She passed away at the age of 61 years old (as of 2023). Iyabo Oko’s passion for acting began at a young age, prompting her to venture into a theater group outside her comfort zone. Despite her father’s attempts to pull her away from the group, her love for acting persisted.
In 1973, Iyabo Oko joined the Eda Onileola Theatre Troupe, making her entry into Nollywood without her parents’ consent. Her breakthrough came when she worked under the renowned Oga Bello’s Theatre Group in Lagos.
During her early years, she starred in a film titled “Oko,” directed and produced by Oga Bello himself, which earned her the nickname she is known by today. While pursuing her career, Iyabo Oko faced personal challenges, including the loss of her father.
However, her mother was able to witness her career transformation. Some notable movies she has acted in include “Idunnu Okan,” “Mayowa,” and “Okobo Dimeji,” among others. In 2018, Iyabo Oko took a lengthy break from the industry due to health issues and also expressed her plans to start her own business.
However, after battling an undisclosed illness in 2016 and seeking treatment overseas in 2018, she returned to Nigeria and announced her decision to reduce her workload and take a break from acting to prioritize her health.
In a surprising turn of events, on January 5, 2021, Iyabo Oko was reported to have passed away but miraculously woke up after three hours. This incident marked the second time she had been rumored to be deceased, defying any predictions of her demise. She was later diagnosed with Ischaemic Stroke.
Additionally, Iyabo Oko is a member of the Alliance for Progressive Change (APC) and actively participated in the campaign for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in 2015. She revealed her switch from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, citing a lack of offerings from the former.
Other notable Nollywood stars who joined the APC campaign included Moji Olaiya, Remi Shitta-Bay, Remi Oshodi (Surutu), Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Eniola Badmus (Omo-Ghetto), Fadeyi Oloro, and L’Awori.
Iyabo Oko Children
Tajudeen Akanmu, Bisi Aisha and Oduola Olamide are her children.
Iyabo Oko is a mother of three children – two daughters and a son. Unfortunately, her first son, Tajudeen Akanmu, passed away in 2008 after a brief illness.
One of her daughters has chosen a career in the Nigerian military and serves as a soldier, contributing her skills and dedication to the nation’s defense. Her name is Bisi Aisha.
As for her third child, named Oduola Olamide, they are alive and well. These details about Iyabo Oko’s family, including the loss of her son and the military service of her daughter, add further dimensions to her life and experiences.
