It is difficult to mention any actor that is as popular as Odunlade Adekola in Nollywood let alone a more prominent name in the Yoruba section of the movie industry in Nigeria.
So adored by lovers of Yoruba movies in Nigeria and beyond is the tall actor and producer that the risk of exaggeration is remote if one begins to pour the water of superlatives on him.
To put it as it is, Odunlade Adekola is the biggest Yoruba actor at the moment and indeed the most prominent brand that section of Nollywood has had for a while. He is easily in the frontline when any compilation of the list of those dictating the pace of the Yoruba movie industry is compiled.
Born on December 31, 1978 in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, Odunlade attended St John’s Primary School for his primary education and St. Peter’s College also in Abeokuta where he obtained the West African School Certificate Examination. He proceeded to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic where he reportedly received a diploma certificate and began acting in 1996.
That same year, he joined the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners and was under the tutelage of late actor and producer, Isola Durojaiye better known as Alasari.
Known as a jack-of-all-trades as far as movie production is concerned, Odunlade seemingly excels in all; scripting, producing, directing and starring in several films over the years.
Like everyone who has achieved a measure of greatness, he did not achieve the feat on a platter of gold. He earned it by being humble enough and ready to learn, paying utmost attention to details and riding the waves of determination all the way. For him, it was a long road to stardom but not many are aware of the several years he spent as an understudy of more prominent figures before exploding onto the scene in due time.
He joined the movie industry and registered as a member of ANTP, the body most Yoruba actors including Odunlade Adekola recently dumped for Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPPAN), in 1996 when he was only 18.
When he played the lead role in Asiri Gomina Wa, a movie produced by late Alasari, the actor under whom he learnt the rudiments of acting, Odunlade’s impressive acting and carriage put producers and directors on notice. And like a grateful protégé, he has praised the unequalled contributions of late Alasari, who unfortunately died in a fatal auto crash a few years back, for showing him the ropes at every turn.
In an interview with City People some years, he said: Ishola Durojaye (Alasari) in the production of one of his films then, Asiri Gomina Wa, there were lots of criticisms that Odun(lade) cannot act the role that was given to him properly as the governor in the movie, but he (Alasari) called me to one side and said ‘no matter what they say, Odun, you are going to do it. This is your script, go through it and master it.’ And I was thrown into confusion and felt challenged as to how I would not disappoint someone that has placed such enormous confidence in me. But I thank God today.
‘Although I had been acting before but it was Asiri Gomina Wa that brought me to the spotlight.’
Passing him off far and wide as a deep and thorough role-interpreter, it can be said without a doubt that upon fetching him more movie roles, the production set him off for greater things to come.
However, his self-produced movie, with a prophetic title of sorts, Emi Ni Ire Kan (I am next in line for God’s favour) being Odunlade Adekola’s second movie acted as the perfect launch pad for his taking over. Produced in 2009, the movie came after Farapamo and he played the lead role alongside Ronke Odusanya aka Flaky Ididowo.
His role is that of a stammering local rapper and the comic effort sold like hot cakes, opening a floodgate of encomiums and recognitions. He went on to win his first major award as City People Entertainment’s Best Yoruba Actor of the Year in 2009 and has not looked back as he continues to churn out one block-buster after another.
For the records, movies including Baba Super, Ila Owo, Eje Fun Eje, Sunday Dagboru, Mufu Oloosa Oko, Alani Pamolekun and Adebayo Aremu Abere rank among the best movies produced in the Yoruba section of Nollywood, with Odunlade Adekola behind them all.
His proactive approach towards producing his own movies in which he regularly plays lead rather than wait for other producers to call him for lead roles, is one of the secrets of his rise. Added to his is his attention to details, which ensures he is not just prolific but never compromises on quality.
It is no secret that lack of standards is one of the factors holding Nollywood back, this is even more apparent in the Yoruba section where names, rather than ability, is the biggest consideration when choosing who to play what, this actor has managed to keep his head far above water.
