Sunkanmi Omobolanle: the evolution of an actor, director and cultural icon

Sunkanmi Omobolanle: the evolution of an actor, director and cultural icon

Sunkanmi Omobolanle is the son of the veteran Nigerian actor Sunday Omobolanle. He has followed in his father’s footsteps in Nollywood and has made a name for himself as an actor, film producer, and director. As an actor, he is best recognised for his roles in Eti Keta, Gongo aso, Jail, and Ofeefe (Mirage).

Sunkanmi Omobolanle in a green suit and cap (L). The actor smiles as he poses for a solo picture (R).
Sunkanmi Omobolanle in a green suit and cap (L). The actor smiles as he poses for a solo picture (R). Photo: @sunkanmi_omobolanle, @bbcnewsyoruba on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Sunkanmi Omobolanle is a Nigerian film actor and director, known for his contributions to Yoruba-language films.
  • He is the son of veteran comic actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe.
  • The actor married Kudirat Abimbola Bakare in 2011, and the couple has a daughter born in 2020.

Profile summary

Full name

Olasunkanmi Omobolanle

Gender

Male

Date of birth

1 March 1981

Age

44 years (as of 2025)

Zodiac sign

Pisces

Place of birth

Ilora, Oyo State, Nigeria

Current residence

Lagos, Nigeria

Nationality

Nigerian

Ethnicity

African

Tribe

Yoruba

Religion

Christianity

Sexuality

Straight

Hair colour

Black

Eye colour

Dark brown

Mother

Kudirat Folashade Omobolanle

Father

Sunday Omobolanle (Papi Luwe)

Marital status

Married

Partner

Kudirat Abimbola Bakare

Children

1

School

Nigerian Military School

College

Olabisi Onabanjo University

Profession

Actor, film producer, director

Instagram

@sunkanmi_omobolanle

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Sunkanmi Omobolanle’s biography

Actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle, the son of Kudirat Folashade and Sunday Omobolanle, was born and raised in Ilora, Oyo State, Nigeria. His father, Sunday Omobolanle, famous as Papi Luwe, is a veteran comic actor, playwright, film director, and producer recognised for his roles in several Nigerian films and TV series, including Asoko Peye and Love of My Life.

The actor’s mother, Kudirat Folashade Omobolanle, passed away in 2005 when he was 24 years old. After his mother’s demise, his father married Peju Ogunmola, a Yoruba film actress who has starred in Maradona and Mafi wonmi. It is unknown whether Sunkanmi has blood siblings, but he has a half-sibling born from his father’s second marriage.

Five facts about Sunkanmi Omobolanle
Five facts about Sunkanmi Omobolanle. Photo: @sunkanmi_omobolanle on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Original

As for his education, Sunkanmi Omobolanle took his high school studies at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, Kaduna. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management in 2008.

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What is Sunkanmi Omobolanle’s age?

The Nigerian film actor is 44 years old as of 2025. His date of birth is 1 March 1981, and his zodiac sign is Pisces.

Sunkanmi Omobolanle’s rise in Nollywood

Sunkanmi Omobolanle sits on a staircase (L). The actor smiles as he poses for a photo in a striped pair of trousers and a dark green shirt (R)
Sunkanmi Omobolanle sits on a staircase (L). The actor poses for a photo in a striped pair of trousers and a green shirt (R). Photo: @sunkanmi_omobolanle, @pappyluwe on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Sunkanmi ventured into the Nigerian acting industry in the early 2000s, when the industry was rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. He started by playing supporting roles and learning from well-established actors as he waited for his big break.

As time went by, his unique acting talent, efforts, and persistence began paying off as he became noticeable to key players in the industry. Leading roles in Yoruba-language films came calling, and soon he became a household name in Nollywood. According to IMDb, he boasts approximately 21 acting credits.

