uzbekistan and Russia and began his career with Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Premier League. ...

(b. 1981), retired Nigerian professional footballer who played as a

forward Forward is a relative direction, the opposite of backward. Forward may also refer to: People * Forward (surname) Sports * Forward (association football) * Forward (basketball), including: ** Point forward ** Power forward (basketball) ** Sm ...

and a winger *

Rabiu Afolabi Rabiu Afolabi (born 18 April 1980) is a Nigerian former professional association football, footballer, who played as a Defender (association football)#Centre-back, centre-back. Career Born in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, Afolabi started his f ...

Rasheedat Ajibade Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade (born 8 December 1999) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish Liga F club Atlético Madrid and the Nigeria women's national team. She is nicknamed "RASH", a shortened form of her firs ...

* Rasheed Yekini (1963-2012), Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker *

Razak Omotoyossi Razak Omotoyossi (born 8 October 1985) is a former professional footballer who played as a striker for JA Cotonou. Born in Nigeria, he appeared for the Benin national team at international level. He played in Nigeria, Egypt, Sweden, Saudi Ara ...

(b. 1985), Beninese professional footballer *

Sammy Ameobi Samuel Oluwaseyi Jesutoromo Ameobi (born 1 May 1992) is a professional footballer who played most recently for Championship club Middlesbrough, although he has since been made a Free Agent. He is the younger brother of fellow players Shola and ...

* Saturnin Allagbé (b. 1993), player for the

Benin national football team The Benin national football team ( French: Équipe nationale de Football du Benin), nicknamed ''Les Guépards (The Cheetahs)'', represent Benin in men's international association football and are controlled by the Benin Football Federation. The ...

Sheyi Ojo Oluwaseyi Babajide "Sheyi" Ojo (born 19 June 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger for EFL Championship club Cardiff City. Ojo joined Liverpool as a 14-year-old and came through their academy. He spent time on l ...

Segun Odegbami Patrick Olusegun Odegbami (born 27 August 1952), often shortened as Segun Odegbami, is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward Early life Odegbami was born on 27 August 1952 in Lagos, Nigeria to Jacob Adebola Odegbam ...

(b. 1952), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as

* Simon Sohm *

Sone Aluko Omatsone Folarin "Sone" Aluko (born 19 February 1989) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward or winger for Ipswich Town and the Nigeria national team. Aluko began his career at Birmingham City, graduating from the club's academy ...

Shola Ameobi Foluwashola Ameobi (born 12 October 1981) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He spent 14 years at Newcastle United, making 397 official appearances and scoring 79 goals, and received a winner's medal when the ...

(b. 1981), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker * Steve Mounie *

Taiwo Awoniyi Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi (born 12 August 1997) is a Nigerian professional Association football, footballer who plays as a forward (association football), forward for club Nottingham Forest F.C., Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national football ...

Taye Taiwo Taye Ismaila Taiwo (born 16 April 1985) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Kakkonen club SalPa. Having been a ranks of Gabros International and Lobi Stars, Taiwo moved to France by joining Marseille, where he h ...

(b. 1985), Nigerian professional footballer *

Thomas Sowunmi Thomas Sowunmi (born 25 July 1978) is a retired footballer. Sowunmi was born in Nigeria to a Hungarian mother and a Nigerian Yoruba father and spent the first nine years of his life in the African state. He started playing football aged 13 and ...

Tobi Jnohope Tobi "Bob" Jnohope (born 4 October 1997) is a Dominican association footballer who currently plays for Lernayin Artsakh FC of the Armenian First League. Youth and college Jnohope began his youth career with Clearwater Chargers Soccer Club in Flo ...

, footballer *

Tobi Sho-Silva Oluwatobi Fabian Shobowale Akintunde "Tobi" Sho-Silva (born 27 March 1995) is an English professional association football, footballer who plays for Maidenhead United F.C., Maidenhead United as a Forward (association football), forward. Career ...

(b. 1995), English professional footballer *

Tosin Adarabioyo Abdul-Nasir Oluwatosin Oluwadoyinsolami Adarabioyo (born 24 September 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Fulham. Adarabioyo started his professional career with Manchester City where, after progress ...