Among his peers are notable actors including Adekola Tijani (Kamilu Kompo), Olaniyi Afonja (Sanyeri) Babatunde Bernard (Baba Tee), Soji Taiwo (Omo Banke), Femi Adebayo, Murphy Afolabi, Segun Ogungbe.
Among those he met on ground, equally talented and skilled in production and directing are Muyiwa Ademola, Saheed Balogun, Funso Adeolu, Yemi Solade and many others but in terms of clout and interest presently, he towers above them all.
In an industry riddled with controversy, Odunlade has stayed out of the spotlight for the negative reasons due to his discipline. He is married to Ruth, a woman currently studying for her higher National Diploma at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State and with whom he has 3 children; two boys and a girl. And remaining relevant has yielded multiple benefits for the Abeokuta-based actor.
His image looms so large that he earned an ambassadorial deal from Glo in 2011, an achievement he admitted took him to cloud nine.
‘I must tell you, Glo endorsement is one of the happiest things in my life. It makes me happy anytime I remember that I am a Glo ambassador, because when you are working, you don’t know the type of people watching you. There are a lot of people in the entertainment industry. So, for a big company like that to say ‘let us call on this man to be an ambassador’ is a great thing for me. So, I am so happy. Like I used to say, I never thought of it at all or that any organisation would call on me to be its brand ambassador, he said in an interview with ThisDay.
It came as a shocker to observers of happenings in the entertainment industry when the actor was dropped in 2013 alongside several other entertainers.
Although no official reason was given by the telco firm then, like a phoenix from the ashes, Odunlade Adekola recently returned as one of the ambassadors Glo signed on in June, 2015.
And while it is not easy for entertainers to make a return a few years after being dropped, Odunlade’s return cannot be unconnected with the fact that his profile has not diminished in any way two years after.
‘I feel so honoured. There’s no one that will be offered a good thing that won’t be happy. I am very very happy to be honest with you. I had been a Glo ambassador before now. The first time I got an endorsement deal with Glo was in 2011. I was given a two-year deal and after seeing out my contract, I was expecting a renewal but it didn’t happen until they recently called me to return,’ he said when NET contacted him.
Speaking further, the Ogun State-based actor said: ‘That I am back as Glo ambassador shows that my contributions to the growth of entertainment industry in (the) Yoruba section and in Nigeria are being appreciated. I am very very happy to represent the brand once again.’
Based on the foundation of a strong work ethic, dedication to his passion and keeping his eyes on the prize all the time, the actor, film-maker, director, producer and composer of sound-tracks has been able to build himself into the biggest Yoruba actor around.
So much so that even those who may not like his face cannot afford not to identify with him.
Some of his awards…
2014 Best Actor in a Leading Role – Yoruba Movie Academy Awards
2014 Nollywood Movies Award – Popular Choice Male
2009 Best Actor – City People Award
2011 Best Actor – City People Award
2014 Best Actor – City People Award
Some of the movies he’s produced…
Ila Owo
Farapamo
Emi nire kan
Eje fun Eje
Baba Super
Fayebora
Some of the movies he has acted in…
Asiri Gomina Wa
Tani Olorun
Oja Odaju
Kobamajewo
Ila Owo
Farapamo
Olorun Owu
Emi nire kan
Iwa Eniyan
Eje fun Eje
Diekola
Baba Super
Mufu Olosa Oko
Opa Kan
Sunday Dagboru
8 comments
JOIN THE GREAT ILLUMINATI KINGDOM BROTHERHOOD, WHERE YOU FOUND ALL KINDS OF
HAPPINESS BLESSING JOY IN LIFE
I am glad today because am now a successful man of Illuminati, i have
taught of been one of the Illuminati member so that i will be wealthy for
life and my family
will be forever rich.
Are you a good musician or a business man or as well any worker and you
need excess money and you also want to become famous and wealthy, here is
your chance to become a member of the great Illuminati kingdom and become a
star in your life. if really you are interested in becoming a full member
of the great Illuminati, don’t hesitate to email us and we also want you to
know that there is nobody that can determine your future because your
future is right in your hands, so join us now and become a responsible
being to the world and your family okay, so email us now if interested in
becoming rich and powerful. Email us at highestcultilluminatiorder@gmail.com or call and add us on whatsapp:+2349053098517.
