List of Yoruba people

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of notable Yoruba people.

Film and cinema[]

Nollywood[]

Actors and actress[]

Writers and directors[]

  • Biyi Bandele
  • Kemi Adesoye
  • Kemi Adetiba (b. 1980), filmmaker, television director, music video director
  • Kunle Afolayan (b. 1974), actor, film producer and director
  • Oyin Adejobi
  • Tomi Adeyemi (b. 1993), Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach
  • Tunde Kelani (b. 1948), filmmaker, storyteller, photographer, director and producer

Non-Nollywood[]

  • Adepero Oduye
  • Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
  • Alex Lanipekun
  • Ariyon Bakare
  • David Oyelowo
  • Dayo Okeniyi
  • Gbenga Akinnagbe
  • Hakeem Kae-Kazim
  • Isaach de Bankolé
  • KSI
  • John Boyega
  • Richard Ayoade
  • Rotimi
  • Toks Olagundoye
  • Sope Aluko
  • Rick Famuyiwa
  • Femi Emiola

Academics[]

  • Akinwumi Ogundiran (b. 1966), archaeologist, historian, anthropologist, author of The Yoruba: A New History
  • Bolaji Akinyemi (b. 1942), Nigerian professor of political science who was Nigeria External Affairs Minister in 1985-1987
  • Bolanle Awe (b. 1933), Nigerian history professor
  • Christopher Kolade (b. 1932), Nigerian diplomat and academic
  • Hezekiah Ademola Oluwafemi (1919-1983), Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University from 1966 to 1975
  • Isaac Folorunso Adewole (b. 1954), Nigerian professor of gynaecology and obstetrics
  • Kofoworola Ademola (1913-2002), educationist, first black African woman to earn a degree from Oxford University
  • Olanrewaju Fagbohun (b. 1966), academic, author, investor, professor of environmental law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria
  • Oyeronke Oyewumi, sociologist, gender scholar
  • Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe (1949-2021), Nigerian professor of systems engineering, Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos
  • Solomon Babalola
  • Stephen Adebanji Akintoye (b. 1935), academic, historian and writer
  • Toyin Falola (b. 1953), historian and professor of African studies

Medicine[]

  • Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (1956–2014), physician
  • Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh (1933–1997), physician, educational administrator, professor of Chemical pathology
  • Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi (1910–1971), first woman to practise as a physician in Nigeria
  • Latunde Odeku (1927–1974), neurosurgeon
  • Olikoye Ransome-Kuti (1927–2003), paediatrician, activist and health minister of Nigeria
  • Oni Akerele (d. 1983), Nigeria's first indigenous surgeon
  • (b. 1989), Public Health Specialist
  • Orisadipe Obasa (1863–1940), doctor and prince
  • Segun Toyin Dawodu (b. 1960), physician

Journalism and the media[]

  • Adeola Fayehun (b. 1984), journalist
  • Abraham Adesanya (1922–2008), Nigerian politician, lawyer, activist, welfarist and liberal progressive
  • Dele Giwa (1947–1986), journalist, editor and founder of Newswatch magazine
  • Dele Momodu (b. 1960), journalist/publisher, businessman and motivational speaker
  • Dotun Adebayo (b. 1960), British radio presenter, writer and publisher
  • Femi Adesina, journalist
  • Femi Oke (b. 1966), British television presenter and journalist
  • Kehinde Bankole (b. 1985), actress, model and television host
  • Kitoye Ajasa (1866–1937), Nigerian lawyer and legislator during the colonial period, first Nigerian to be knighted
  • Mosunmola Abudu (b. 1964), Nigerian media mogul and philanthropist
  • Oluremi Oyo (1952-2014), Nigerian veteran journalist
  • Omoyele Sowore (b. 1971), Nigerian human rights activist, founder of an online news agency Sahara Reporters
  • Reuben Abati (b. 1965), journalist, politician, television anchor and newspaper columnist
  • Seun Osewa (b. 1982), Nigerian internet entrepreneur
  • Tolu Ogunlesi (b. 1982), Nigerian journalist, poet, photographer, fiction writer and blogger

Visual arts[]

Artists[]