(b. 1997), English professional footballer * Yakubu Aiyegbeni (b. 1982), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker

Football coaches

Festus Onigbinde Festus 'Adegboye' Onigbinde (born March 5, 1938 in Modakeke) is a Nigerian football manager. Career He coached Nigeria national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, an achievement he had already gotten, between 1982 and 1984. In 1984, Onigbinde took ...

(b. 1938), Nigerian football manager *

(b. 1952), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a

* Yemi Tella (c. 1951 - 2007), coach of the Nigerian football team

Basketball

Alex Antetokounmpo Alexandros Emeka "Alex" Antetokounmpo ( ; el, Αλέξανδρος Εμέκα "Άλεξ" Αντετοκούνμπο, ; born Adetokunbo 27 August 2001) is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. ...

Bam Adebayo Edrice Femi "Bam" Adebayo (born July 18, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before being selected by the He ...

* Gani Oladimeji Lawal Jr. *

Giannis Antetokounmpo Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo (born Adetokunbo; December 6, 1994) is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Antetokounmpo's country of origin, in addition to his s ...

Hakeem Olajuwon Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon (; ; born January 21, 1963), nicknamed "the Dream", is a Nigerian Americans, Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. From 1984 to 2002, he played Center (basketball), center in the National Basketball Ass ...

Kostas Antetokounmpo Konstantinos Ndubuisi "Kostas" Antetokounmpo ( ; el, Κωνσταντίνος Εντουμπουίσι "Κώστας" Αντετοκούνμπο, ; born Adetokunbo November 20, 1997) is a Greek professional basketball player who plays for the F ...

(b. 1997), Greek professional basketball player *

Michael Olowokandi Michael Olowokandi (born 3 April 1975) is a Nigerian former professional basketball player. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in London, he played collegiately for the Pacific Tigers in Stockton, California. Nicknamed "The Kandi Man," Olowokandi ...

(b. 1975), Nigerian former professional basketball player * Olu Famutimi (b. 1984), Canadian professional basketball player *

Thanasis Antetokounmpo Athanasios Rotimi "Thanasis" Antetokounmpo, (born Adetokunbo; July 18, 1992) is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Listed at 6 feet and 7 inches, he plays the ...

(b. 1992), Greek professional basketball player *

Victor Oladipo Kehinde Babatunde Victor Oladipo (born May 4, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, where in the 2012-2013 sea ...

(b. 1992), American professional basketball player

Combat sports

Anthony Joshua Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua (born 15 October 1989) is an English professional boxer. He is a two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, having held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles twice between 2016 and 2021. At r ...

(b. 1989), British

professional boxer Professional boxing, or prizefighting, is regulated, sanctioned boxing. Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse that is divided between the boxers as determined by contract. Most professional bouts are supervised by a regulatory autho ...

and two-time former unified world

heavyweight Heavyweight is a weight class in combat sports and professional wrestling. Boxing Professional Boxers who weigh over are considered heavyweights by 3 of the 4 major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation, the Wo ...

champion *

Kamaru Usman Kamarudeen Usman (born May 11, 1987) is a Nigerian and American professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle wrestler and retired folkstyle wrestler. He currently competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Champions ...

(b. 1987),

Nigerian Nigerians or the Nigerian people are citizens of Nigeria or people with ancestry from Nigeria. The name Nigeria was taken from the Niger River running through the country. This name was allegedly coined in the late 19th century by British jour ...

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

professional

mixed martial artist Mixed martial arts (MMA), sometimes referred to as cage fighting, no holds barred (NHB), and ultimate fighting, and originally referred to as Vale Tudo is a full-contact combat sport based on striking, grappling and ground fighting, incorp ...

and former

freestyle wrestler Freestyle wrestling is a style of wrestling originated from Great Britain and the United States. Along with Greco-Roman, it is one of the two styles of wrestling contested in the Olympic Games. American high school and men's college wrestling i ...

Israel Adesanya Israel Mobolaji Odunayo Oluwafemi Temitayo Owolabi Adesanya (born 22 July 1989) is a New Zealand professional mixed martial artist, kickboxer, and former boxer with multiple championships in all three disciplines. As a mixed martial artist, h ...

