Ope Ajayi ranks among Nigeria’s foremost film producers and executives, transforming the cinematic landscape with strategic vision. He founded Cinemax Distribution Limited and Captain of the Sea Productions, driving African content onto global platforms like Netflix.His breakthrough came as executive producer of “The Party,” a Netflix murder mystery series released worldwide in May 2025. This marked a milestone for Nigerian cinema on streaming services.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Opeyemi Ajayi |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State |
| Partner/Spouse | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Film Producer, Film Distributor, Entertainment Executive, Cinema Industry Leader, CEAN National Chairman |
| Net Worth | ₦800 million – ₦1.2 billion ($480,000 – $720,000 USD) (2025 estimate) |
Early Life And Education
Ajayi grew up in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial and entertainment hub. The city’s dynamic culture and business scene shaped his entrepreneurial drive and industry ties.
He attended the International School, University of Lagos (IUUL), a premier institution fostering global-minded leaders through balanced arts, sciences, and international perspectives.
Ajayi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos. The rigorous program built his expertise in data analysis, financial modeling, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making.
Advanced Business Education
He pursued executive programs at Lagos Business School, Nigeria’s top business institution. These refined his leadership, strategy, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing him for entertainment’s financial and growth demands.
Career
Ajayi began with 10 years in financial services, mastering business management, finance, and strategy. He then spent 11 years in cinema, rising to Executive Director at Genesis Cinemas, where he oversaw building 11 cinemas across Nigeria and Cameroon.
In July 2022, he became National Chairman of CEAN, leading cinema exhibitors nationwide. He founded Cinemax Distribution Limited for integrated services, financing, theatrical/streaming distribution, marketing, and cinema advisory, and Captain of the Sea Productions for direct filmmaking.
Key partnerships with Mercy Aigbe and Wumi Toriola produced major hits. Over 21 years, he excels in planning, leadership, funding, and global expansion.
Personal Life
Ope Ajayi keeps family matters private, sharing no details about his spouse or children publicly. He focuses on professional networks, traveling for festivals, Netflix deals, and supplier meetings in Europe, the US, UAE, and Asia. Social media highlights career milestones while protecting personal boundaries.
Ope Ajayi Net Worth
Ajayi’s wealth stems from Cinemax equity, film profits including Netflix’s “The Party,” streaming licenses, cinema services, and leadership roles. His estimated net worth stands at ₦800 million – ₦1.2 billion ($480,000 – $720,000 USD) as of 2025.
Filmography
- 2022: Brotherhood – Co-Executive Producer (Tobi Bakre, Folarin Falana, Toni Tones, Ronke Oshodi Oke) – Theatrical + Streaming – Released
- 2023: Ada Omo Daddy – Co-Executive Producer / Producer (Mercy Aigbe, Omowunmi Dada, Nkechi Blessing, Sola Sobowale) – Theatrical + Streaming – Released
- 2024: Queen Lateefah – Co-Executive Producer / Producer (Wumi Toriola, Kunle Remi, Fathia Williams, Femi Adebayo) – Theatrical + Streaming – Released
- 2024: Thin Line – Co-Executive Producer / Producer (Mercy Aigbe, Uche Montana, Nkechi Blessing, Uzor Arukwe) – Theatrical + Streaming – Released
- 2025: The Party – Executive Producer / Producer (Kehinde Bankole, Shaffy Bello, Uzor Arukwe, Mide Martins) – Netflix Global – Released
- 2025: Gingerrr – Co-Executive Producer / Producer (KieKie, Bisola Aiyeola, Wumi Toriola, Bolaji Ogunmola) – Theatrical + Streaming – Released
“The Party” highlights his global push; partnerships with Aigbe and Toriola drive commercial hits.
Awards and Nominations
- 2023: Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) – Best Movie West Africa (Brotherhood) – WON
- 2023: Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) – Best Overall Movie (Brotherhood) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Cinematography (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Social Message (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Editing (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Costume Design (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Sound Design (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Director of the Year (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Use of Food (Cinematography) (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Actress (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
- 2024: Best of Nollywood Awards – Best Supporting Actress (Ada Omo Daddy) – Nominated
Beyond awards, his CEAN role, Netflix success, and industry partnerships affirm his leadership in bridging African cinema with global markets.