  • Laolu Senbanjo (b. 1982), Nigerian visual artist, musician, singer/songwriter and former human rights attorney
  • Aina Onabolu (1882–1963), pioneering Nigerian modern arts teacher and painter
  • Ibiyinka Alao (b. 1975), Nigerian American artist, architect, writer, film director and musical theater composer
  • Kehinde Wiley
  • Nike Davies-Okundaye (b. 1951), Nigerian batik and adire textile designer
  • Olowe of Ise (c. 1873 – c. 1938), wood sculptor
  • Yusuf Grillo (1934-2021), Nigerian painter

Photography[]

  • Bayo Omoboriowo (b. 1987), Nigerian photojournalist and documentary photographer
  • Lola Akinmade Åkerström. photographer and travel writer
  • Rotimi Fani-Kayode (1955–1989), Nigerian-born photographer
  • TY Bello

Politics and administration[]

Politics[]

  • Adebayo Salami (1951–2021), Senator, chieftain of All Progressives Congress
  • Adekunle Fajuyi (1926–1966), first military governor of Western Region, Nigeria
  • Adeyemo Alakija (1884–1952), lawyer, politician, businessman, president of Egbe Omo Oduduwa
  • Akinwunmi Ambode (b. 1963), Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria from 2015 to 2019
  • Ayodele Fayose (b. 1960), Governor of Ekiti State
  • Babajide Sanwo-Olu (b. 1965), Governor of Lagos State from 2019
  • Babalola Borisade (1946–2017), Federal Minister of Nigeria
  • Babatunde Fashola (b. 1963), lawyer and politician, former Governor of Lagos State
  • Benjamin Adekunle (1936–2014), Nigerian Army Brigadier
  • Bola Ige (1930–2001), lawyer and politician
  • Bola Tinubu (b. 1952), national leader of All Progressives Congress
  • Bukola Saraki (b. 1962), 13th President of the Senate of Nigeria
  • Christopher Omoworare Babajide (b. 1968), Nigerian politician
  • Desmond Elliot (b. 1974), Nigerian actor, director and politician
  • Dipo Dina (1960–2010), politician, philanthropist, administrator
  • Ernest Shonekan (1936-2022), Nigerian lawyer and statesman
  • Femi Fani-Kayode (b. 1960), Nigerian politician, essayist, poet and lawyer
  • Femi Gbaja Biamila (b. 1962), Nigerian lawyer
  • Femi Hamzat (b. 1964), Nigerian politician
  • Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (b. 1952), Nigerian senator and retired custom officer
  • Frederick Fasehun (1935–2018), Nigerian medical doctor, hotel owner and politician
  • Funsho Williams (1948–2006), politician from Lagos State
  • Gbenga Daniel (b. 1956), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011
  • Gboyega Oyetola (b. 1954), 9th Governor of Osun State
  • Herbert Macaulay (1864–1946), Nigerian nationalist, politician, surveyor, engineer, architect, journalist and musician
  • Ibikunle Amosun (b. 1958), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ogun State from 2011 to 2019
  • Joseph Fadahunsi
  • Kayode Fayemi (b. 1935), Nigerian politician, Governor of Ekiti State
  • Kofo Abayomi (1896–1979), Nigerian ophthalmologist and politician
  • Lawan Gwadabe (b. 1949), Military Administrator of Niger State from 1987 to 1992
  • Lola Young
  • M.K.O. Abiola
  • Mudashiru Obasa
  • Nicolas Grunitzky
  • Oladipo Diya
  • Obafemi Awolowo
  • Olu Falae
  • Oluremi Tinubu
  • Olusegun Aganga
  • Olusegun Mimiko
  • Olusegun Obasanjo
  • Olusegun Oni
  • Oyinkansola Abayomi
  • Rauf Aregbesola
  • Rotimi Akeredolu
  • Samuel Akintola
  • Seyi Makinde
  • Thomas Boni Yayi
  • Alhaji Abdul Azeez Kolawole Adeyemo
  • Tunde Idiagbon
  • Victor Adebowale (b. 1962), People's peer, current chair of the NHS Confederation
  • Yemi Osinbajo (b. 1957), Nigerian lawyer and politician, Vice-President of Nigeria since 2015

Administration[]

  • Akinwumi Adesina (b. 1960), President of African Development Bank since 2015
  • Joseph Oladele Sanusi (b. 1938), Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1999 to 2004
  • Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu (b. 1960), fifth President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization
  • Oye Owolewa (b. 1989), Nigerian-American pharmacist and politician
  • Wally Adeyemo (b. 1981), Deputy Treasury Secretary, United States of America.

