Muyiwa Ademola biography – Complete profile of the Yoruba Nollywood veteran at 54. Learn about his wife Omolara, five children, blockbuster movies like Ori, net worth, and award-winning career.
Who is Muyiwa Ademola?
Muyiwa Ademola, popularly called “Mr. Authentic” or “Muyiwa Authentic,” represents one of Yoruba Nollywood’s most accomplished actors, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs. Born January 26, 1971, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, this 54-year-old entertainment icon has spent over three decades shaping Nigeria’s indigenous film industry through exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
In 2025, Ademola achieved another career milestone when his film “Ori: The Rebirth” grossed ₦269 million in three weeks, becoming the highest-grossing indigenous Nollywood film of the year. This remarkable success, built on a ₦400 million investment, demonstrates his continued relevance and influence in Nigeria’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Beyond the silver screen, Muyiwa balances his professional achievements with family life. He married Omolara Ademola in 2006, and together they have three children, while he also has twins from a previous relationship, making him a father of five. His family resides in Toronto, Canada, while he shuttles between Nigeria and North America for his film projects.
Quick Facts About Muyiwa Ademola Biography
| Bio Data | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Muyiwa Ademola |
| Nickname | Mr. Authentic, Muyiwa Authentic |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1971 |
| Age (2025) | 54 years old |
| Place of Birth | Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Father | Prince Isaiah Ademola |
| Mother | Rebecca Ademola |
| Wife | Omolara Ademola |
| Marriage Date | June 23, 2006 |
| Children | Five (3 with wife, 2 twins from previous relationship) |
| Daughter’s Name | Fikayomi Atoke Ademola (Fikky Baby) |
| Education | B.Ed. Adult Education, University of Ibadan |
| Career Start | 1991 |
| Breakthrough Film | Ogo Osupa (1997) |
| Award-Winning Film | Ori (2004) |
| Company | Muy Authentic Presentations |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 |
| Family Location | Toronto, Canada |
Humble Beginnings and Family Background
Muyiwa Ademola was born into the family of Prince Isaiah and Rebecca Ademola in Abeokuta, though his childhood was far from privileged. He grew up experiencing significant financial hardship, living in what he described as “one of the slummiest slums in Ibadan” without electricity for several years. His family was so poor that his father never owned a motorcycle, and they didn’t have a television until he reached secondary school.
Despite these challenges, young Muyiwa developed dreams that extended beyond his circumstances. He used “kuufin” (local lamps) to read while preparing for his Secondary School Certificate Examination, demonstrating the determination that would later define his career. The family had only one lantern, which no one dared touch, forcing him to study under difficult conditions.
His father, an elder in the church, strongly opposed Muyiwa’s decision to pursue acting, considering it an unsuitable profession for any of his children. However, Muyiwa refused to abandon his passion, despite facing this familial resistance. He also has a younger sister named Toyin who works as an event planner.
The 13-year gap between his secondary school completion and university education reflects the financial struggles his family endured. Yet this delay didn’t diminish his academic ambitions or creative pursuits, which would eventually flourish beyond anyone’s expectations.
Education and Early Career Path
Muyiwa attended St. David’s High School at Molete in Ibadan, where he obtained his West Africa Secondary School Certificate. As a science student, he nonetheless harbored deep artistic interests, writing scripts after watching Nigerian movies and seeking sponsors to help publish them.
His position as Deputy of Publicity in his school’s press club provided early exposure to media and communication. In 1988, he approached actor Shola Ogunshola (known as Isho Pepper) with one of his original scripts, marking his first serious attempt at breaking into the film industry.
After secondary school, Muyiwa waited 13 years before enrolling at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in Adult Education between 2004 and 2009. Following graduation, he completed his National Youth Service in Kaduna, gaining exposure to Northern Nigeria’s diverse cultures.
His entry into professional acting began in 1991 through Charles Olumo, popularly known as Agbako, who was based in Abeokuta. Subsequently, he met director S.I. Ola, who became his mentor, teaching him the intricacies of acting and movie production. These early relationships proved instrumental in shaping his approach to filmmaking.
