Binta Ayo Mogaji is a veteran actress from Nigeria, celebrated for her extensive body of work in Nollywood and Yoruba-language films. With a career that spans over four decades, she has been featured in more than 800 movies, theatre productions, and television series. Known for her committed professionalism and distinctive talent, Mogaji remains a prominent figure in African cinema, inspiring both peers and fans globally.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Binta Ayo Mogaji |
| Date of Birth | 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Agbo-Ile, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Partner | Victor Ayodele Oduleye (married 2006, separated); previously involved with actor Jibola Dabo |
| Children | One son, Ademide Mogaji Dabo |
| Occupations | Actress, Producer, Director, Stage Performer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $700,000 USD |
Early Life and Education
Born in 1964 in Agbo-Ile, Ibadan, in Oyo State, Nigeria, Binta Ayo Mogaji grew up in a family deeply anchored in faith and education. Her father was an Islamic cleric, while her mother managed educational administrative duties.
She completed her foundational schooling in Ibadan and furthered her studies at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science.
Mogaji’s passion for acting was ignited during her school years through drama performances, eventually leading her to forgo a potential university course in Mass Communication to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Career
Binta Ayo Mogaji’s entry into acting became professional in the early 1980s, beginning her paid acting journey in 1980. She gained early acclaim for her role in the Yoruba home video film Mojere, which earned her the Best Actress award at the REEL Awards.
She rose to wider prominence starring in Igbalandogi, which earned her the nickname of the same name. Throughout her career, Mogaji has portrayed a wide range of characters in both Yoruba and English-language films and series.
Her Islamic beliefs have influenced her choices, as she has consistently avoided roles involving kissing or semi-nude scenes. In interviews, she has emphasized that filmmakers understand and respect the boundaries she sets.
Mogaji also spoke out against the notion that younger actors should be prioritized over veterans, asserting that professionalism and talent transcend age.
Besides acting, Mogaji has contributed as a producer and director, bringing important Nigerian stories to the screen while advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Personal Life
Mogaji has had a complex personal journey. She welcomed her only child, a son named Ademide Mogaji Dabo, when she was about 40 years old, overcoming significant medical challenges including an ectopic pregnancy that resulted in the loss of one fallopian tube.
She was previously in a relationship with actor Jibola Dabo before marrying Victor Ayodele Oduleye, a retired British-Nigerian footballer and physiotherapist, in 2006.
The marriage lasted over a decade but was marked by abuse, which Mogaji courageously disclosed in a 2024 interview, sharing how she endured physical and emotional hardships before leaving the relationship. Despite these trials, she has balanced motherhood and her career with determination.
Net Worth
Binta Ayo Mogaji’s net worth is estimated to be around $700,000 USD. Her wealth reflects her long-standing prominence in Nollywood, accumulated from acting, producing, and directing in numerous projects.
Filmography
Selected Filmography
- Igbalandogi
- Mojere
- Owo Blow (1997)
- Ti Oluwa Nile (1992)
- The Bridge (2017)
- Kasanova (2019)
- Diamonds In The Sky (2019)
- My Village People (2021)
- Man of God (2022)
- Mikolo (2023)
- Shattered Innocence (2023)
- Ija (2023)
- Jagun Jagun (2023)
- Deity (2023)
- Unknown Soja (2024)
- Oloture: The Journey (2024 TV Series)
- Lies of Thieves (2025)
- Iwo (2025)
- MR Rogers (2025, Short)
Awards and Nominations
- Best Actress at the REEL Awards for Mojere
- Nollywood Legend Award at the AFRO Awards 2025, Los Angeles, honoring her lifetime contributions to African cinema
- Nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards
- Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards nominations for Best Supporting Actress
- Recognition for humanitarian services and contributions to the Nigerian film industry
Binta Ayo Mogaji’s career is distinguished by her diverse roles and consistent recognition by the Nigerian and international entertainment communities, underscoring her status as an icon of African cinema