Trans-Atlantic slave trade[]

Brazil[]

Canada[]

  • Thomas Peters

Cuba[]

  • Carlota (d. in battle if 1844), one of the leaders of the slave rebellion in the Triunvirato plantation
  • José Antonio Aponte

Guyana[]

  • Orishatukeh Faduma

Suriname[]

  • Johannes Alabi

Trinidad and Tobago[]

United States[]

Aristocrats[]

Monarchs[]

  • Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni Ojikutujoye I (b. 1958), of Ado-Odo
  • Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida Afunbiowo II (1950–2013), traditional ruler of the Akure Kingdom
  • Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III (b. 1943), Alake of Egbaland
  • Adeniji Adele (1893–1964), Oba of Lagos
  • Adesoji Aderemi (1889–1980), Ooni of Ife
  • Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (b. 1974), Ooni of Ile-Ife
  • Adeyinka Oyekan (1911–2003), second Christian Oba of Lagos
  • Ajaka, Oyo Emperor
  • Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I (r. 1886–1910), Ewi of Ado Ekiti
  • Daniel Aladesanmi II (1902–1983), Ewi of Ado Ekiti
  • Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III (1941–2019)
  • Fredrick Kumokun Adedeji Haastrup (1820–1901), Oba Obokun of Ilesa, first Christian Oba of Yorubaland
  • Ladapo Ademola (1872–1962), Alake of Abeokuta
  • Lamidi Adeyemi (b. 1938), Alaafin of Oyo
  • Moremi Ajasoro (12th century), legendary queen and folk heroine of the Yoruba people
  • Oba, Orisha of the river Oba
  • Oduduwa, divine king, according to tradition, first Ooni of Ife (r. c. 1100 AD), ancestor of many dynasties
  • Olagbegi Atanneye I (r. 1913–1938)
  • Olagbegi Atanneye II
  • Olateru Olagbegi I (r. 1913–1938)
  • Olateru Olagbegi II (1910–1998)
  • Olubuse II (1930–2015), traditional ruler of Ife
  • Oranyan, legendary founder of Oyo
  • Orompoto (16th century), female Alaafin of Oyo
  • Oshun
  • Osupa
  • Oya
  • Oyekan I
  • Rilwan Akiolu
  • Rufus Aladesanmi III
  • Samuel Akinsanya
  • Shango
  • Sikiru Kayode Adetona

Chiefs and princes[]

Sports[]

Football (soccer)[]

  • Adebayo Akinfenwa
  • Ademola Lookman
  • Asisat Oshoala
  • Babajide Collins Babatunde
  • Best Ogedegbe
  • Bukayo Saka
  • David Alaba
  • Dele Alli
  • Dominic Solanke
  • Emmanuel Adebayor
  • Eniola Aluko
  • Femi Ajilore
  • Fikayo Tomori
  • Folarin Balogun
  • Jamal Musiala
  • John Fashanu
  • Junior Ajayi
  • Kevin Schade
  • Leon Balogun (b. 1988), defender for the Nigeria national football team
  • Manuel Akanji
  • Mathieu Adeniyi
  • Michael Obafemi
  • Mudashiru Lawal (1954-1991), Nigerian footballer who played as a midfielder
  • Obafemi Martins (b. 1984), Nigerian professional footballer
  • Patrick Owomoyela (b. 1979), German former professional footballer
  • Peter Odemwingie (b. 1981), retired Nigerian professional footballer who played as a forward and a winger
  • Rabiu Afolabi
  • Rasheed Yekini (1963-2012), Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker
  • Razak Omotoyossi (b. 1985), Beninese professional footballer
  • Sammy Ameobi
  • Saturnin Allagbé (b. 1993), player for the Benin national football team
  • Segun Odegbami (b. 1952), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as forward
  • Shola Ameobi (b. 1981), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker
  • Taiwo Awoniyi
  • Taye Taiwo (b. 1985), Nigerian professional footballer
  • Tobi Jnohope, footballer
  • Tosin Adarabioyo (b. 1997), English professional footballer
  • Yakubu Aiyegbeni (b. 1982), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a striker

Coaches[]

  • Festus Onigbinde (b. 1938), Nigerian football manager
  • Segun Odegbami (b. 1952), Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward
  • Yemi Tella (c. 1951 - 2007), coach of the Nigerian football team

