LEGENDS OF THE ARTS: TOYIN AFOLAYAN (LOLA IDIJE)

January 08, 2024

LEGENDS OF THE ARTS: TOYIN AFOLAYAN (LOLA IDIJE)

TOYIN AFOLAYAN (LOLA IDIJE)

Toyin Afolayan, born September 24, 1959, popularly known as Lola Idije is a popular Nigerian film actress and television personality. She rose to prominence following her portrayal of Madam Adisa in the 1995 film “Deadly Affair.”

Toyin Afolayan hails from Agbamu, Kwara State, in South West Nigeria. She shares family ties with Adeyemi Afolayan (popularly known as Ade Love) and his children, acclaimed Nigerian film actors Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, Aremu Afolayan, and Moji Afolayan.

Toyin’s journey into acting began in the ’80s, influenced by Ade Love, and she has remained an active figure in Nollywood, predominantly featuring in Yoruba movies.

Beyond her acting career, Toyin Afolayan is credited with popularizing internet slangs such as “Soro Soke Werey” and “Pele My Dear.”

She gained recognition after starring as Madam Adisa in a 1995 film titled Deadly Affair.

Toyin Afolayan is known as the initiator of popular internet slangs Soro Soke werey and Pele My Dear. Soro Soke Werey is a term used by #EndSars protesters in Nigeria to demand that Government speak up and louder on the excesses of the SARS Police unit in the country.

“Soro Soke Werey” gained prominence during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, serving as a rallying cry demanding that the government speaks up and takes decisive action against the excesses of the SARS Police unit in the country.

Some of her films are

Glimpse (2020)

Arojinle (2018)

Ojuloge Obirin (2017)

Irapada (2006)

Deadly Affair (1995)

Idunnu mi (2007)

Osunwon Eda (2006)

Olokiki oru: The midnight sensation (2019)

Toyin Afolayan is a popular actress whose net worth is an estimated $500,000. She earned income and wealth through her acting career, having appeared in several Nollywood films.

Toyin Afolayan, a widow and mother of three daughters, also holds the role of a grandmother. Tragically, she experienced the loss of her only son during infancy.

Toyin was 64 in September 2023