(b. 1989), Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist,

kickboxer Kickboxing is a combat sport focused on kicking and punching. The combat takes place in a boxing ring, normally with boxing gloves, mouthguards, shorts, and bare feet to favour the use of kicks. Kickboxing is practiced for self-defense, general ...

, and former professional boxer * Benny Adegbuyi (b. 1985), Romanian kickboxer and professional boxer *

Muhammed Lawal Oklahoma State Cowboys Central Oklahoma Bronchos Muhammed Lawal (born January 11, 1981), also known as "King Mo", is an American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist currently signed to Major League Wr ...

(b. 1981), American professional wrestler and retired mixed martial artist *

Ola Afolabi Olawale O. "Ola" Afolabi (born 15 March 1980) is a British professional boxer. He is a two-time former WBO interim cruiserweight champion, as well as a two-time former IBO cruiserweight champion. Nicknamed "Kryptonite", Afolabi was known in ...

(b. 1980), British professional boxer

Volleyball

Foluke Akinradewo Foluke Atinuke Gunderson (née Akinradewo; born October 5, 1987) is an indoor volleyball player who plays as a middle blocker for Japanese club Hisamitsu Springs. Born in Canada, she represents the United States internationally. Gunderson won g ...

(b. 1987), indoor volleyball player

American football

Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Muhammed-Kabeer Olanrewaju Gbaja-Biamila, Sr. (; born September 24, 1977), nicknamed "KGB", is a former American football defensive end who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at San Diego State. ...

(b. 1977), former

American football American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with ...

defensive end Defensive end (DE) is a defensive position in the sport of gridiron football. This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formation (American football), formations over the years have substantially ...

Ice hockey

Jarome Iginla Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla (; born July 1, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger. He played over 1500 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Br ...

Track and field athletes

Daley Thompson Francis Morgan Ayodélé Thompson, (born 30 July 1958), better known as Daley Thompson, is a British former decathlete. He won the decathlon gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1980 and 1984, and broke the world record for the event four tim ...

Femi Ogunode Femi Seun Ogunode (born 15 May 1991 in Ondo City) is a Nigerian-born sprint athlete who competes internationally for Qatar since 2010. His personal best of 9.91 at 100 m in 2015 made him the former holder of the Asian 100m record, which was ...

* Karim Olowu *

Olabisi Afolabi Olabisi ("Bisi") Afolabi (born 31 October 1975 in Ilorin) is a retired female track and field athlete from Nigeria, who specialized in the 400 metres during her career. She was a member of the Nigerian team that won the silver medal in the 1996 ...

(b. 1975), retired track and field athlete from Nigeria *

Oludamola Osayomi Oludamola Bolanle ("Damola") Osayomi (born 26 June 1986 in Ilesha, Osun State) is a Nigerian sprinter who specializes in the 100 metres and 200 metres. She is a four-time gold medallist at the African Championships in Athletics and won an Oly ...

Olusoji Fasuba Olusoji Adetokunbo Fasuba (born 9 July 1984) is a Nigerian sprinter who specializes in the 100 metres.

(b. 1984), Nigerian sprinter *

Tobi Amusan Oluwatobiloba Ayomide "Tobi" Amusan (born 23 April 1997) is a Nigerian track and field athlete who specialises in the 100 metres hurdles and also competes as a sprinter. She is the current World, Commonwealth and African champion in the 10 ...

(b. 1997), Nigerian hurdler who also competes as a sprinter. World record holder in the 100m hurdles. * Yakubu Adesokan (b. 1979), Nigerian powerlifter *

Kriss Akabusi Kezie Uchechukwu Duru Akabusi , MBE (born 28 November 1958), known as Kriss Akabusi, is a British former sprint and hurdling track and field athlete. His first international successes were with the British 4×400 metres relay team, winning a ...

