Iya Gbonkan Biography: Children, Twins, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Husband, Movies, Real Name, House

Biography

Margaret Bandele Olayinka, born September 14, 1958, popularly known as Iya Gbonkan, is a veteran Nigerian actress and producer renowned for her iconic roles in Yoruba films.

Hailing from Otu, Oyo State, she rose to fame in the early 1970s through Pa Yemi Elebuibon’s (Ifayemi Elebuibon) TV series Ifa Olokun and gained widespread recognition for her chilling portrayal of witches in films like Koto Orun and Koto Aiye.

Trained under Duro Ladipo, her natural physique and intense performances have made her a household name in the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood.

Despite misconceptions about her on-screen persona, Iya Gbonkan is celebrated for her contributions to Yoruba cinema, with a career spanning over five decades.

Nigerian actress
Iya Gbonkan
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Margaret Bandele Olayinka
Stage Name:	Iya Gbonkan
Born:	14 October 1958 (age 66 years old)
Place of Birth:	Otu, Itesiwaju, Oyo State, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Oyo State
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	N/A
Height:	N/A
Parents:	N/A
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Mr. Ladipo
Boyfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Actress • Producer
Net Worth:	$10,000-$50,000 (USD)

Early Life & Education

Margaret Bandele Olayinka, widely known as Iya Gbonkan, was born on September 14, 1958, in Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria.

She is a Yoruba by ethnicity, hailing from the southwestern part of Nigeria, with her mother being a native of Iseyin, also in Oyo State. Her father was a trader based in Ibadan.

Iya Gbonkan is reportedly the only child her mother had for her father, and there is no documented information about other siblings. She is a Christian.

Her early life was marked by challenges, including a difficult childhood where she faced maltreatment from her father’s relatives. This prompted her to leave her hometown for Ibadan, where she worked as a housemaid to support herself without her parents’ knowledge or consent.

Information regarding her formal education is scarce, with no specific details available about her schooling; however, some sources note that she completed primary and secondary education in her hometown.

Career

Margaret Bandele Olayinka, widely known by her stage name Iya Gbonkan, is a veteran Nigerian actress and producer who has played a defining role in the growth of the Yoruba film industry within Nollywood. With a career spanning over five decades, she remains one of the most recognizable faces in traditional Yoruba cinema.

Her journey into acting began in the early 1970s when she joined the theatre group of the legendary Pa Yemi Elebu’bon. She first gained public attention in the popular television series Ifa Olokun, where her natural acting talent and commanding presence stood out. She later trained under the acclaimed dramatist Duro Ladipo, further refining her skills in Yoruba theatre and storytelling.

Iya Gbonkan rose to fame through unforgettable performances in classic films such as Koto Orun (1989) and Koto Aiye, where she portrayed fierce, witch-like characters that left lasting impressions on audiences. Her intense screen presence and distinctive look made her the go-to actress for roles involving supernatural or fearsome personas. It was one of these roles that earned her the nickname “Iya Gbonkan,” a name that has since become iconic in Nigerian film culture.

Throughout her career, she has showcased a remarkable range, appearing in a diverse array of films, including Omo Oba and Iyawo Are, where she has demonstrated her versatility in both lead and supporting roles. Beyond acting, Iya Gbonkan has made significant contributions to the industry as a producer, helping to nurture and expand Yoruba-language cinema.

Despite being famously cast as sinister characters, Iya Gbonkan has often emphasized in interviews that these roles are purely fictional, and her real-life personality is far removed from the characters she portrays. Her humility and dedication have earned her widespread respect across generations of actors and fans.

In 2023, her legacy received renewed appreciation when a devoted fan gifted her a car. She also received housing support from Pastor Agbala Gabriel, a gesture that highlighted the love and admiration the public continues to show her.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Iya Gbonkan
• Facebook: Iya Gbonkan
• YouTube: Iya Gbokan Movies
• Instagram: Olayinka Dele (Iyagbonkan012) (@officialiyagbokan)

Personal Life

Iya Gbonkan, born Margaret Bandele Olayinka on September 14, 1958, is widely believed to be 66 years old; however, some speculate that she may be older, possibly in her late seventies or early eighties. Nonetheless, the 1958 birth year remains the most accepted.

She was once married to the younger brother of the legendary dramatist Duro Ladipo, a schoolteacher whom she met during a stage performance in Ibadan. The couple lived in Osogbo during their marriage until her husband’s passing. There is no verified information suggesting that she remarried.

Iya Gbonkan is a mother to two grown children—a son and a daughter—whose identities she has chosen to keep private. In 2021, a social media user named Asiwaju Lerry falsely claimed to be her grandson in a viral post. The image used was later confirmed to be digitally altered and was dismissed as a publicity stunt.

Her physical appearance—most notably her expressive face and prominent eyes—has become a hallmark of her film persona. These features have helped define her roles in Yoruba movies, especially in supernatural or witchcraft-themed stories.

While some fans associate her real-life identity with the eerie (witch) characters she portrays, Iya Gbonkan has consistently clarified that her performances are strictly artistic and not reflective of her personal nature.

In 2023, a fake wedding announcement involving her younger colleague, Adebayo Daniel Adeniyi, went viral, sparking buzz across social media. It was later confirmed to be a publicity stunt, not an actual relationship.

She continues to be celebrated for her remarkable contributions to Nollywood’s Yoruba film industry, where her decades-long career has inspired both fear and admiration on screen. Off-screen, she is regarded as a humble and private figure deeply respected by her peers.

Net Worth

Iya Gbonkan, whose real name is Margaret Bandele Olayinka, has an estimated net worth ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, according to various sources.

Her wealth is primarily derived from her extensive career in the Yoruba film industry, spanning over five decades, with notable roles in films like Koto Orun and Koto Aiye.

Despite her fame, she has publicly shared struggles with financial challenges, including not owning a house or car until receiving donations in 2023, facilitated by Pastor Gabriel Agbala, which raised over N5 million for a car and housing project.

Filmography

Films

• Koto Orun (1989): Played the role of Olori-Emere, a wicked witch, which earned her the stage name “Iya Gbonkan” from co-star Koledowo (Tajudeen Akanmu). This film, directed by Yekini Ajileye, is one of her most iconic projects, showcasing her ability to embody terrifying characters.
• Koto Aiye: Another significant film where she portrayed a witch, further cementing her reputation for occultic roles under the direction of Yekini Ajileye.
• Eran Iya Osogbo: A horror film produced by Yekini Ajileye, noted as one of his last projects, featuring Iya Gbonkan in a prominent role.
• Akuko Iya Gbonkan (2021): A Yoruba drama starring Femi Adebayo, Abiodun Jimoh, and others, where she played a central role in a story about supernatural consequences.
• Omo Oba: A Yoruba film where she showcased her versatility in a supporting role alongside other Nollywood actors.
• Iyawo Are: Featured in this film, contributing to its narrative with her signature intense performance.

Television Series

• Ifa Olokun: A TV series by Pa Yemi Elebu’bon in the early 1970s, marking one of her earliest appearances and her entry into the Yoruba film industry. She featured in episodes such as “Oro Modi Modi,” playing a goddess.

Other Contributions

• Iya Gbonkan has appeared in over 100 films, often collaborating with prominent actors like Gabriel Afolayan, Kemi Afolabi Adesipe, Lateef Adedimeji, Eniola Ajao, Odunlade Adekola, and Bimbo Oshin.
• She has also ventured into film production, contributing to the Yoruba film industry beyond acting, though specific titles she produced are not widely documented.
• Her roles frequently explore themes of morality, power, and the supernatural, preserving Yoruba folklore and spirituality through cinema.