Osas Ighodaro is a Nigerian-American actress, model, and philanthropist who has become one of the most recognizable faces in Nollywood. Born Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro, she initially answered to “Martha” but later adopted “Osas” as her stage name to embrace her cultural heritage and stand out in the entertainment industry.
Early Life, Education, and Career Beginnings
Osas Ighodaro was born on October 26, 1990, in Bronx, New York, to Nigerian parents from Edo State. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at Pennsylvania State University before earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Her passion for entertainment led her from theater performances to runway modeling and, ultimately, to Nollywood.
Osas Ighodaro’s Acting Career
After completing her education, Osas began her acting career in New York, appearing in theater productions and independent films. She later transitioned to Nollywood, where she gained prominence for her exceptional performances in movies and TV shows. Her decision to change her name from Martha to Osas helped her avoid stereotyping and establish a unique identity in the entertainment industry.
Modeling and Beauty Pageantry
With her striking looks, elegance, and natural charm, Osas excelled as a model. She won the Miss Black USA Pageant 2010, a milestone that amplified her career. Her beauty, confidence, and poise made her a sought-after face for major fashion brands. In addition to modeling, she founded the Joyful Joy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting malaria in Africa.
Osas Ighodaro: A Fashion Icon
Osas has made a name for herself in the fashion industry, effortlessly setting trends on the red carpet. Whether at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) or prestigious movie premieres, she consistently earns spots on best-dressed lists. Her fashion choices reflect sophistication, versatility, and elegance, making her a favorite among fashion critics and enthusiasts. She has been the perfect muse for some of Nigeria’s most popular fashion designers, especially Mrs Veekee James Atere, also known as Veekee James.
Read Also: Veekee James’s Top Ten Stunning Creations of 2024
Personal Growth, Philanthropy, and Advocacy
Beyond entertainment, Osas is committed to social impact. She actively engages in charity work, public speaking, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Through her Joyful Joy Foundation, she raises awareness about malaria prevention. She has also participated in motivational talks, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams and embrace self-empowerment.
Awards, Achievements, and Influence
Osas Ighodaro has earned multiple accolades in Nollywood, including Best Actress in a Drama at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the highest-grossing Nollywood actresses. Her dedication to her craft and continuous success make her an inspiration to aspiring actors and young women across Africa and beyond.
Osas Ighodaro’s Personal Life
Osas was previously married to actor Gbenro Ajibade. The couple married in June 2015 and welcomed their daughter in 2016. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2019, with public discussions about work-life balance and personal challenges contributing to their separation. Check out this beautiful picture of Osas Ighodaro and her daughter
Why did Osas Ighodaro and Gbenro Ajibade divorce?
A few years ago, Osas Ighodaro was a rising star in Nollywood, admired not only for her talent but also for her picture-perfect family. Her husband, Gbenro Ajibade, often shared heartwarming moments on Instagram, showing his support as they raised their daughter together—creating those viral #GodWhen moments. However, over time, tensions grew, and cracks began to show. Gbenro eventually took to social media to voice his frustrations about their work-life balance, suggesting that he felt sidelined in their marriage. This public revelation sparked conversations about the challenges of balancing a thriving career with family life.
Osas Ighodaro’s Movies and TV Shows: How many movies has Osas Ighodaro acted in?
I first encountered Osas Ighodaro as the returnee daughter in the popular African Magic sitcom Flatmates, produced by comedian Bright Okpocha, also known as Basketmouth. However, her acting career extends far beyond that role. Before and after Flatmates, she has been featured in an impressive number of films, earning recognition and awards for her performances. With over 100 movies to her name, Osas Ighodaro has solidified her place as one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actresses, seamlessly bridging the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood.
- The Smart Money Woman
- Single Not Searching
- Man of God
- When Love Strikes
- The Ghost and the Tout
- New Money
- The Bling Lagosians
- Mamba’s Diamond
- Namaste Wahala
- Mama Drama
- Double Strings
- Bad Comments
- To Freedom
- Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons
- King of Boys: The Return of the King
- Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
The Legacy of Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro continues to redefine success in Nollywood and beyond. With her impressive career in acting, modeling, and philanthropy, she remains an inspiration to many. As she expands her influence in entertainment and social impact, she proves that hard work, resilience, and authenticity are the keys to success.
Her journey from a young girl in New York to a celebrated Nollywood star showcases the power of dedication, talent, and self-belief. Osas Ighodaro is not just an actress—she is a role model, a trendsetter, and a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.