Discover Damilola Oni’s inspiring journey from linguistics graduate to Nollywood star and TV presenter. Learn about her career, achievements, and role in Borokini series.
Damilola Oni is a Nigerian actress, television presenter, and film producer who has made a remarkable impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry. Known for her impressive talent and engaging presence, she has gained widespread recognition for her work in Nollywood, television shows, and movie production. Her versatility and hard work have earned her a spot among the most admired young stars in Nollywood.
Damilola is widely recognized for being the co-host of the breakfast show, Aajiirebi with Bamidele Fagboyo, a role that has made her a familiar face in many Nigerian households. She rose to prominence for her role as Susan in the TV series Borokini, which showcased her acting talent and earned her a loyal fan base.
What sets Damilola Oni apart in Nigeria’s entertainment landscape is her ability to excel across multiple platforms and formats. As an actress, Damilola has starred in several popular Nollywood films, gaining acclaim for her ability to portray diverse roles. As a television presenter, she is recognized for her energetic and engaging hosting style, particularly on Africa Magic’s Aajiirebi show.
Additionally, she has taken on roles as a producer, contributing to several Nigerian film projects that reflect her passion for storytelling and growth within Nollywood. Her work as a producer has shown that she is not only talented in front of the camera but also capable of shaping the future of Nollywood with her vision.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Damilola’s journey from a linguistics graduate to a multi-faceted entertainment professional represents the evolution of modern Nigerian celebrities who understand the importance of diversifying their talents and building comprehensive entertainment brands.
Contents
- 1 Early Life & Background: Foundation of Excellence
- 2 Educational Journey: Academic Excellence and Artistic Development
- 3 Career Journey: From Graduate to Nollywood Star
- 4 Major Film and Television Projects
- 5 Entrepreneurial Ventures: Beyond Entertainment
- 6 Career Timeline & Major Milestones
- 7 Personal Life: Balancing Fame with Privacy
- 8 Awards & Recognition: Celebrating Excellence
- 9 Net Worth & Financial Success: Building Wealth Through Talent
- 10 Legacy and Impact: Shaping Nigerian Entertainment
- 11 Conclusion: A Multi-Dimensional Entertainment Success
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 12.1 1. What is Damilola Oni’s educational background?
- 12.2 2. What are Damilola Oni’s most famous roles and projects?
- 12.3 3. What is Damilola Oni’s role as a film producer?
- 12.4 4. What is Damilola Oni’s current relationship status?
- 12.5 5. What is Damilola Oni’s estimated net worth?
- 12.6 6. How did Damilola Oni start her entertainment career?
Early Life & Background: Foundation of Excellence
Birth and Family Origins
Damilola Oni was born on May 2, though there appears to be some variation in reported birth years, with sources indicating she was born in the early 1990s. She was born in Coker, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos state into the Oyeleke Oni’s family, establishing her roots in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
She is a popular Nigerian actress who was born and raised by her parents in Labiran in Ibadan, Oyo State, providing her with deep cultural connections to both Lagos and Oyo states. This dual exposure to different Nigerian cultural centers would later influence her versatility as an entertainer.
Family Structure and Influence
Damilola Oni’s early life was centered in Lagos, where she grew up in a family that instilled values of hard work, education, and family support. She is the first child and only daughter in a family of four children, a position within the family that has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her ambitions and work ethic.
The names of Damilola Oni parents are Mr Oyeleke Oni (father) and Mrs Oni (mother). Her parents, especially her father were initially against her acting career but they later supported her, showing the importance of family acceptance in pursuing entertainment careers in Nigeria.
Damilola Oni has three (3) siblings brothers. She is the oldest of four siblings and does not have a sister as she is the only daughter. One of her brothers, identified as Oyeleke Leke_og, is an artist, indicating creative talents run in the family.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
She is from Oyo State, Nigeria, and is an indigene of Lábíran, Ibadan. Her hometown and village connections are in Lábíran in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West part of Nigeria. Her cultural identity is deeply rooted in Yoruba traditions, which influences her work in Yoruba language productions.