Film/TV series

Period

Role

The Alternative

2022

Lanre

A Dream Called Death

2020

Tony

Ajebidan

2020

Slim

Kakanfo

2020

Tolu

Jalaruru

2020

Ajibade

Ofeefe (Mirage)

2019

Delani

Upside of Down

2018

Obiagu

Jail

2017

Kingsley

Okan Eniyan

2017

Owo Ago

2017

Ade

Aruga

2015

Head Gone

2014

Alakada 2

2013

Bayo

Secret Lives of Yahoo Boys

2013

Eti Keta

2011

Ajadi

Atanpako meta

2008

Gongo aso

2008

Olaide irawo

2007

Ina fitila

2007

Elulu tofajo

2006

Ayomida

2003

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Apart from acting, Sunkanmi Omobolanle has a behind-the-screen role as a film director. He was reportedly inspired by his father’s legacy and the desire to contribute to storytelling to take up a directorial role. Some of his notable directorial projects include Eti Keta (2011), Kakanfo (2020), and Gongo aso (2008).

The Nigerian actor boasts a significant following on social media platforms, especially on Instagram, where he has approximately 517 thousand followers as of writing. He uses the platform to share updates about his career and lifestyle and endorse brands, such as Brand and Earn and Huvid Connect.

Who is Sunkanmi Omobolanle's wife?

Sunkanmi’s better half is Kudirat Abimbola Bakare. The two have known each other since their youth, and their relationship lasted approximately two decades before they tied the knot on 18 June 2011. After nine years of marriage, they were blessed with a daughter named Aderinsola in August 2020.

FAQs

  1. Who is Sunkanmi Omobolanle? He is a Nollywood film director and actor known for his roles in Yoruba films, such as Jalaruru, Ofeefe (Mirage), and Alakada 2.
  2. When and where was Sunkanmi Omobolanle born? The actor was born on 1 March 1981, in Ilora, Oyo State, Nigeria.
  3. Is Sunkanmi Omobolanle the son of Peju Ogunmola? He became Peju Ogunmola’s stepson after his father married the film actress following the demise of his mother.
  4. Who is Sunkanmi Omobolanle's mother? The actor’s real mother was Kudirat Folashade Omobolanle, who died in 2005.
  5. Who is Sunday Omobolanle's wife? The veteran Nigerian actor’s wife is Yoruba film actress Peju Ogunmola. She is his second wife.
  6. What is Sunday Omobolanle’s age? He was born on 10 January 1954 and is 71 years old as of 2025.
  7. Does Sunkanmi Omobolanle have a child? Yes. The actor and his wife, Kudirat Abimbola Bakare, have a daughter named Aderinsola, born in August 2020.

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Sunkanmi Omobolanle emerged from the shadows of his father’s fame in Nollywood and has made a name for himself as a top Yoruba film actor. With a career spanning approximately two decades, he has been featured in several films and has won the hearts of many Nollywood film lovers. His wife is Kudirat Abimbola Bakare, and they have a daughter.

Legit.ng recently published Sam Maurice’s biography. He is a Nigerian DJ, model, and actor known for starring in Nollywood films and TV series such as Hustle, The Big Fat Lie, Blood Sisters, A Heart to Love, and Team Six.

Sam Maurice was interested in acting from a young age and took up acting lessons to hone his skills. He landed his first acting role in 2016, and so far, he has been featured in over 100 films and TV series. Interested in knowing more about his career and personal life? Here is all to know about the Nigerian actor.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Muhunya Muhonji avatar

Muhunya Muhonji (Lifestyle writer) Muhunya is a graduate of Agricultural Economics from Egerton University, Class of 2014, with a passion for storytelling and content creation. Since joining Legit.ng as a writer in July 2021, he has covered diverse topics such as entertainment, technology, business, and biographies. His journalism journey has seen him complete multiple professional courses, including the AFP Digital Investigation Techniques course (2023), the Google News Initiative course (March 2024), and Fact-Checking and Research training (September 2024). Email: muhunyah@gmail.com