(b. 1958), track and field athlete, Olympic, Commonwealth Games, and European Championships medal winner, 400m hurdle record holder

Squash and Table tennis

Adewale Amao Adewale is both a given name and a surname of Yoruba language, Yoruba origin, meaning "the king/crown/royalty came home". Notable people with the name include: Given name * Adewale Ademoyega (born c.1934), Nigerian Army officer * Adewale Akinnuoy ...

(b. 1990), Nigerian professional squash player *

Segun Toriola Segun Moses Toriola (born 18 September 1974 in Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria) is a retired Nigeria professional table tennis player. He is the youngest of nine brothers. Since 1995 he has been ranked as the best Nigerian player. He has been amongst t ...

(b. 1974), Nigerian professional table tennis player

Music

African

Pre-2000s

Post-2000s

9ice 9ice, born Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande (born 17 January 1980), is a Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer. He is known for his powerful use of the Yoruba language in his music as well as his proverbial lyrics and unique style of deliv ...

(b. 1980), Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer *

Adekunle Gold Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko (born 28 January 1987), known professionally as Adekunle Gold and AG Baby, is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter. He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade", a highlife cover of On ...

(b. 1987), Nigerian

highlife Highlife is a music genre that started in present-day Ghana in the 19th century, during its Gold Coast (British colony), history as a colony of the British Empire and through its trade routes in coastal areas. It describes multiple local fusions ...

singer, songwriter and graphic designer *

Aramide Aramid fibers, short for aromatic polyamide, are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic-rated body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in marine cordage, ma ...

(b. 1985), Nigerian

afro-soul Afro-soul is a music genre that has African characteristics of soul music. It has emotional vocals, especially of the lead singer. There is a very strong link between Afro-soul and other genres like Afro-Jazz, Amapiano, and Afrobeats. Notable ...

singer and songwriter *

Aṣa Bukola Elemide (born 17 September 1982"There's 'Fire O ...

Asake Ahmed Ololade (born 13 January 1995), known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name pays homage to his mother, whose first name is Asake. To ...

* Ayọ *

Ayo Jay Ayoola Ogundeyi Jr. (born 9 August 1989), better known as Ayo Jay, is an English-born Nigerian singer. He currently has a record deal with One Nation and RCA, and is also known as Boy Wonder. Early life Ayo Jay discovered his abilities for sin ...

Ayra Starr Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (born 14 June 2002), known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer. She was born in Cotonou, Benin. Ayra Starr began a fashion career at the age of 16 with Quove Model Management before deciding to pursu ...

Barry Jhay Barry Jhay (born Oluwakayode Junior Balogun) is a Nigerian Afrobeats musician notable for his cultural style of music. He is from Ibadan, Nigeria but raised in Lagos and his father is the late Fuji Fuji may refer to: Places China * Fuji, Xiang ...

Bella Shmurda Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi (born 27 January 1996), professionally known as Bella Shmurda, is a Nigerian singer. He rose to prominence with the release of the song "Vision 2020", and a follow-up remix which featured Nigeria rapper Olamide. Early l ...

Brymo Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ (born Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi; 9 May 1986), better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, stage performer,actor and author. He started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a record dea ...

* CDQ * Chinko Ekun *

D'banj Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo (born 9 June 1980), better known by his stage name D'banj, is a Nigerian singer and rapper and the founder of Mo' Hits Records with producer Don Jazzy. He has won several music awards, including the awards for ''Best Af ...

Davido David Adedeji Adeleke (born November 21, 1992), popularly known by his stage name Davido, is an American-Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. His music blends traditional African elements with global mainstream pop. Davido is widel ...

DJ Cuppy Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola (born 11 November 1992), professionally known as DJ Cuppy, or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola. She grew up in Lagos and moved to London at ...

Dotman Olatunji Oladotun Alade (born in c.1993 in Ogun State, Nigeria), popularly known as Dotman, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, performer and the CEO of 808 Recordz. He is most famous for his hit singles "Akube", "My Woman", "Afro Girl" and "Omoge". ...

Eedris Abdulkareem Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja (born December 24, 1974), popularly known as Eedris Abdulkareem, is a Nigerian hip hop, R n B and Afrobeat artist, songwriter and singer. He was the lead rapper of the defunct Nigerian hip hop boy band The R ...