Talking about her background and origin, Damilola Oni wrote on her social media page describing her heritage: “My name is Damilola Oni, I am from Oyo state, Lábíran in Ibadan to be precise, my oko (village) is Idi Igba in Ibadan, my oriki orile is ‘Molufon Ade, I come from the Obatala linage.” This cultural grounding provides authenticity to her performances in Yoruba films.
Educational Journey: Academic Excellence and Artistic Development
Primary and Secondary Education
Damilola attended Surulere Junior Secondary School, where she excelled academically and was recognized for her strong leadership qualities. Her early educational success laid the foundation for her later achievements and demonstrated the academic discipline that would serve her well in her professional career.
She attended Surulere Junior Secondary School, Lagos and Federal Government Girls’ College in Oyo, providing her with educational experiences in both Lagos and Oyo states. This educational diversity exposed her to different learning environments and cultural perspectives.
She graduated in JSS 3 as one of the best students and was awarded by the Lagos State Government, demonstrating exceptional academic performance that earned official recognition. She was also recommended to the US as one of the best students, indicating her academic excellence was recognized at international levels.
University Education and Specialization
Damilola Oni is a graduate of Linguistics from the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. Her choice to study Linguistics demonstrates her interest in language and communication, skills that would prove invaluable in her later career as a television presenter and actress.
She also holds a master’s degree in Indigenous Knowledge and Development, showing her commitment to continuous learning and her interest in preserving and developing Nigerian cultural knowledge. This advanced education provides depth to her understanding of Nigerian culture and traditions.
Extracurricular Activities and Early Performance Experience
Throughout her university years, she actively participated in stage acting with the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre and was actively involved in her church’s drama society. These experiences formed the basis for her thriving acting career and provided crucial early training in performance arts.
Before joining Nollywood, Oni Damilola had acted on stage, acted in her church drama group and was part of cultural society group in secondary school. This extensive background in performance arts from an early age prepared her for professional success in entertainment.
Her love for acting started from her childhood days, indicating that her interest in performance was not a recent development but a long-standing passion that she nurtured through formal and informal opportunities throughout her educational journey.
Career Journey: From Graduate to Nollywood Star
Early Career Transition
After graduating from the university, Damilola Oni worked in a communication company in Lagos for four months before she moved back to Ibadan to start her presenting job and then furthered her education to masters degree level. This brief corporate experience provided her with additional skills before focusing on entertainment.
Entry into Professional Entertainment
Damilola Oni started her acting career in 2017. She officially joined Nollywood in 2018, marking the beginning of her professional entertainment journey. Despite facing initial struggles, her unwavering perseverance and dedication to her craft paid off as she gradually secured roles in Nollywood movies.
Her breakthrough came when she landed the notable role of Susan in the popular TV series “Borokini.” Her portrayal of Susan showcased her acting talent and earned her a loyal fan base, establishing her as a rising star in Nigerian television.
Television Presenting Career
In 2017, Damilola expanded her career by joining Africa Magic Yoruba as a television presenter on the popular morning show Aajiirebi. This role provided her with the platform to connect with viewers, discuss cultural issues, and engage in social commentary.
She has worked as a broadcaster and worked as a presenter on the breakfast show on African Magic. Her charismatic and engaging personality quickly gained her a significant following, making her a well-recognized face in Nigerian households.
Acting Career Development
She first gained recognition for her role as Dumebi on the television show “Ajumobi,” where she recorded over 200 episodes. This extensive television experience provided her with valuable on-screen training and exposure to audiences across Nigeria.
In her acting career, Damilola Oni has worked with other Nollywood stars such as Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Rotimi Salami, Uzor Arukwe, Ayo Olaiya, Mr Macaroni, Adeniyi Johnson, Antar Laniyan, Habeeb Alagbe, Anike Ami, Adunni Ade, Itele D Icon, Apankufor, Jide Awobona, among others.
Major Film and Television Projects
Notable Film Appearances
Damilola Oni’s list of movies includes several significant productions that have established her reputation in Nollywood. Her notable film credits include “Eccentric” (2021), “Romeo” (2022), “Murder at the Bar” (2022), “Married But Single” (2023), and “ÌTÉ” (2024).