DO NOT FORGET THAT YOUR FUTURE IS RIGHT THERE IN YOUR HANDS.
Saya IBU VERLI ingin berbagi cerita kepada anda semua bahwa saya yg dulunya cuma seorang TKI di RUSIA jadi pembantu rumah tangga yg gajinya tidak mencukupi keluarga dikampun,jadi TKI itu sangat menderita dan disuatu hari saya duduk2 buka internet dan tidak disengaja saya melihat komentar orang tentan AKI SOLEH dan katanya bisa membantu orang untuk memberikan nomor yg betul betul tembus dan kebetulan juga saya sering pasan nomor di RUSIA,akhirnya saya coba untuk menhubungi AKI SOLEH dan ALHAMDULILLAH beliau mau membantu saya untuk memberikan nomor,dan nomor yg diberikan AKI SOLEH meman betul2 terbukti tembus dan saya sangat bersyukur berkat bantuan AKI SOLEH kini saya bisa pulang ke INDONESIA untuk buka usaha sendiri,,munkin saya tidak bisa membalas budi baik AKI SOLEH sekali lagi makasih yaa AKI dan bagi teman2 yg menjadi TKW atau TKI seperti saya,bila butuh bantuan hubungi saja AKI SOLEH DI 082-313-336-747- insya ALLAH beliau akan membantu anda.Ini benar benar kisah nyata dari saya seorang TKI trimah kasih AKI wassalam.
Are you frustrated in life. What type of
wealth do you want? Today is your
luckiest day, we have be given an order
to recruit new members into the
organization kingdom. Are you tired of
poverty and now you want fame,power and riches .Our magical powers are
beyond your imagination. we could do
magic on your behalf regarding , your
financial situation, future events, or
whatever is important to you. we have
the power and we use the power. we are Illuminati, and we could change the
course of destiny. Get to us and we shall
help you. Tell us what it is you want and
we shall go about our work. Is it
someone or something you desire to
have? Do you want wealth(Want to grow your bank account?, Need funds to
enjoy the good life? Tired of working
hard and getting nowhere?) or
happiness? the most power society
welcomes you to Illuminati.. contact
Illuminati initiation home Send us your most important desire and we shall
work our powers in your favor. Be sure
to tell Illuminati what you want. Email us
Adamsmithilluminatiworld@gmail.com ) If you are interested call the agent now +2348051980739 or send your e-mail to {Adamsmithilluminatiworld@gmail.com} for immediately initiation.New members registration is now open online or call them on this number +2348051980739/whatsapp via
Good new to everyone, i am an one of the Agents sent by the Lord superior (Grand master) to bring as many of those who are interested in becoming a member of the great Illuminati temple, Becoming a Member of the ILLUMINATI. your qualifications are;-Only those who can provide service for themselves, like the Politicians, Musicians, Business Man/Woman, student, i do business, I own a Construction company, and i also own one of the Biggest Electronic Appliance shop,i was once like you, me & my wife were financially down to 1 square meal a day, what kind of life was that to live, I lived in poverty until i saw an opportunity to be a member of the GREAT TEMPLE OF ILLUMINATI BROTHERHOOD and i took my chances and i have been a member for close to 10 years now. The higher you get the richer you become Illuminati, it makes your business grow faster than you can ever imagine, Illuminati brings out the talent in you and make you famous, as you become a member of Illuminati order you will receive 2,000,000 US DOLLARS instantly on your Bank Account, there are many more other benefits you stand to gain, so if you are interested to be a member contact me now on +2348107106668 or call our UK number,+447031912217 email [thetempleofilluminati@gmail.com] JOIN US TODAY & BECOME RICH,POWERFUL AND FAMOUS ALL YOUR LIFE.
,.