* eLDee *

Falz Folarin Falana (born 27 October 1990), better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his profe ...

Femi Kuti Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti (born 16 June 1962), popularly known as Femi Kuti, is a Nigerian musician born in London and raised in Lagos. He is the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and a grandchild of political campaigner, women's ri ...

* Femi Leye *

Fireboy DML Adedamola Adefolahan (born 5 February 1996), known professionally as Fireboy DML, is a Nigerian singer. He is signed to YBNL Nation, a record label founded by Nigerian rapper Olamide. His debut studio album ''Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps'' was ...

Jaywon Oluwajuwonlo Iledare (born 6 June 1986), professionally known as Jaywon, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, performer, producer and actor (army of the thieves). Following his departure from Kennis Music, he founded the Next World Music record l ...

* JME *

Joeboy Joseph Akinwale (born 21 May 1997), known professionally as Joeboy, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Mr Eazi of the record label emPawa Africa discovered him in 2017. His musical genres are Afro-pop and R&B. He was born in Lagos State, Niger ...

Kizz Daniel Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, (born 1 May 1994) better known by his stage name Kizz Daniel, is a Yoruba singer and songwriter. He is best known for his singles " Woju" and "Yeba". He went by the stage name Kiss Daniel prior to changing it in May ...

Korede Bello Oluwakorede Bello (born 29 February 1996) is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Mavin Records in 2014. Bello is best known for his hit single " Godwin", a semi-gospel and pop song which became a national anthem and t ...

Ladipoe Ladipo Eso popularly known as Ladipoe or Poe is a Nigerian Rapper & musician. On 28 February 2017, Ladipoe signed a record deal with Mavin Records. He rose to prominence with the song "Feel Alright" where he got featured by SDC "Show Dem Camp". ...

* L.A.X *

Laycon Olamilekan Massoud Al-Khalifah Agbeleshebioba (born 8 November 1993), known professionally as Laycon, is a Nigerian media personality, rapper, singer and songwriter. He is the winner of Big Brother Naija season 5 and currently the youth ambassad ...

(b. 1993), Nigerian media personality, rapper, singer and songwriter *

Lil Kesh Keshinro Ololade (born 17 March 1995), known professionally as Lil Kesh, is a Nigerian singer and rapper. He rose to limelight after releasing the hit single "Shoki". Early life and education Ololade was born and raised in Bariga, an area in L ...

(b. 1994), Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter *

Little Simz Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo (born 23 February 1994), better known by her stage name Little Simz, is a British rapper, singer and actress. She rose to prominence with the independent release of her first three albums; ''A Curious Tale ...

Lojay Lekan Osifeso Jnr. (born 28 April 1996) popularly known as Lojay, is a Nigerian musician, singer, songwriter and performing artist. He peaked at number 8 on the '' billboard U.S. afrobeats songs chart'' with his song ''Monalisa'', in which he ...

Lyta Babatunde Rahim, known professionally as Lyta, is a Nigerian singer. He signed a record deal with YBNL Nation in 2018 but left the label in May 2019 after having a disagreement with the label owner Olamide. He released the 5-track debut EP '' ...

Maleek Berry Maleek Shoyebi (born 11 August 1987), professionally known as Maleek Berry, is a British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist. After his break into the spotlight in 2012, Maleek Berry was nominated as "Music Producer of the Year" at the ...

(b. 1987), British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist *

Mayorkun Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel (born 23 March 1994), known professionally as Mayorkun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and pianist. He released a cover of Davido's "The Money" single and was discovered by the singer on Twitter. Mayorkun was signed to ...

(b. 1994), Nigerian singer, songwriter and pianist *

Mr Eazi Oluwatosin Ajibade (born 19 July 1991), better known by his stage name Mr Eazi, is a Nigerian-born, Ghana-based singer. He is a pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressio ...

Mz Kiss Akindele Justina Omowunmi (born September 1, 1996), known by her stage name Mz Kiss, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Background Mz Kiss was born on 1 September 1996 in Okitipupa, a town in local government area of Ondo State, We ...

