A Nollywood favourite whose Yoruba film roles, radio performances, and creative versatility have made her one of the industry’s most recognisable faces.
Early Life and Family Background
Mosunmola Filani was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, into a family originally from Ikole Ekiti in Ekiti State. She grew up in a close-knit household as one of five children, a childhood she often describes as warm, disciplined and deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural values. Her upbringing in Ibadan — a city known for its literary and theatrical history — helped expose her to the performing arts from a young age.
Her parents placed a strong emphasis on education and moral discipline. Tragically, she later experienced the loss of her father in 2015, an event she has spoken about publicly with deep emotion, reflecting on the role he played in shaping her resilience and work ethic.
Education
Mosun’s educational journey began in Ibadan, after which she attended Abeokuta College of Education, where she nurtured her interest in communication and expression.
She later obtained a degree in Business Administration from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State. Her educational background would later influence her entrepreneurial decisions, helping her build and manage her own beauty and wellness brand.
Acting Career and Professional Growth
Mosun Filani joined the Nigerian film industry in 2005, making an early mark with her expressive acting style and versatility. She quickly became a regular face in Yoruba-language films, earning admiration for her natural delivery, emotional depth, and ability to portray complex characters.
Her film career includes numerous Nollywood movies, especially in the Yoruba sector, where she built a loyal fan base. Her performances earned her nominations at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards in 2009 and 2011, both in the category of Best Actress in a Supporting Role — a recognition of her growing influence in the industry.
Beyond film, Mosun became known for her distinctive voice, taking part in radio dramas, a medium that broadened her reach to audiences who appreciated the power of vocal storytelling.
Marriage, Family Life, and Career Hiatus
After years of consistent work in Nollywood, Mosun stepped back from acting following her marriage to Kayode Oduoye, a lawyer and politician from Osun State. Their union has been widely admired, especially for its stability in an industry where such longevity is rare.
The couple has two children, and Mosun has openly shared that dedicating time to her family was the primary reason behind her temporary withdrawal from the movie scene. She has described motherhood as both challenging and deeply fulfilling.
Return to Entertainment and Entrepreneurship
With her children older and more independent, Mosun Filani returned to the Nigerian entertainment space, announcing her full comeback in 2024. Her return was welcomed with enthusiasm by fans and colleagues who had long anticipated seeing her on screen again.
Outside acting, Mosun is also a thriving entrepreneur. She owns a beauty and wellness brand, Beauty and Brain by MFO, and has developed a line of health-related products.
Her creative abilities extend into production; in 2017, she produced the film Eri Ife, contributing to it not only as a filmmaker but also as a scriptwriter and soundtrack composer — demonstrating the breadth of her artistic skill.
In February 2025, Mosun and her husband celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary, marking another milestone in her personal life. She has also addressed and debunked age-related rumours online, clarifying that she is not in her 50s, as sometimes falsely reported.
Legacy and Contribution to Nollywood
Mosun Filani remains one of Nollywood’s beloved actresses — a woman whose work, both on-screen and behind the scenes, continues to shape Yoruba cinema. Her journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to storytelling in its many forms.
From film sets to radio studios and entrepreneurial ventures, she has built a career marked by passion, reinvention, and longevity. As she continues to return to acting and expand her creative influence, Mosun Filani stands as a reminder of the evolving strength of women in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Sources
Interviews and statements reported in Premium Times Nigeria
Articles from Pulse Nigeria and The Nation Nigeria
Nollywood film records and BON Awards listings
MOSUNMOLA FILANI THE ENTREPRENEUR
