She was born on December 21, 1977, as the youngest of three children in Lagos, although she originally hails from Abeokuta in Ogun state. She attended National College, Gbagada before moving to Lagos State Polytechnic where she studied Estate Management.
While at secondary school, she joined a drama group and continued till she professionally started her acting career in 1988. She joined Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) through the help of her friend, Bimbo Akintola.
As a professional actress, the first role she got was in a 1988 English language movie ‘Satanic’. However, she made her Yoruba language debut in the movie ‘Baba Darijiwon’ in 2002.
In 2004, Iyabo started film production with ‘Bolutife’ after which she produced ‘Bofeboke’. The movie she produced in 2015 ‘Silence’ became a blockbuster and premiered in Silverbird Cinema, Ikeja.
Iyabo has worked with notable personalities in the movie industry such as Mercy Aigbe, Funke Akindele, Eniola Badmus, Desmond Elliot, Odunlade Adekola and Joseph Benjamin.
Some of the movies she has starred in include 36 Kiniun, Inu Obinrin, Oro Lanre Pesije, Olugbare, Taiwo Taiwo, Awusa, Beyond Disability, Twisted Twin, Kostrobu, Gone to America and Divorced not allowed.
In 2017, she launched Fespris Limited, a group of business which includes a lounge, an academy, a beauty salon and a restaurant.
AWARDS
2015 – City People Movie Award, Best Actress of the Year
2015 – Africa Mouthpiece, Woman of the Year
2013 – CAMA Awards, Best Actress of the Year
2012 – Best of Nollywood Awards, Best Actress in a Supporting Role
2011 – Deluxe Magazine, Award of Excellence and Recognition
2011 – Abuja International Film Festival, Best Feature Film
2011 – BOTRA Awards, Excellent Performance on Stage
2007 – African Film Awards, Best Crossover Actress
PERSONAL LIFE
Iyabo Ojo married a Lagos-based marketer in 1999 when she was only 21. Together, they had a son – Felix Ojo – and a daughter – Priscilla Ajoke Ojo. She is currently divorced from her husband.