Good new to everyone, i am an one of the Agents sent by the Lord superior (Grand master) to bring as many of those who are interested in becoming a member of the great Illuminati temple, Becoming a Member of the ILLUMINATI. your qualifications are;-Only those who can provide service for themselves, like the Politicians, Musicians, Business Man/Woman, student, i do business, I own a Construction company, and i also own one of the Biggest Electronic Appliance shop,i was once like you, me & my wife were financially down to 1 square meal a day, what kind of life was that to live, I lived in poverty until i saw an opportunity to be a member of the GREAT TEMPLE OF ILLUMINATI BROTHERHOOD and i took my chances and i have been a member for close to 10 years now. The higher you get the richer you become Illuminati, it makes your business grow faster than you can ever imagine, Illuminati brings out the talent in you and make you famous, as you become a member of Illuminati order you will receive 2,000,000 US DOLLARS instantly on your Bank Account, there are many more other benefits you stand to gain, so if you are interested to be a member contact me now on +2348107106668 or call our UK number,+447031912217 email [thetempleofilluminati@gmail.com] JOIN US TODAY & BECOME RICH,POWERFUL AND FAMOUS ALL YOUR LIFE.
,.
kami sekeluarga tak lupa mengucapkan puji syukur kepada ALLAH S,W,T
dan terima kasih banyak kepada AKI atas nomor togel.nya yang AKI
berikan 4 angka 0512 alhamdulillah ternyata itu benar2 tembus AKI.
dan alhamdulillah sekarang saya bisa melunasi semua utan2 saya yang
ada sama tetangga.dan juga BANK BRI dan bukan hanya itu AKI. insya
allah saya akan coba untuk membuka usaha sendiri demi mencukupi
kebutuhan keluarga saya sehari-hari itu semua berkat bantuan AKI..
sekali lagi makasih banyak ya AKI… bagi saudara yang suka main togel
yang ingin merubah nasib seperti saya silahkan hubungi AKI SOLEH,,di no (((082-313-336-747)))
insya allah anda bisa seperti saya…menang togel 275
juta, wassalam.
dijamin 100% jebol saya sudah buktikan…sendiri….
Apakah anda termasuk dalam kategori di bawah ini !!!!
1"Dikejar-kejar hutang
2"Selaluh kalah dalam bermain togel
3"Barang berharga anda udah habis terjual Buat judi togel
4"Anda udah kemana-mana tapi tidak menghasilkan solusi yg tepat
5"Udah banyak Dukun togel yang kamu tempati minta angka jitunya
tapi tidak ada satupun yang berhasil..
Solusi yang tepat jangan anda putus asah….AKI SOLEH akan membantu
anda semua dengan Angka ritwal/GHOIB:
butuh angka togel 2D 3D 4D SGP / HKG / MALAYSIA / TOTO MAGNUM / dijamin
100% jebol
Apabila ada waktu
silahkan Hub: AKI SOLEH DI NO: (((082-313-336-747)))
<b><a href="http://angkaramalantogel.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">KLIK DISINI BOCORAN TOGEL HARI INI </a></b>
angka GHOIB: singapur 2D/3D/4D/
angka GHOIB: hongkong 2D/3D/4D/
angka GHOIB; malaysia
angka GHOIB; toto magnum 4D/5D/6D/
angka GHOIB; laos
Join the brotherhood of illuminati. call dr jaja
09055406045 nigeria, usa, or anywhere in the world today be rich, fame, and posses power.email us on illuminatijaja@gmail.com or call us on
+2349055406045for immediate initiation new members registration is now open online now !!!!!
benefits given to new members who join illuminati.
a cash reward of usd $300,000 usd
a new sleek dream car valued at usd $120,000 usd
a dream house bought in the country of your own choice
one month holiday (fully paid) to your dream tourist destination.
one year golf membership package
a v.i.p treatment in all airports in the world
a total lifestyle change
access to bohemian grove
monthly payment of $1,000,000 usd into your bank account every month as a member
one month booked appointment with top 5 world leaders and top 5 celebrities in the world.
if you are interested call dr jaja now
+2349055406045are or send your e-mail to illuminatijaja@gmail.com for immediately initiation.new members registration is now open online
182555 521809brilliantly insightful post. If only it was as easy to implement some of the solutions as it was to read and nod my head at each of your points 605680