Basketball[]

  • Alex Antetokounmpo
  • Bam Adebayo
  • Gani Oladimeji Lawal Jr.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo
  • Hakeem Olajuwon
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Kostas Antetokounmpo
  • Michael Olowokandi (b. 1975), Nigerian former professional basketball player
  • Olu Famutimi (b. 1984), Canadian professional basketball player
  • Thanasis Antetokounmpo (b. 1992), Greek professional basketball player
  • Victor Oladipo (b. 1992), American professional basketball player

Fighting[]

Volleyball[]

  • Foluke Akinradewo (b. 1987), indoor volleyball player

American football[]

  • Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (b. 1977), former American football defensive end

Ice hockey[]

  • Jarome Iginla

Athletics[]

  • Daley Thompson
  • Femi Ogunode
  • Karim Olowu
  • Olusoji Fasuba (b. 1984), Nigerian sprinter
  • Yakubu Adesokan

Wrestling[]

  • Muhammed Lawal

Squash and Table tennis[]

  • Adewale Amao (b. 1990), Nigerian professional squash player
  • Segun Toriola (b. 1974), Nigerian professional table tennis player

Track and field[]

  • Olabisi Afolabi (b. 1975), retired track and field athlete from Nigeria
  • Oludamola Osayomi

Music[]

African[]

Pre-2000s[]

Post-2000s[]

  • 9ice (b. 1980), Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer
  • Adekunle Gold
  • Aramide
  • Aṣa
  • Ayọ
  • Ayo Jay
  • Ayra Starr
  • Bella Shmurda
  • Brymo
  • Burna Boy
  • Dave
  • CDQ
  • Chinko Ekun
  • D'banj
  • Davido
  • DJ Cuppy
  • Dotman
  • Eedris Abdulkareem
  • eLDee
  • Falz
  • Femi Kuti
  • Fireboy DML
  • Jaywon
  • JME
  • Joeboy
  • Kizz Daniel
  • Korede Bello
  • Ladipoe
  • L.A.X
  • Laycon (b. 1993), Nigerian media personality, rapper, singer and songwriter
  • Lil Kesh (b. 1994), Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter
  • Lyta
  • Maleek Berry (b. 1987), British-Nigerian record producer and recording artist
  • Mayorkun (b. 1994), Nigerian singer, songwriter and pianist
  • Mr Eazi
  • Mz Kiss
  • Naira Marley
  • Niniola
  • Olamide
  • Olu Maintain
  • Reekado Banks
  • Reminisce
  • Seun Kuti
  • Seyi Shay
  • Skepta
  • Shola Allyson
  • Simi
  • Small Doctor
  • Sound Sultan
  • Taio Cruz
  • Tems
  • Teni
  • Tiwa Savage
  • Tope Alabi
  • Wale
  • Wande Coal
  • Wizkid
  • Yemi Alade
  • Ycee (b. 1993), Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter
  • Zlatan (b. 1994), Nigerian singer, songwriter, musician and dancer

Directors and DJs[]

  • Clarence Peters
  • DJ Cuppy
  • DJ Caise, Nigerian disc jockey
  • DJ Jimmy Jatt (b. 1966), Nigerian disc jockey
  • DJ Neptune
  • DJ Spinall (b. 1984), Nigeriand disc jockey, record producer, songwriter, label executive and media personality
  • DJ Xclusive (b. 1980), Nigerian disc jockey, recorder producer and recording artist
  • D'Tunes
  • Kiddominant (b. 1992), Nigerian recording producer, songwriter and artist
  • Pheelz (b. 1994), Nigerian record producer and songwriter

Diaspora[]

  • August Agbola O'Browne
  • Babatunde Olatunji
  • Chamillionaire
  • Ibeyi
  • Jme
  • Kevin Olusola
  • Keziah Jones
  • Lola Falana
  • Mo Jamil (b. 1995), English singer
  • Rotimi
  • Sade Adu
  • Seal
  • Skepta
  • Taio Cruz
  • Tosin Abasi
  • Tunde Baiyewu (b. 1965), British singer
  • Wale (b. 1984), American rapper
  • Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
  • Solange Knowles
  • Modelling and fashion[]

    • Deola Sagoe
    • Yetunde Barnabas (b. 1990), Nigerian model, beauty queen, actress and film producer

