Iretiola Olusola Ayinke

She was born on May 3, 1967 in Ondo state. Most of her early years were spent with her family in the United State. Upon her return to Nigeria, she attended Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti for her secondary education. After her secondary education, she got a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos. She also possesses a Diploma in Mass Communication from the same University.

Ireti’s career in the entertainment industry began in 1995 when she auditioned for a role in the TV series ‘Riddles and Hopes’ during one of her school strikes. She was motivated to become an actress while she was in secondary school while watching Joke Silva in a TV series ‘Mind Bending’.

Along the line, she began hosting television shows like Morning Ride on STV, Nimasa This Week on Channels TV and so on. Ireti also produced ‘Oge with Iretiola’ her own lifestyle and fashion show which ran consecutively for ten years.

Apart from been an actress, she is also a creative writer with several screenplays to her credit, Amaka Igwe’s Tempest (Season 1) included.

She is also an enthusiastic social commentator who has penned different columns for This Day Newspaper, Saturday Vanguard and City People. Ever since she began her career in the entertainment industry, she has perfected her skills and is often referred to as ‘Actor’s Actor’ by her fans.

Some of the movies she has featured in are; Across the Niger, Sitanda, The Arbitration, The Therapist, Fifty, The Wedding Party, Dinner, The Wedding Party 2, Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons, Kasanova, Merry Men 2 e.t.c.

 

AWARDS

2015 – Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Best Supporting Actress (Torn)

2014 – Nollywood Movie Awards, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Torn)

2013 – GIAMA Awards Houston, Texas, Best Actress in a Leading Role

2009 – Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Across the Niger)

2007 – Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Sitanda)

 

PERSONAL LIFE

Iretiola is married to Patrick Doyle, a veteran broadcaster and they are both blessed with six children and grandchildren.