Rise to Stardom in Yoruba Nollywood
Early Struggles and Breakthrough
Muyiwa’s professional journey wasn’t without challenges. During the early years, he experienced periods of depression, feeling dejected when offered mediocre scripts that offered no creative satisfaction. His wife, Omolara, played a crucial role in helping him overcome these dark moments, providing emotional support when his confidence wavered.
His breakthrough came in 1997 with “Ogo Osupa,” which gave him significant industry recognition and opened doors to better opportunities. This film announcement marked the beginning of his ascent in Yoruba cinema, attracting producers and directors who recognized his talent.
The Game-Changing “Ori” (2004)
In 2004, Muyiwa both directed and starred as a mad man in “Ori” (Fate), a Yoruba film that would define his career. The film’s exploration of destiny, spirituality, and Yoruba cosmology resonated deeply with audiences, showcasing Muyiwa’s ability to handle complex thematic material.
The following year, “Ori” won the Best Indigenous Film award at the 1st Africa Movie Academy Awards, cementing Muyiwa’s status as a serious filmmaker. This recognition validated his artistic vision and demonstrated that indigenous language films could achieve international acclaim.
“Ori: The Rebirth” (2025) – Box Office Phenomenon
Twenty-one years after the original, Muyiwa released “Ori: The Rebirth” on May 1, 2025, co-directing with Adekola Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami. The film grossed ₦19.5 million on opening day and accumulated ₦78.3 million over its first weekend, reaching nearly ₦100 million within three days.
By three weeks, the film had grossed ₦269 million, becoming 2025’s highest-grossing indigenous Nollywood film. This success came from Muyiwa’s ₦400 million investment, featuring stars like Sola Sobowale, Odunlade Adekola, and Lateef Adedimeji. The film explores Bisade’s journey through metaphysical realms after his orchestrated death, blending spiritual mystery with Yoruba belief systems.
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Major Films:
- Ori (2004) – Award-winning breakthrough
- Ori: The Rebirth (2025) – Box office sensation
- Gbà rà dá (2019, 2023) – Actor, producer, director
- Ogo Pupa (2008) – Notable Yoruba production
- Fimidara Ire (2017) – Cultural drama
- Oko Gbarada (2019) – Family entertainment
- Ajosepo (2024) – Romantic comedy
- House of Ga’a (2024) – Historical epic
- Jagun Jagun – Femi Adebayo’s blockbuster
His versatility extends beyond Yoruba films, with appearances in English-language productions demonstrating his range as an actor. As CEO of Muy Authentic Presentations, he controls his creative output and mentors emerging talent.
Marriage to Omolara Ademola
Muyiwa met his wife Omolara approximately 17 years before their marriage, courting for four years before tying the knot on June 23, 2006. The wedding celebration brought together family and friends in a ceremony that marked the beginning of their enduring partnership.
Omolara, born May 17th, hails from Ondo State and works as a successful businesswoman, though details about her business ventures remain private. She has been Muyiwa’s ardent supporter throughout his career, standing by him during challenging times and celebrating his successes.
Initially hesitant about the relationship due to Muyiwa’s twin boys from a previous relationship, Omolara eventually embraced the complete family, demonstrating her commitment and open-heartedness. Their marriage has endured over 19 years, weathering various challenges including infidelity rumors and industry controversies.
The couple relocated their family to Toronto, Canada, though they initially lived in Houston, Texas. While Omolara and the children remain in Canada, Muyiwa frequently travels to Nigeria for film projects, maintaining this transcontinental family arrangement to provide better opportunities for his children.
Children and Family Life
Muyiwa is a proud father of five children – four boys and one daughter. From his marriage to Omolara, they have three children: two sons and a daughter named Fikayomi Atoke Ademola, affectionately called “Fikky Baby,” who is currently around 8-9 years old.
Before meeting Omolara, Muyiwa had twins from a previous relationship, though the identity of their mother remains undisclosed. These boys, now young adults, have maintained relatively private lives away from the spotlight.
