Introduction
Peju Ogunmola is a veteran Nigerian actress, producer, director, and playwright who has been a cornerstone of Yoruba Nollywood for over four decades. Born into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious theatrical families, she has carved out her own distinguished path in the entertainment industry. Known for her authentic portrayals of maternal and traditional Yoruba characters, Peju has become one of the most respected figures in Nigerian cinema. This comprehensive biography explores her life, career, personal tragedies, triumphs, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Childhood
Peju Ogunmola, whose full name is Ogunmola Adepeju, was born on April 10, 1966, in Ado-Ekiti (though some sources also cite Okemesi), Ekiti State, Nigeria. As of 2026, she is 59 years old. She grew up in a traditional Yoruba household steeped in arts and culture, an environment that would profoundly shape her future career.
The Legendary Kola Ogunmola: Her Father’s Legacy
Peju is the daughter of Elijah Kolawole Ogunmola, one of the most brilliant actors and dramatists in African theatre history. Born on November 11, 1925, Kola Ogunmola was a pioneering figure who transformed Yoruba culture and folk opera into serious theatrical art during the 1950s and 1960s.
Kola Ogunmola founded the Ogunmola Travelling Theatre in 1960, which toured extensively across West Africa, popularizing indigenous storytelling and laying the groundwork for what would eventually become modern Nollywood. He is best remembered for his stage adaptation of Amos Tutuola’s novel “The Palm Wine Drinkard,” which was performed at the First Pan-African Cultural Congress in Algiers in 1969 and received international acclaim.
His works masterfully blended music, dance, drama, Christian themes, traditional Yoruba folklore, and urban music. Notable productions included “Ife Owo” (1965), a satirical commentary on marriage and wealth. Kola Ogunmola was known for his innovative use of mime, songs, and drums to convey powerful messages. Tragically, he passed away in 1973 at just 47 years old, when Peju was only seven years old.
Her Brother Yomi Ogunmola
Peju’s brother, Yomi Ogunmola, followed in their father’s footsteps and became one of the top Yoruba film directors and actors before his untimely death in 2003. Yomi directed hit movies such as “Koto Aye,” “Ige Adubi,” “Oluweri Magbojo,” “Eran Iya Osogbo,” and “100 Years.” He also starred in productions like “Ayo ni Mofe” by Mainframe Productions and “Opomulero” led by Tunde Kelani.
Growing up in this family of theatrical giants, Peju inherited not just talent but also a deep responsibility to preserve and advance Yoruba cultural storytelling.
Mother
Peju’s mother was known simply as Madam Ogunmola. While less is publicly known about her compared to her famous husband, she played an integral role in raising Peju and her siblings after Kola Ogunmola’s death.
Education Background
Primary and Secondary Education
Peju Ogunmola received her primary and secondary education in Osogbo, Osun State, where she grew up surrounded by the vibrant theatrical community her father had established. Her education was complemented by informal mentorship within her artistic family, nurturing her natural inclinations toward performance and storytelling.
Higher Education
Sources indicate that Peju Ogunmola attended Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, where she pursued higher education. Her university experience further enriched her understanding of drama, culture, and the arts.
However, it’s worth noting that Peju’s practical theatrical training began much earlier, as she was exposed to professional stage productions from childhood and learned directly from master performers in her father’s theatre troupe.
Career Journey and Breakthrough
Early Beginnings: A Child on Stage
Peju Ogunmola conceived her dream of becoming an actress at the tender age of eight, around the same time she tragically lost her father in 1973. Her first professional role came in 1979 when she was cast as Kadara in the film “Ade Love” while still in secondary school. This quiet debut marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career.
Formative Years and Major Breakthroughs
In 1982, legendary filmmaker Hubert Ogunde scripted a role specifically for Peju as Pero in his production “Jaiyesimi,” recognizing her potential even at a young age. Then in 1983, Peju joined twelve other children of her late father on stage to commemorate a decade since Kola Ogunmola’s death with the production “Aditu Olodumare.” This emotional performance served as both a tribute and a declaration of her commitment to continuing her father’s legacy.