    Science and technology[]

    • Ayodele Awojobi (1937-1984), Nigerian academic, author, inventor, social crusader and activist
    • Babatunde Ogunnaike (b. 1956), American chemical engineer
    • Ilesanmi Adesida (b. 1949), Nigerian American physicist
    • John Dabiri, Nigerian-American aeronautics engineer
    • Kunle Olukotun, computer scientist
    • Olusegun Adewoye (1947-2015), researcher in ceramics science and engineering, physical metallurgy and corrosion engineering
    • Oye Gureje (b, 1952), Nigerian psychiatrist
    • T. M. Aluko (1918-2010), Nigerian writer and engineer
    • Winston Wole Soboyejo (b. 1964), American materials scientist

    Theatre[]

    • Akpororo, Nigerian stand-up comedian, vocalist and actor
    • Abiodun Duro-Ladipo (b. 1941), Nigerian actress and singer
    • Gbenga Adeboye (1959-2003), Nigerian singer, comedian, radio presenter and master of ceremony
    • Koffi Idowu Nuel (b. 1977), Nigerian entertainer, comedian, musician and actor
    • Taaooma (b. 1999), Nigerian comedian, content creator, cinematographer and social media influencer

    Online influencers[]

    • Hushpuppi
    • Jackie Aina
    • KSI (b. 1993), British YouTuber, singer, songwriter and rapper
  • , Nigerian-American Marketing Expert

  • Military[]

    Businesspeople[]

    Religion[]

    Christianity[]

    Anglican[]

    • Isaac Oluwole, (1852-1932), Nigerian bishop of Sierra-Leonean and Egba heritage
    • Peter Akinola (b. 1944), former Anglican Primate of the Church of Nigeria
    • Samuel Ajayi Crowther (c. 1809 - 1891), Yoruba linguist and first African Anglican Bishop of West Africa
    • Samuel Johnson
    • Seth Kale

    Catholic[]

    • Anthony Olubunmi Okogie
    • John Onaiyekan
    • Matthew Kukah

    Pentecostal[]

    Other[]

    • Samuel Oshoffa (1909-1985), founder of the Celestial Church of Christ

    Islam[]

    • Abu-Abdullah Adelabu
    • Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory (1917-1992), Benin-Nigerian Islamic Scholar

    Yoruba Religion[]

    Law, activism and advocacy[]

    • Abiodun Williams
    • Adetokunbo Ademola
    • Afe Babalola
    • Augustus Molade Akiwumi
    • Beko Ransome-Kuti
    • Bola Ajibola
    • Femi Falana
    • Frederick Rotimi Williams
    • Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
    • Gani Fawehinmi
    • Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim
    • Kayode Eso
    • Sunday Igboho
    • Taslim Olawale Elias
    • Yemisi Ransome-Kuti
    • Zuriel Oduwole

    Writers[]

    Yorùbá language[]

    • Adebayo Faleti (1921-2017), Nigerian poet, journalist, writer, Nollywood film director, actor, Africa's first stage play director
    • Afolabi Olabimtan (1932-2003), Nigerian politician, writer and academic
    • Akinwunmi Isola (1939-2018), Nigerian playwright, novelist, actor, dramatist, culture activist and scholar
    • Bakare Gbadamosi (b. 1930), Yoruba poet, anthropologist and short story writer from Nigeria
    • Daniel O. Fagunwa (1903-1963), Nigerian Yoruba author who pioneered the Yoruba language novel
    • Duro Ladipo (1926-1978), Yoruba dramatist
    • Isaac Delano
    • Folahan Odunjo
    • Obo Aba Hisanjani
    • Olatubosun Oladapo
    • Tade Ipadeola
    • Wale Ogunyemi

    English language[]

    • Amos Tutuola
    • Bayo Ojikutu
    • Bernardine Evaristo
    • Bim Adewunmi
    • Bolu Babalola
    • Funso Aiyejina
    • Helen Oyeyemi
    • Lola Shoneyin
    • Natasha Bowen
    • Ola Rotimi
    • Olufemi Terry
    • Pelu Awofeso
    • Sophie Oluwole
    • Taiye Selasi
    • Teju Cole
    • Tolu Akinyemi
    • Tolu' A Akinyemi
    • Tomi Adeyemi
    • Wole Soyinka

    References[]

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