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Awards and Industry Recognition
Muyiwa’s contributions to Nollywood have earned him numerous accolades:
- 2005 – Best Indigenous Film (Africa Movie Academy Awards) for “Ori”
- 2008 – Nomination for Most Outstanding Indigenous Actor (Africa Movie Academy Awards)
- 2018 – Received a Corolla car gift from fan Apostle Tope Onileowo for his performance in “Ori”
Beyond formal awards, his establishment of the Authentic School of Drama in 2004 demonstrates his commitment to nurturing future talent. This institution trains aspiring actors, ensuring the continuity of quality Yoruba cinema.
His brand ambassadorship for Schemelink Residence Limited and his YouTube channel “MUY Authentic TV” (launched in 2015) showcase his entrepreneurial spirit and adaptation to digital media platforms.
Controversies and Challenges
Infidelity Allegations
Over the years, Muyiwa’s name has been linked to several actresses, most notably Mosun Filani and Omokehinde Bankole (Sexy Winger). The Mosun Filani incident reportedly caused tension with Omolara, though the matter was resolved without concrete evidence.
In 2014, rumors circulated about an unusually close relationship with Sexy Winger, whom Muyiwa had mentored and helped with her first script. The actress publicly denied the allegations, explaining that Muyiwa was her boss who helped advance her career without romantic involvement. She insisted he doesn’t date people he works with and only supports their professional goals.
Near-Fatal Accident (2013)
In January 2013, Muyiwa was involved in a serious accident that left him badly injured and nearly cost him his life. This traumatic experience prompted reflection on mortality and the importance of health in the entertainment industry.
He has since spoken publicly about Nollywood’s health crisis, stating: “A very big problem we have in our industry is that we work round the clock, we spend nights at movie locations but we don’t go for medical check-up.” This advocacy highlights his concern for fellow actors’ wellbeing.
Business Ventures and Net Worth
As CEO of Muy Authentic Presentations, Muyiwa controls significant intellectual property and production capacity. His estimated net worth of $500,000 derives from multiple revenue streams including film production, acting fees, brand ambassadorships, and business investments.
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The ₦400 million investment in “Ori: The Rebirth” showcases his willingness to stake substantial resources on ambitious projects, with the ₦269 million gross proving the viability of his business calculations.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
With over 100 films to his credit, Muyiwa Ademola has fundamentally shaped Yoruba cinema’s evolution. His commitment to authentic cultural representation, combined with modern filmmaking techniques, has elevated indigenous Nigerian films to new heights.
His mentorship through the Authentic School of Drama ensures his influence extends beyond his own career, training the next generation of Yoruba actors and filmmakers. Students from this institution continue spreading his artistic philosophy across Nollywood.
The success of “Ori: The Rebirth” in 2025 proves that indigenous language films can achieve box office dominance when produced with quality and cultural authenticity. This achievement opens doors for other filmmakers to invest confidently in Yoruba cinema.
FAQs About Muyiwa Ademola Biography
1. How old is Muyiwa Ademola? Muyiwa Ademola is 54 years old as of 2025, born on January 26, 1971, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
2. Who is Muyiwa Ademola’s wife? He is married to Omolara Ademola from Ondo State; they wed on June 23, 2006, after four years of courtship.
3. How many children does Muyiwa Ademola have? He has five children – three with his wife Omolara (including daughter Fikayomi) and twins from a previous relationship.
4. What is Muyiwa Ademola’s most successful film? “Ori: The Rebirth” (2025) became his most commercially successful film, grossing ₦269 million, though “Ori” (2004) won him critical acclaim and awards.
5. Where does Muyiwa Ademola’s family live? His wife and children reside in Toronto, Canada, while he shuttles between Nigeria and Canada for work and family commitments.
6. What is Muyiwa Ademola’s net worth? His estimated net worth is approximately $500,000, earned through film production, acting, endorsements, and business ventures like HosaMudia Farms Ltd.