Some of her other movies include Panpe, Nkan Alejo, Borokini, and other productions that showcase her versatility across different themes and genres. Her recent works include the 2024 films Onitemi and The Poor Millionaire, both of which highlight her growing presence in the industry.
Following her success, Damilola went on to feature in several notable films, including Borokini, Eccentric, Romeo, Murder at the Bar, Married But Single, and ÌTÉ. In each of these films, she showcased her ability to seamlessly adapt to various roles, ranging from dramatic to comedic characters.
Production Ventures
As a movie producer and filmmaker, Damilola Oni has produced movies like ÌTÉ, SISTERS IN CRIME, Last Weekend, ÌSÈMÍ, MORÓTÌ, among others. Her experience behind the camera has allowed her to contribute to Nigerian cinema in meaningful ways, ensuring that films reflect both the modern Nigerian experience and the rich cultural heritage of the country.
She has produced several critically acclaimed films, including ÌTÉ, Sisters in Crime, and Morotì. As a producer, Damilola is committed to creating stories that empower women and promote positive social change, demonstrating her vision for meaningful entertainment content.
Television Series Success
Her television career expanded significantly with her role in “Borokini” series, where she played Susan, a character that brought her widespread recognition. She is known for her role in Borokini, the series, and for presenting Aajiirebi – a Yoruba language magazine breakfast show.
She is also known as Esther in Ballerz the series, demonstrating her ability to take on different character types and appeal to diverse audiences across multiple television productions.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Beyond Entertainment
Business Development
Damilola Oni is an Entrepreneur and Creative Director at Bold By Damilola Oni, showing her expansion into business ventures that leverage her entertainment industry experience and personal brand. This entrepreneurial approach demonstrates her understanding of building sustainable income streams.
Digital Content Creation
She is the owner of The Damilola Oni TV on YouTube, indicating her adaptation to digital platforms and content creation. Her versatility extends beyond acting; she has also made a name for herself as a content creator on social media platforms, particularly on YouTube with her channel.
Her approach to digital content creation allows her to maintain direct engagement with fans while exploring creative projects outside traditional film and television formats.
Brand Partnerships and Influence
She also believes in giving back to society and is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating her commitment to using her platform and resources for positive social impact beyond entertainment.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1990s | Born in Lagos/Ibadan | Foundation of life and cultural identity |
| 2015-2016 | University graduation and NYSC | Educational completion and service |
| 2017 | Started acting career and joined Aajiirebi | Professional entertainment debut |
| 2018 | Officially joined Nollywood | Formal entry into film industry |
| 2018-2020 | Role in “Ajumobi” (200+ episodes) | Television experience and recognition |
| 2021 | “Eccentric” film release | Notable film career milestone |
| 2022 | “Romeo” and “Murder at the Bar” | Career development and diversity |
| 2023 | “Married But Single” | Continued industry presence |
| 2024 | “ÌTÉ,” “Onitemi,” “The Poor Millionaire” | Recent projects and production work |
| 2025 | Established producer and presenter | Multi-faceted industry leadership |
Key Takeaways from Damilola Oni’s Career Journey
Multi-Platform Excellence
Damilola Oni’s success across acting, television presenting, and film production demonstrates the importance of versatility in building a sustainable entertainment career. Her ability to excel in different aspects of the industry provides multiple revenue streams and career security.
Educational Foundation
Her strong academic background in Linguistics and Indigenous Knowledge and Development provides depth to her entertainment career and demonstrates how formal education can enhance creative professionals’ abilities and credibility.
Cultural Authenticity
Her deep roots in Yoruba culture and her ability to authentically represent this heritage in her work has been crucial to her success in Yoruba language productions and her connection with audiences.
Strategic Career Development
Her progression from university graduate to corporate worker to entertainment professional shows strategic career planning and the willingness to take calculated risks in pursuing her passion.
Personal Life: Balancing Fame with Privacy
Current Relationship Status
Damilola Oni is currently not married to any husband and has no biological child yet. She is currently single and fully focused on her career. While she remains open to the possibility of a relationship in the future, her professional endeavors are her primary priority at this stage of her life.
There are some reports that she is single but in a relationship with her boyfriend whose identity is unavailable, though she has chosen to keep details about personal relationships private, focusing public attention on her professional achievements.