Naira Marley Azeez Adeshina Fashola (born 10 May 1991), known professionally as Naira Marley, is a British-Nigerian singer and song writer. He is known as the president of his controversial fan base, "Marlians". Education At the age of 11, he moved to Pec ...

Niniola Niniola Apata (born 15 December 1986), known professionally as Niniola, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She participated in the sixth season of ''Project Fame West Africa'' in 2013. After releasing her debut single "Ibadi", she was nominated ...

* Olamide *

Olu Maintain Olumide Edwards Adegbulu (born September 1976), known by his stage name Olu Maintain (sometimes called Mr. Yahooze), is a Nigerian singer. He co-founded the musical group known as Maintain with his cousin, Tolu Ogunniyi. Adeboye Bammeke, popul ...

* Oxlade (singer) * Qdot * Queen Fumi *

Reekado Banks Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon (born 6 December 1993), better known by his stage name Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He signed with Mavin Records in 2014 and left the label in 2018. He went by the stage name Spicy before his recor ...

* Reminisce *

Ruger Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., better known by the shortened name Ruger, is an American firearm manufacturing company based in Southport, Connecticut, with production facilities also in Newport, New Hampshire; Mayodan, North Carolina; and Presco ...

Seun Kuti Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti (born 11 January 1983), who is called by the name Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, singer and the youngest son of the famous Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti. Seun leads his father's former band Egypt 80. Biography The y ...

Seyi Shay Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua (born Oluwaseyi Joshua; 21 December 1985), professionally known as Seyi Shay (pronounced Shay-yee Shay), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. She wrote and produced three songs for the soundtrack to Konami's vi ...

Skepta Chief Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. (born 19 September 1982), known professionally as Skepta, is a British-Nigerian grime MC, rapper and record producer. Alongside his younger brother Jme, he briefly joined Roll Deep before they became founding ...

Shola Allyson Sola Allyson-Obaniyi, popularly known as Shola Allyson or Sola Allyson, is a Nigerian soul, folk, and gospel singer and songwriter. She came into limelight with the hit album ''Eji Owuro'' (2003), which was the soundtrack album for a film of the ...

* Simi *

Small Doctor Adekunle Temitope (born 27 May 1996), better known by his stage name Small Doctor, is a Nigerian Fuji music, Fuji, afro-pop recording artist and performer. Small Doctor was preceded by the release of another single: "Penalty" which won award for ...

Sound Sultan Sound Sultan (born Olanrewaju Abdul-Ganiu Fasasi; November 27, 1976 – July 11, 2021) was a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, comedian, and recording artist. He was regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Niger ...

Taio Cruz Jacob Taio Cruz (; born Adetayo Ayowale Onile-Ere, 23 April 1980), better known professionally as Taio Cruz (stylized TΛIO CRUZ), is an English singer, songwriter and record producer from London, England, currently based in Los Angeles. In 200 ...

Tems Temilade Openiyi (born 11 June 1995), known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer. She rose to prominence after she was featured on Wizkid's 2020 single "Essence," which reached the top ten of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 after the releas ...

* Teni *

Tiwa Savage Tiwa Savage (born 5 February 1980) is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and performing artist. Born in Isale Eko, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. Five years later, she began her music career doing backup voc ...

Tope Alabi Tope Alabi (born 27 October 1970) in Ogun, a Nigerian gospel singer, film music composer and actress. She is also known as Ore ti o common and as Agbo Jesu. Tope Alabi obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the polytechni ...

* Wale *

Wande Coal Oluwatobi Wande Ojosipe (born 18 October 1985), popularly known as Wande Coal, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Early life Wande Coal was born on 18 October 1985 in Lagos Island, Lagos state, Nigeria, to Chief Ibukun Olufunto and Omolar ...

Wizkid Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern-day Afrobeats music scene, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest and most influential Afri ...

Yemi Alade Yemi Eberechi Alade (born 13 March 1989), is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress and activist. She won the ''Peak Talent Show'' in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had a hit with her single " Johnny" in 2014. ...

Yinka Ayefele Olayinka Joel Ayefele MON is a Nigerian music producer, gospel singer, radio presenter, and founder of Fresh and Blast FM network of radio stations across south-western Nigeria. Early life Ayefele was born in Ipoti-Ekiti, a city in Ekiti Stat ...

