Ayo Adesanya, born August 11, 1969, in Ijagun, Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria, is a veteran Nigerian actress, director, and producer renowned for her versatile roles across Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films. With more than three decades in the industry since her 1992 debut, she has built a legacy through over 150 films, productions, and directorial efforts.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Ayo Adesanya Hassan |
| Date of Birth | August 11, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Ijagun, Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Partner | Goriola Hassan (separated, not legally married) |
| Children | 1 son (Niyi Iremitide) |
| Occupations | Actress, director, producer |
| Net Worth | ~$500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, by her late father Pa Adesanya and a businesswoman mother, she began with Baptist Nursery and Primary School. She progressed to St. Anne’s School in Ibadan for primary and secondary studies, securing her First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate.
She later obtained a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Ibadan, initially majoring in Language Arts before switching after her father’s death.
Career
Adesanya kicked off her professional path in 1986 post-NYSC with television appearances on Tunji Bamigbade’s soap opera Palace, marking her first screen role.
She entered Nollywood fully in 1992 with Living in Bondage, portraying Favour, which led to her breakout in Opa Williams’ Onome and subsequent English films like Out of Bounds (as Adaora), Silent Night, Most Wanted (as Backside), Tokunboh, Remember Your Mother, Time, Fire Dancer, Contractors, Dark Secret, Crazy Passion, Tears in My Heart 2 (as Dr. Rita), Scarlet, The Good Wife (as Priscilla), and Dark Spotlight (as Mrs. Adams).
In the Yoruba sector, she expanded into production and direction, helming films like Otelemuye and featuring in titles such as Osuka, Monisola Ologe, Iwa Buruku, Kerem, and Desperate Poor Man. Recent works include Omugwo (2017, as Candance), Mokalik (2019, as Ireti), Just Us (2022, as Beatrice), Love Unbroken (2023, as Diana), Barrage (2023, as Mrs. Bamidele), and lots more.
She has produced over 14 films, collaborated with stars like Olu Jacobs, Pete Edochie, Desmond Elliot, Joke Silva, Uche Jombo, and Kate Henshaw, and earned acclaim for her disciplined role interpretations across more than 100 movies and series.
Personal Life
She maintained a long-term relationship with actor Goriola Hassan, with whom she shares a son, Niyi Iremitide, though they separated without a legal marriage, as she confirmed in 2013. Adesanya prefers to shield her private life from public scrutiny, seldom engaging on the topic via social media.
Net Worth
Her net worth stands at roughly $500,000, built from extensive acting, producing, directing, and industry contributions over 30-plus years.
Filmography
| Film Title | Year | Role (if known) |
|---|---|---|
| Living in Bondage | 1992 | Favour |
| Living in Bondage 2 | 1993 | Favour |
| Silent Night | 1996 | Extra |
| Out of Bounds | 1997 | Adaora |
| Most Wanted | 1998 | Backside |
| Tokunboh | 1999 | Mudy |
| Remember Your Mother | 2000 | Efe |
| Time | 2000 | Aghata |
| Fire Dancer | 2001 | Selena |
| Otelemuye | 2005 | (Producer/Actor) |
| Tears in My Heart 2 | 2006 | Dr. Rita |
| Omugwo | 2017 | Candance |
| Mokalik | 2019 | Ireti |
| Just Us | 2022 | Beatrice |
| Love Unbroken | 2023 | Diana |
| Barrage | 2023 | Mrs. Bamidele |
| Veil (Ipele) | 2024 | Acting |
Awards and Recognitions
Her accolades include the City People Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress of the Year (Yoruba) and City People Movie Special Recognition Award.
She also secured Best Actress in a Leading Role (2001), Most Prominent Actress in Nigeria at City People Entertainment Awards, Best Actress in Drama at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Best Supporting Actress at African Movie Academy Awards, and a nomination for Best Actress in a Yoruba film at Afro Hollywood Awards.