Religious and Personal Values
She is a devout Christian, and her faith plays a significant role in guiding her decisions and actions. Her involvement in church drama groups throughout her education demonstrates the integration of faith and artistic expression in her life.
Her participation in church drama societies during her educational years shows how her religious community provided early opportunities for performance and skill development.
Physical Characteristics and Public Image
Damilola Oni stands at 5″6 feet tall. She is described as busty, big, bold and beautiful, with her natural physical attributes being part of her public image. She did not do any plastic surgery and is naturally endowed, emphasizing authenticity in her presentation.
Her approach to public image emphasizes natural beauty and authenticity, which resonates with audiences who appreciate genuine representation in entertainment.
Damilola is an active presence on social media, where she connects with her fans and shares insights into her life and career. Her social media platforms are a mix of personal updates, professional achievements, and motivational messages.
Damilola’s engaging content and authentic interactions have earned her a large and loyal following. She shares glimpses of her personal life and behind-the-scenes moments from her projects and engages with her large and dedicated fan base.
Awards & Recognition: Celebrating Excellence
Industry Acknowledgments
A series of professional milestones and industry recognition have marked Damilola Oni’s career. She has been acknowledged for her work as both an actress and television presenter, receiving several awards and nominations for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Her talent and dedication have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, though specific details of all awards may not be extensively documented. Her recognition spans both her acting work and her television presenting capabilities.
Performance Recognition
Her role on Aajiirebi has earned her a reputation as one of the top television presenters in Nigeria. Additionally, her performances in films such as Lovage and Married But Single have earned her accolades for her ability to bring characters to life in a way that resonates with audiences.
Her ability to portray deep emotions while maintaining a strong on-screen presence has made her one of the most sought-after actresses in Nollywood, representing recognition from industry professionals and casting directors.
Production Recognition
As a producer, Damilola’s work has helped shape the direction of Nollywood, and her films continue to be highly praised for their storytelling and representation of Nigerian society. This recognition extends beyond performance to acknowledge her contributions behind the camera.
Net Worth & Financial Success: Building Wealth Through Talent
Estimated Net Worth
Damilola Oni’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at approximately $120,000 to $500,000, with various sources providing different estimates reflecting her successful career across acting, television presenting, and production. Her estimated net worth ranges from $300,000 to $500,000, which she has earned through her successful career in the entertainment industry.
Income Sources and Diversification
Damilola’s primary source of income is her acting career. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, earning substantial fees for her performances. In addition to acting, Damilola has also ventured into producing and presenting, further diversifying her income streams.
She has made a substantial income through her various projects, including movies, TV shows, and brand endorsements. Her hard work, dedication, and talent contributed to her financial success and strategic approach to building wealth in entertainment.
Business Ventures and Investments
Her wealth results from her hard work, talent, and strategic investments. She also collaborates with various brands and companies, endorsing products and services that align with her values and image, providing additional revenue streams beyond traditional entertainment work.
Legacy and Impact: Shaping Nigerian Entertainment
Industry Influence
Damilola Oni’s legacy in Nollywood is already well-established, and her future in the entertainment industry is filled with potential. As she continues to explore new creative avenues in both acting and production, she is expected to shape the future of Nigerian cinema with projects that focus on empowerment, representation, and social change.
Cultural Representation
Damilola’s commitment to authentic storytelling and diverse representation in her films makes her a vital part of Nollywood’s evolving landscape, whether on-screen or behind the camera. Her influence is set to grow even stronger in the coming years.
Her work in Yoruba language productions helps preserve and promote Yoruba culture while making it accessible to contemporary audiences, contributing to cultural preservation and evolution.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Her success story provides inspiration for young Nigerians, particularly women, who aspire to build successful careers in entertainment while maintaining educational excellence and cultural authenticity.
Her journey from academic excellence to entertainment success demonstrates that formal education and creative careers can complement each other effectively.
Conclusion: A Multi-Dimensional Entertainment Success
Damilola Oni’s biography is one of passion, perseverance, and success. From her early days in Lagos to her rise as one of Nollywood’s most influential actresses and television hosts, Damilola has consistently proven that hard work, dedication, and love for your craft can lead to incredible achievements.