Her breakthrough in the film industry came with Mainframe’s movie “Koseegbe,” where she played Silifa, a high-society lady. This role showcased her versatility and opened doors to more complex characters.
Transition to Production
After establishing herself as a formidable actress, Peju transitioned into film production. She produced her first film, “Ahon,” which she dedicated to her father’s memory. This was followed by “Ojolkunle” and many other productions. By her third decade in the industry, she had become deeply entrenched in Nollywood, featuring as the major protagonist in numerous home video films that became the mainstay of the Nigerian film industry throughout the 1990s.
Notable Movies and Filmography
Peju Ogunmola has appeared in over 100 Yoruba films throughout her illustrious career. Her filmography spans from the late 1970s to the present day, showcasing her remarkable longevity and consistency in the industry.
Classic Films (1979-2000s)
– Ade Love (1979) – as Kadara (debut role)
– Jaiyesimi (1982) – as Pero
– Aditu Olodumare (1983)
– Koseegbe – as Silifa
– Ahon (Producer and actress)
– Ojolkunle (Producer and actress)
– Maradona (2003)
– Mafi Wonmi (2008)
– Toromade (2009)
Contemporary Hits (2010s-2020s)
– Apaadi – One of her most acclaimed performances
– Aye Ajifa
– Idi Araba
– Alaba Pinijangba
– Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020)
– Iya Gbonka (2020)
– Ajibade (2021)
– King of Thieves (2022) – as Lalonpe
– Romeo (2022) – as Rotimi’s Mum
– Oyin Alagbe (2022) – as Oyin’s Mother
– Ogeere (2023)
– Malaika (2023)
– The Notebook (2024) – as Mrs. Bakare
– The Thorns (2024) – as Atorise
– Beast of Two Worlds (2024) – as Iyalode
– House of Ga‘a (2024) – as Iyaloja
– Aburo (2024)
– Ìyálóde (2025)
Signature Roles and Acting Style
Peju Ogunmola is best known for portraying wise, maternal, and authoritative female characters in Yoruba cinema. Her acting style combines natural charisma with cultural authenticity, making her the preferred choice for roles that require traditional Yoruba settings and motherly warmth. She excels in both serious dramatic roles and comedic performances, demonstrating remarkable versatility throughout her career.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage to Sunday Omobolanle (Papi Luwe)
Peju Ogunmola is married to veteran Nigerian comic actor, playwright, film director, and producer Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe or Aluwe. The couple has been married for several decades and is considered one of Nollywood’s most enduring power couples.
Sunday Omobolanle was honored with a national award (Member of the Order of the Niger – MON) by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian entertainment. As of October 2024, Peju publicly celebrated her husband on his 70th birthday, sharing heartfelt tributes that demonstrated the strength of their marriage.
Papi Luwe has appeared in numerous films including “Lanleyin,” “Konkonbilo,” “Survival of Jelili,” and the Netflix hit “Anikulapo.”
Children and Blended Family
Peju is the second wife of Sunday Omobolanle. His first wife, Kudirat, passed away in 2006 after bearing him three children. Among these children is Sunkanmi Omobolanle, a talented actor and director in his own right. Due to their close relationship and frequent collaboration, many people mistakenly assumed Peju was Sunkanmi’s biological mother, but she is actually his stepmother, a role she has embraced with love and dedication.
Peju and Sunday had one biological son together, Ayomikun Oluwanisola Omobolanle (also referred to as Shina in some reports), who tragically passed away in September 2025.
The Tragic Loss of Her Son
In one of the darkest moments of her life, Peju Ogunmola lost her only biological child, Ayomikun Omobolanle, in September 2025. The devastating news shocked the Nigerian entertainment industry as Ayomikun had just completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, a milestone that had filled his mother with immense pride.
The tragedy occurred while Peju was on a movie set. Her loss sparked an outpouring of sympathy from colleagues, fans, and the broader Nollywood community. Many reflected on the unimaginable pain of losing an only child, with industry figures rallying behind Peju and her husband during this difficult period.
In a poignant reminder of her love for her son, a 2024 birthday message Peju had posted celebrating Ayomikun resurfaced after his death, evoking deep emotions across social media. The post included photos and clips of their moments together, showcasing the deep bond between mother and son.
This tragedy came more than two decades after Peju had lost her brother Yomi in 2003, marking another profound loss in her life.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Estimated Net Worth
Peju Ogunmola’s net worth is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000 (approximately ₦35 million to ₦70 million in Nigerian Naira). This estimation reflects her long-standing career spanning over four decades in Nollywood.
Sources of Income
Peju’s wealth comes from multiple revenue streams:
1. Acting Fees: Compensation from her extensive filmography of over 100 films
2. Film Production: Income from producing Yoruba films
3. Directing Work: Fees from directing various productions
4. Playwriting: Revenue from theatrical works she has written
5. Cultural Ambassadorship: She serves as a cultural representative for Ekiti State and as a Nigerian movies ambassador
6. Guest Appearances: Speaking engagements and university visits (such as her 2017 visit to Osun State University for UNIOSUN Illumination program)
While financial details about celebrities are often speculative, trusted Nigerian media sources like Vanguard and The Nation have reported that Peju remains active in the film industry, continuing to add to her wealth through consistent work.
Awards and Recognition
Industry Honors
While specific award wins are not extensively documented in available sources, Peju Ogunmola has received significant recognition throughout her career:
2025 OAFP Awards: In December 2025, veteran actress Peju Ogunmola received a standing ovation at the Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP) Awards ceremony held in Abeokuta. This tribute honored her long-standing influence in Yoruba cinema and her role in shaping generations of performers. The gesture reflected the deep respect she commands within the industry and highlighted her continuing relevance in contemporary productions.
Industry Impact and Recognition
Beyond formal awards, Peju Ogunmola’s greatest recognition comes from her peers and the next generation of actors who view her as a role model. She is consistently mentioned alongside other Yoruba cinema legends like Ayo Mogaji, Mama Rainbow (Idowu Philips), Madam Saje, and Lola Idije as one of the most respected veteran actresses in Nollywood.
Her contributions to preserving Yoruba cultural narratives through cinema have earned her a place among the most influential figures in Nigerian entertainment history.
Cultural Ambassador and Legacy
Preserving Yoruba Culture
Peju Ogunmola has dedicated her career to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through film. Her work has helped keep traditional stories alive for younger audiences who might otherwise lose connection with their cultural heritage. She has collaborated with some of Nollywood’s finest talents and remains one of the most respected female figures in Yoruba cinema.
Mentorship and Influence
Her influence extends far beyond the number of movies she has appeared in. Peju has inspired countless young actors, especially women, to stay true to their cultural identity while pursuing fame in the entertainment industry. Her resilience through personal tragedies—losing her father at age seven, her brother in 2003, and her only son in 2025—has become part of her story and serves as a reminder of the human side of celebrity life.
Family Dynasty
The Ogunmola name ranks alongside other prominent Nollywood families like the Afolayans, Olaiyas, and Adebayos. Through her work, Peju has ensured that her father Kola Ogunmola’s legacy continues to influence Nigerian theatre and cinema more than five decades after his death.
Recent Activities and Current Status
Continuing Her Craft
Despite the personal tragedy of losing her son in 2025, Peju Ogunmola continues to work actively in Nollywood. Her recent appearances in films like “Ìyálóde” (2025), “House of Ga’a” (2024), and “Beast of Two Worlds” (2024) demonstrate her ongoing commitment to her craft.
Industry Standing
At 59 years old (as of 2026), Peju remains highly sought after by producers and directors for roles that require depth, authenticity, and cultural knowledge. Her ability to embody both serious and comic roles ensures her continued relevance in an ever-evolving industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Peju Ogunmola?
Peju Ogunmola is 59 years old as of 2026. She was born on April 10, 1966.
2. Is Peju Ogunmola married?
Yes, Peju Ogunmola is married to veteran Nigerian comic actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe or Aluwe. They have been married for several decades.
3. Is Peju Ogunmola related to Bolaji Ogunmola?
No, Peju Ogunmola is not related to actress Bolaji Ogunmola. They are not mother and daughter, nor aunt and niece. They share the same surname by coincidence but have no blood relation and have never worked together in any film production.
4. Who was Peju Ogunmola’s father?
Peju Ogunmola’s father was Elijah Kolawole Ogunmola (1925-1973), a legendary Nigerian actor, dramatist, playwright, mime artist, and director. He founded the Ogunmola Travelling Theatre and is considered one of the pioneers of Yoruba folk opera in Nigeria.
5. Does Peju Ogunmola have children?
Peju Ogunmola had one biological son, Ayomikun Oluwanisola Omobolanle, who tragically passed away in September 2025. She is also the stepmother to actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle and her husband’s other children from his first marriage.
6. What is Peju Ogunmola’s net worth?
Peju Ogunmola’s estimated net worth is between $50,000 and $100,000 (approximately ₦35-70 million), earned through her extensive acting career, film production, directing, and playwriting work spanning over four decades.
7. What was Peju Ogunmola’s first movie?
Peju Ogunmola’s first movie was “Ade Love” (1979), where she played the character Kadara while she was still a secondary school student.
8. Is Sunkanmi Omobolanle Peju Ogunmola’s son?
Sunkanmi Omobolanle is Peju’s stepson, not her biological child. He is the son of Sunday Omobolanle (Papi Luwe) from his first marriage to Kudirat, who passed away in 2006. However, Peju has a close relationship with Sunkanmi.
9. What are Peju Ogunmola’s most famous movies?
Some of Peju Ogunmola’s most notable films include “King of Thieves” (2022), “Apaadi,” “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” (2020), “House of Ga’a” (2024), “Beast of Two Worlds” (2024), “Ìyálóde” (2025), “Maradona” (2003), and “Koseegbe.”
10. What university did Peju Ogunmola attend?
Peju Ogunmola attended Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
11. When did Peju Ogunmola’s son pass away?
Peju Ogunmola’s only son, Ayomikun Omobolanle, passed away in September 2025, shortly after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
12. Has Peju Ogunmola won any awards?
While specific major award wins are not extensively documented, Peju Ogunmola received a standing ovation at the 2025 OAFP Awards in recognition of her decades-long contribution to Yoruba cinema. She is widely respected as one of the most influential veteran actresses in Nollywood.
Conclusion
Peju Ogunmola’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and cultural preservation. Born into theatrical royalty as the daughter of legendary Kola Ogunmola, she has spent over 40 years honoring her father’s legacy while carving out her own distinguished path in Yoruba Nollywood. From her debut at age 13 in “Ade Love” to her recent performances in 2025, she has remained a constant, authentic presence in Nigerian cinema.
Her journey has been marked by both triumph and tragedy—losing her father at seven, her brother at 37, and her only son at 58. Yet through it all, Peju has demonstrated remarkable strength and grace, continuing to show up for her craft and her community. Her ability to portray maternal characters with such depth and authenticity perhaps stems from her own experiences of love, loss, and enduring family bonds.
As a cultural ambassador, producer, director, playwright, and actress, Peju Ogunmola represents the best of Yoruba cinema. She has helped preserve traditional stories for new generations while adapting to the evolving landscape of Nollywood. Her marriage to fellow veteran Papi Luwe has created a powerhouse partnership that continues to influence Nigerian entertainment.
At 59 years old, Peju Ogunmola’s legacy is secure. She stands as a bridge between the pioneering theatrical traditions of her father’s era and the modern, global Nollywood of today. For aspiring actors, especially women in Yoruba cinema, she remains a shining example of longevity, professionalism, cultural authenticity, and unwavering dedication to the craft of storytelling.
Sources: Wikipedia, Legit.ng, IMDb, TheCityCeleb, Creebhills, Zikoko, Ranks Africa
Disclaimer: Information in this article is compiled from multiple sources and reflects details available as of January 2026. Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information and may not reflect exact amounts.
