Sidikat Odunkanwi ((Listen); 15 November 1960 – 28 June 2023), professionally known as Iyabo Oko (Listen), was a Nigerian film actress.

Iyabo Oko
Born
Sidikat Odunkanwi[1]

(1960-11-15)15 November 1960
Iwo, Western Region (now in Osun State), Nigeria
Died28 June 2023(2023-06-28) (aged 62)
CitizenshipNigerian
OccupationFilm actress
Years active1973–2015

Early life and career

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Odunkanwi was born on 15 November 1960,[2] in Iwo, Osun State.[3] In 1973, she started her acting career as a teenager under Eda Onileola Theatre Troupe before she later got popular for her character role in the movie titled Oko; produced by Oga Bello.[4][5] In 2015, she was diagnosed of Ischemic stroke which made her take a break from acting.[6][7]

In 2016, she was honoured with the Special Recognition Award at the City People Entertainment Awards for her contribution to the growth of the Yoruba Movie Industry.[8]

Personal life and death

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In 2022, her daughter announced she was dead but later confirmed that she was still alive.[9][10][11]

Oko died on 28 June 2023, at the age of 62.[12]

Filmography

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  • Oko
  • Ayitale (2013)
  • Idunnu Okan (2006)
  • Mayowa (1999) as Mama
  • Okobo Dimeji (2008)

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category work Result Ref
2014 Yoruba Movies Academy Awards Best Actress in a Supporting Role Ile Alayo Nominated [13][14]

References

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  1. ^ Ataro, Ufuoma (6 January 2022). "Veteran Yoruba actress, Iyabo Oko, 'resurrects' after initially reported dead". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  2. ^ "JUST-IN: Veteran Actress, Iyabo Oko, Dies at 62". 29 June 2023.
  3. ^ "Yoruba actress Sidikat Odukanmi family say she never die - BBC News Pidgin". BBC News Pidgin. 6 January 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.>
  4. ^ "Latest Nigeria news update". The Nation Newspaper. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  5. ^ Okonofua, Odion (6 January 2022). "Actress Iyabo Oko comes back to life 3 hours after being declared dead". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  6. ^ "Iyabo Oko's health critical, needs financial help – Daughter". Punch Newspapers. 7 January 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  7. ^ "Stop the rumours, I'm not dead – Veteran actress, Iyabo Oko". Punch Newspapers. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  8. ^ Showemimo, Adedayo (26 July 2016). "Full List Of Winners at 2016 City People Entertainment Awards". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  9. ^ "The Nation Newspaper - Latest Nigeria news update". 7 October 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  10. ^ "I am not dead - Ailing actress Iyabo Oko speaks out - P.M. News". Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  11. ^ Oloruni, Sola (11 January 2022). "Dayo Kujore reportedly dies 3 weeks after marrying US lover, video emerges on IG". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Yoruba Nollywood actress, Iyabo Oko, dies at 62". Premium Times. 29 June 2023. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  13. ^ "Fathia Balogun, Odunlade Adekola shine @ Yoruba Movie Academy Awards 2014". Vanguard News. 2 April 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  14. ^ Orenuga, Adenike (31 March 2014). "Yoruba Movie Awards: Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Balogun, others win [See full list of winners]". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
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