Her story represents the modern Nigerian entertainment professional who understands the importance of versatility, education, and cultural authenticity in building a sustainable career. Her success across acting, television presenting, and film production demonstrates the opportunities available to talented individuals who are willing to work hard and think strategically about their careers.
As she continues to explore new creative avenues and expand her influence in Nigerian entertainment, Damilola Oni serves as an inspiration to aspiring entertainers and a valuable contributor to the continued growth and evolution of Nollywood and Nigerian television.
Her commitment to empowerment, representation, and social change through her work positions her as not just an entertainer but also a positive influence on Nigerian society and culture. Looking toward the future, her established foundation and continued dedication suggest even greater achievements and contributions to Nigerian entertainment and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Damilola Oni’s educational background?
University Education
Damilola Oni is a graduate of Linguistics from the University of Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious universities. She also holds a master’s degree in Indigenous Knowledge and Development, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning.
Primary and Secondary Education
She attended Surulere Junior Secondary School, Lagos and Federal Government Girls’ College in Oyo. She graduated in JSS 3 as one of the best students and was awarded by the Lagos State Government, showing exceptional academic performance.
Academic Recognition
She was also recommended to the US as one of the best students, indicating her academic excellence was recognized at international levels. Her educational background in linguistics has been valuable for her career in television presenting and acting.
2. What are Damilola Oni’s most famous roles and projects?
Television Breakthrough
Damilola Oni rose to prominence for her role as Susan in the TV series Borokini. She first gained recognition for her role as Dumebi on the television show “Ajumobi,” where she recorded over 200 episodes.
Film Career
Her notable film credits include “Eccentric” (2021), “Romeo” (2022), “Murder at the Bar” (2022), “Married But Single” (2023), and “ÌTÉ” (2024). Her recent works include the 2024 films Onitemi and The Poor Millionaire.
Television Presenting
She is widely recognized for being the co-host of the breakfast show, Aajiirebi with Bamidele Fagboyo, a role that has made her a familiar face in many Nigerian households.
3. What is Damilola Oni’s role as a film producer?
Production Portfolio
As a movie producer and filmmaker, Damilola Oni has produced movies like ÌTÉ, SISTERS IN CRIME, Last Weekend, ÌSÈMÍ, MORÓTÌ, among others. Her experience behind the camera has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to Nigerian cinema.
Production Vision
As a producer, Damilola is committed to creating stories that empower women and promote positive social change. Her work ensures that films reflect both the modern Nigerian experience and the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Creative Leadership
Her work as a producer has shown that she is not only talented in front of the camera but also capable of shaping the future of Nollywood with her vision for meaningful entertainment content.
4. What is Damilola Oni’s current relationship status?
Single Status
Damilola Oni is currently not married to any husband and has no biological child yet. She is currently single and fully focused on her career at this stage of her life.
Career Priority
While she remains open to the possibility of a relationship in the future, her professional endeavors are her primary priority. She has chosen to focus on building her entertainment career and business ventures.
Privacy Approach
She has chosen to keep details about personal relationships private, focusing public attention on her professional achievements rather than personal life details.
5. What is Damilola Oni’s estimated net worth?
Financial Success
Damilola Oni’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at approximately $120,000 to $500,000, with various sources providing different estimates reflecting her successful career across multiple entertainment sectors.
Income Sources
Her wealth results from her hard work, talent, and strategic investments through acting fees, television presenting, film production, brand endorsements, and business ventures.
Financial Growth
She has made a substantial income through her various projects, including movies, TV shows, and brand endorsements, demonstrating strategic approach to building wealth in entertainment.
6. How did Damilola Oni start her entertainment career?
Early Foundation
Her love for acting started from her childhood days. Before joining Nollywood, Oni Damilola had acted on stage, acted in her church drama group and was part of cultural society group in secondary school.
Professional Beginning
Damilola Oni started her acting career in 2017. She officially joined Nollywood in 2018, after working briefly in a communication company in Lagos for four months following her university graduation.
Career Development
Despite facing initial struggles, her unwavering perseverance and dedication to her craft paid off as she gradually secured roles in Nollywood movies, leading to her breakthrough role in “Borokini.”