Margaret Bandele Olayinka, born September 14, 1958, popularly known as Iya Gbonkan, is a veteran Nigerian actress known for her scary facial expression. Her ability to act has earned her different roles in several Nollywood films.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Margaret Bandele Olayinka |
| Date of Birth: | September 14, 1958 |
| Place of Birth: | Otu, Oyo State |
| State of Origin: | Oyo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Actress |
| Net Worth: | $50,000 |
| Husband: | Duru Ladipo |
Early Life and Education
Margaret Bandele Olayinka, widely known as Iya Gbonkan, is a renowned Nollywood actress and producer.
Her birth took place on the 14th of September, 1958, in Otu, Oyo State, her hometown, where she grew up.
Iya Gbonkan has gained fame for her adept portrayal of occultic roles in Yoruba movies. Her mastery of these roles is so convincing that at times, movie enthusiasts draw connections between the characters she plays and her real-life persona.
Career
Iya Gbonkan’s passion for acting ignited during her childhood, and as she matured, she set her sights on a career in the Yoruba film industry.
Embarking on her Yoruba film journey in the early 1970s, she made her debut in Pa Yemi Elebu’bon’s acclaimed “Ifa Olokun” TV series. Her initial foray into the performing arts involved training under the guidance of Duro Ladipo, with a significant focus on stage performances.
As her career progressed, Iya Gbonkan discovered her innate ability to portray characters associated with witches or wicked mothers in motion pictures. Her depiction of these roles is so convincing that her name has become synonymous with malevolent witchcraft in the media.
Her prominence soared with her roles in the eerie and “true-life” films “Koto Orun” and “Koto Aiye,” directed by the late Alhaji Ajileye, who passed away on October 11, 2006. In these movies, she skillfully embodied the character of a witch, contributing to the films’ renown for their occult and demonic themes.
Iya Gbonkan Net Worth
Iya Gbonkan has accumulated an estimated net worth of around $50,000 through her acting career.
Iya Gbonkan’s Husband
Iya Gbonkan is happily married to Duru Ladipo, the younger brother of the late dramatist. Their union has blessed them with two children.