Ycee Oludemilade Martin Alejo (born January 29, 1993), known professionally as Ycee (also stylized as YCee), is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He gained popularity after his single "Condo", which features vocals by Patoranking, earned him ...

(b. 1993), Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter * Zeynab *

Zlatan Zlatan ( sr-Cyrl, Златан) is a male given name of Slavic origin meaning ''Golden''. The name is common amongst all South Slavic countries, namely in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia and Serbia. The name is found i ...

(b. 1994), Nigerian singer, songwriter, musician and dancer

Directors and DJs

Clarence Peters Clarence Abiodun Peters (born 27 July 1978) is a Nigerian music video director, filmmaker and cinematographer. He is the founder and CEO of Capital Dream Pictures, a production company that specialises in the realms of the performing arts, fil ...

DJ Caise Derin Phillips, better known as DJ Caise (pronounced as "Case"), is a Nigerian disc jockey. Life and music career DJ Caise was born to the family of Mr & Mrs Phillips. His maternal grandfather, the late Chief Antonio Deinde Fernandez, was a Ni ...

, Nigerian disc jockey *

DJ Jimmy Jatt Oluwaforijimi "Jimmy" Adewale Amu (born October 15, 1966), professionally referred to by his stage name DJ Jimmy Jatt, is a Nigerian disc jockey who is revered as one of the pioneering hip hop DJs in Nigeria. He started out his music career as a ...

(b. 1966), Nigerian disc jockey *

DJ Neptune Imohiosen Patrick (born, 26 September 1990) professionally known as DJ Neptune, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey and Record Producer. He is from a family of four which includes his three elder sisters and him. Discography *''Greatness'' (2018) *''Gre ...

DJ Spinall Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, professionally known as Spinall (styize as SPINALL; formerly DJ Spinall), is a Nigerian disc jockey, record producer, songwriter, label executive, and media personality. He first gained prominence in 2004, while working ...

(b. 1984), Nigeriand disc jockey, record producer, songwriter, label executive and media personality *

DJ Xclusive Rotimi Alakija (born 16 October 1980), better known as DJ Xclusive, is a Nigerian disc jockey, record producer and recording artist. Early life Rotimi Alakija was born in England to Nigerian parents. At an early age, he moved back to Nigeria ...

(b. 1980), Nigerian disc jockey, recorder producer and recording artist *

DJ Tunez Michael Babatunde Adeyinka Also known as DJ Tunez is a Nigeria and USA based disc jockey. In 2015, DJ Tunez was asked by Wizkid to join Starboy Entertainment, as the official label DJ, DJ Tunez first production was in 2016's Iskaba, a contagious ...

D'Tunes Adesanya Doyinsola, better known as D'Tunes, is a multi award-winning music producer, CEO Difference Entertainment, Visionary, arts and fashion enthusiast. He was affiliated with Made Men Music Group and currently has a record label called Differe ...

Kiddominant Ayoola Oladapo Agboola also known as KDDO or Kiddominant is a Nigerian recording producer, songwriter, and artist. He's best known for producing Afrobeats longest charting billboard single "Fall" by Davido, which peaked on US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay ...

(b. 1992), Nigerian recording producer, songwriter and artist *

Pheelz Phillip Kayode Moses (born 5 June 1994), better known as Pheelz, is a Nigerian record producer, singer and songwriter who has worked with several artists and musicians, such as Olamide and Tiwa Savage. Born and raised in Lagos, Pheelz is credite ...

(b. 1994), Nigerian record producer and songwriter

Diaspora

Modelling and fashion

* Deola Sagoe * Yetunde Barnabas (b. 1990), Nigerian model, beauty queen, actress and film producer

Science and technology

Theatre

Online influencers

Military

Businesspeople

Religion

Christianity

Anglican

Catholic

Pentecostal

Other

Islam

Yoruba Religion

Law, activism and advocacy

Writers

Yorùbá language

English language

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yoruba people Yoruba-related lists

Yoruba The Yoruba people (, , ) are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitute ...