Omoni Oboli biography reveals the life of Nigeria’s award-winning actress, director, and producer. Discover her net worth, age, husband Nnamdi Oboli, children, movies, and complete wiki profile.

Who is Omoni Oboli?

Omoni Oboli is a celebrated Nigerian actress, filmmaker, scriptwriter, director, and producer who has become one of Nollywood’s most influential figures. Born on April 22, 1978, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, she has spent nearly three decades making her mark in the entertainment industry.

The multilingual actress is fluent in both English and French, which has given her an edge in the competitive Nollywood landscape. Her journey from a young actress in the 1990s to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and the first Nollywood actress to win Best Actress awards at two international festivals in the same year showcases her exceptional talent and determination.

Beyond her acting prowess, Omoni has distinguished herself as a talented scriptwriter and director, with blockbuster films like “Being Mrs Elliott,” “Wives on Strike,” and “Okafor’s Law” to her credit. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding Dioni Visions with her husband, and established The Omoni Oboli Foundation to support underprivileged women and children in Nigerian society.

Today, at 47 years old, Omoni Oboli continues to inspire millions across Africa and beyond, proving that passion, hard work, and resilience can transform dreams into reality.

Quick Facts About Omoni Oboli

Early Life and Family Background

Omoni Oboli was born in Benin City, Edo State, in the South-southern region of Nigeria, where she spent her formative years. She is a descendant of Mosogar, a small village in Delta State, which gives her roots in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

She was raised by her late father, Chief Matthew Eriyovwe Ukey, who held a prominent position as a former permanent secretary of the Delta Civil Service Commission. Growing up in a household that valued education and hard work, young Omoni developed strong values that would later shape her career and personal life.

Little is publicly known about her mother, as the actress has maintained privacy regarding certain aspects of her family life. However, it is known that she grew up with a younger sister, though details about her sibling remain largely private.

Omoni’s childhood in Benin City exposed her to the rich cultural heritage of southern Nigeria, which would later influence her work as a filmmaker and storyteller. Her upbringing in a family with strong educational values set the foundation for her academic pursuits and professional achievements.

Educational Background

Primary and Secondary Education

Omoni Oboli completed both her primary and secondary school education in Benin City, Edo State. She attended Delta Steel Company Primary School for her elementary education and later proceeded to Delta Steel Company Technical High School for her secondary education.

During her school years, Omoni was an excellent student who demonstrated both academic brilliance and artistic talents. Her passion for the arts was evident even during her teenage years, though she maintained a strong focus on her academic performance.

University Education

After completing her secondary school education, Omoni Oboli proceeded to University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in French (2nd Class Upper division). Her choice to study French demonstrated her love for languages and international cultures.

Her university years were crucial in shaping her worldview and expanding her intellectual horizons. The discipline and critical thinking skills she developed during this period would later prove invaluable in her career as a scriptwriter and director.

Professional Training

Following the completion of her first degree, Omoni Oboli went abroad for further studies at the New York Film Academy where she studied digital editing in a 4-week workshop. This professional training equipped her with the technical skills needed to excel as a filmmaker in the modern digital age.

The New York Film Academy experience transformed her approach to filmmaking, exposing her to international standards and best practices in the film industry. This training would later distinguish her work from many of her contemporaries in Nollywood.

Career Journey: From Actress to Filmmaker

Early Acting Career (1996-2006)

The movie star graced the screen in a few productions before taking a long hiatus. Her acting debut came in 1996 with the film “Bitter Encounter,” which introduced her to Nollywood audiences. Following this, she appeared in several other productions including “Shame,” “Not My Will,” “Destined to Die,” and “Another Campus Tale.”

Despite showing early promise, Omoni made the difficult decision to step away from acting to focus on her education and family life. She got married in 2000 and spent nearly a decade away from the screen, a decision that could have ended many careers.

The Comeback and Rise to Stardom (2009-2015)

By the time she resurfaced, Omoni had armed herself with a professional degree which saw her achieve great heights in her career. Her return to Nollywood in 2009 marked the beginning of her most successful period. She appeared in “The Figurine,” which became a massive hit and reestablished her in the industry.

Omoni Oboli has played lead roles in mainstream films, including: The Figurine (2009), Anchor Baby (2010), Being Mrs Elliot, and Fifty (2015). Each of these films showcased her growth as an actress and her ability to carry major productions.

Her role in “Anchor Baby” proved particularly significant. She is the first actress from Nollywood to win Best Actress in two international festivals (that are not organized by Nigerians or Africans) in the same year (2010). This she did at the Harlem International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Movie Awards for her lead role in the movie Anchor Baby.

Transition to Directing and Producing

Omoni didn’t stop at acting. She has directed several movies such as Being Mrs Elliott, The First Lady, Wives on Strike, and Okafor’s Law. Her directorial debut with “Being Mrs Elliott” in 2014 proved that she could excel behind the camera as well.

Omoni has several screenplays to her credit, including her film Wives On Strike as well as The Rivals, a movie she co-produced with her friend and won the prize for Best International Drama at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. The Rivals made history as one of the first Nigerian films to be premiered at this prestigious festival.

Recent Projects and Achievements

In 2018, she starred in and directed the comedy film “Moms at War,” which became another commercial success. She has continued to produce and direct films that resonate with Nigerian audiences while maintaining international appeal.

On 14 August 2017, Omoni Oboli took to her Instagram page to share a post announcing her new deal as the Brand ambassador of Olawale Ayilara’s LandWey Investment Limited, expanding her influence beyond filmmaking into brand endorsements.

Major Films and Productions

As an Actress

Omoni has appeared in over 150 films throughout her career, including:

• The Figurine (2009) – Her comeback film that reignited her career
• Anchor Baby (2010) – The film that won her international recognition
• Being Mrs Elliott (2014) – Where she played the lead role and directed
• Fifty (2015) – A box office hit celebrating women
• Wives on Strike (2016) – Both actress and director
• Okafor’s Law (2017) – Despite controversies, became a commercial success
• Moms at War (2018) – Comedy film she directed and starred in
• Love is in the Hair (2021)
• After a Night in July (2025) – Her latest release inspired by her real-life marriage

As a Director and Producer

While playing both lead and supporting roles in front of the camera, Omoni Oboli has proved her prowess behind the camera as she is credited with producing and directing quite a few movies. Her directorial portfolio includes:

• Being Mrs Elliott (2014)
• The First Lady (2015)
• Wives on Strike (2016)
• Okafor’s Law (2017)
• Moms at War (2018)
• Wives on Strike: The Revolution (2019)
• Love is in the Hair (2021)

Screenwriting Credits

As a talented scriptwriter, Omoni has written several acclaimed screenplays including:

• The Figurine (2009)
• Anchor Baby (2010)
• Fatal Imagination
• Being Mrs Elliott
• The First Lady
• Wives on Strike (2016)

Personal Life: Marriage and Family

Marriage to Dr. Nnamdi Oboli

The actress is married to a medical practitioner Dr Nnamdi Oboli. Omoni Oboli husband is a medical doctor who has specialized in optometry (treatment of the human eye). The couple got married in the year 2000.

According to her, Nnamdi proposed just two weeks after they met, and they tied the knot only four months later. Their whirlwind romance has blossomed into a strong marriage that has lasted over two decades.

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli revealed that the couple agreed from the very beginning that divorce would never be an option. This commitment has been the foundation of their successful marriage.

Nnamdi Oboli is a distinguished Nigerian professional known for his diverse contributions to literature, film production, life coaching, and optometry. He is the Managing Director of Dioni Visions Limited, a company that integrates entertainment and eye care services.

Children

In their 21 years of marriage, they have been blessed with three handsome sons. Omoni Oboli children are Tobe, Gonzi and Chizi. Their first son, Tobe Oboli, born on October 4, 2001, has followed in his mother’s footsteps and is also an actor.

The family shares a close bond, and Omoni frequently posts about her sons on social media, celebrating their achievements and milestones. The couple has successfully raised their children while managing demanding careers in entertainment and healthcare.

Current Residence

The Oboli family currently resides in Canada, though they maintain strong ties to Nigeria. This international lifestyle allows their children access to global opportunities while remaining connected to their Nigerian heritage.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Net Worth and Financial Success

His wife Omoni Oboli’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.6 million. This impressive wealth comes from multiple income streams including acting fees, directing projects, producing films, brand endorsements, and business ventures.

Sources of Income

Film Production and Acting: As one of Nollywood’s top actresses and filmmakers, Omoni commands premium rates for her services. Her films have consistently performed well at the box office, generating substantial revenue.

Dioni Visions: She also jointly owns a firm with her husband, which they named Dionic Visions—a company that represents Omoni’s film productions and her husband’s optometry. This business venture diversifies their income portfolio.

Brand Endorsements: Her status as a celebrity has attracted numerous endorsement deals with major brands, adding significantly to her wealth.

International Recognition: Her international awards and recognition have opened doors to global opportunities and partnerships.

Assets and Lifestyle

It is known that she resides in an extravagant mansion that is reported to have cost millions of naira. Her impressive car collection includes luxury vehicles such as a Tesla Model X, Mercedes-Benz GL450, Lexus 460 SUV, BMW X5 SUV, Range Rover Autobiography, and a Mitsubishi Pajero.

Despite her wealth, Omoni maintains a relatively modest public profile, focusing more on her work and philanthropy than on ostentatious displays of wealth.

Awards and Recognition

International Awards

In 2010 she won the award for Best Actress – Narrative Feature at the Los Angeles Movie Awards, and the award for Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival. These twin victories made her the first Nollywood actress to achieve such international recognition.

Omoni was nominated for the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards, further cementing her status as a leading African actress.

National Recognition

In 2014, Omoni won Big Screen Actress of the Year award, at the 2014 ELOY Awards, for her movie Being Mrs Elliott. This award recognized her excellence in both acting and directing.

In 2015, Omoni was awarded the Sun Nollywood personality of the year, acknowledging her overall contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

Festival Achievements

The Rivals won the prize for Best International Drama at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. It was the first Nigerian film to be premiered since the festival’s inception in 2003. The movie was given a 3-star rating out of 4 by the festival’s judges.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

The Omoni Oboli Foundation

Omoni Oboli set up a charity organization, “The Omoni Oboli Foundation” to use her celebrity status to bring relief to the plight of the less privileged women and children of Nigerian society. The foundation focuses on empowering disadvantaged women and children through education, skills acquisition, and financial support.

Advocacy and Mentorship

Beyond her foundation, Omoni uses her platform to advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment. She regularly mentors young actresses and filmmakers, helping them navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry.

Her films often carry strong social messages about women’s empowerment, marriage, family values, and societal issues, demonstrating her commitment to using entertainment as a tool for social change.

Controversies and Challenges

Okafor’s Law Copyright Issue

Omoni Oboli starred in the movie Okafor’s Law, which premiered on 24 March 2017. However, the movie could not be screened at the premiere due to an injunction by the court. Oboli was accused of copyright infringement by Jude Idada, who claimed to have written part of the script for Okafor’s Law.

The controversy was eventually resolved, and the film was released on March 31, 2017, going on to become a commercial success. Omoni handled the situation professionally, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her craft.

Career Hiatus Challenges

Her ten-year break from acting presented significant challenges when she returned. The industry had evolved, and she struggled to find her footing initially. However, rather than giving up, she pivoted to creating her own content, which ultimately led to greater success and creative control.

Physical Attributes

The Nollywood actress is 5 feet and 8 inches tall and she weighs 70 kgs. Omoni has black eyes and black hair, and her body measurements are 34-24-34 inches.

The actress is blessed with strong natural black hair, which she often showcases in her social media posts, inspiring other women to embrace their natural beauty.

Social Media Presence

Omoni Oboli has 4M Followers on Instagram (@omonioboli), where she regularly shares updates about her projects, family life, fitness journey, and motivational content. Her strong social media presence has made her one of the most followed Nollywood actresses.

She uses her platforms not just for self-promotion but also to inspire others, share business insights, and advocate for causes she believes in. Her authentic and relatable content has endeared her to millions of fans across Africa and beyond.

Legacy and Impact on Nollywood

Omoni Oboli’s impact on Nollywood extends far beyond her individual achievements. She has paved the way for other actresses to transition into directing and producing, demonstrating that women can excel in all aspects of filmmaking.

Her success in winning international awards helped put Nollywood on the global map and opened doors for other Nigerian filmmakers. Her commitment to quality storytelling has raised the bar for Nollywood productions, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to prioritize excellence.

As a businesswoman, she has shown that entertainment careers can be lucrative and sustainable when approached strategically. Her company, Dioni Visions, serves as a model for how creative professionals can build lasting business ventures.

Interesting Facts About Omoni Oboli

Multilingual Talent: Omoni is fluent in both English and French, a skill she developed through her university education that has given her a unique advantage in the industry.

Quick Marriage: She met her husband and got married within just four months, a whirlwind romance that has lasted over two decades and produced three sons.

Career Gap: She took a ten-year break from acting to focus on education and family, returning stronger and more successful than before.

International Pioneer: She was the first Nollywood actress to win Best Actress awards at two international film festivals (not organized by Nigerians or Africans) in the same year.

Fitness Enthusiast: Beyond her film career, Omoni is passionate about health and fitness, even creating a weight loss program to help others achieve their fitness goals.

Author and Coach: In addition to filmmaking, she has authored books and works as a life coach, expanding her influence beyond the entertainment industry.

Family Business: She runs a successful business, Dioni Visions, with her husband, successfully blending their professional interests in entertainment and healthcare.

Conclusion

Omoni Oboli’s journey from a young actress in Benin City to becoming one of Nollywood’s most accomplished filmmakers is a testament to perseverance, talent, and strategic career management. Her ability to excel as an actress, director, producer, scriptwriter, and businesswoman sets her apart in an industry where specialization is the norm.

At 47, she continues to break barriers and set new standards for excellence in African cinema. Her international recognition has brought honor to Nigeria and inspired countless young Africans to pursue careers in filmmaking. Beyond her professional achievements, her successful marriage of over two decades and her role as a mother of three demonstrate that it’s possible to balance family and career success.

Her philanthropic work through The Omoni Oboli Foundation ensures that her impact extends beyond entertainment to touch the lives of disadvantaged women and children. As she continues to create compelling content and expand her business ventures, Omoni Oboli’s influence on African cinema and society will undoubtedly continue to grow.

Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing setbacks or challenges, proving that with determination, continuous learning, and unwavering faith, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)