Osas Ighodaro, also known as Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro, is a Nigerian American actress, producer, host, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. She was born on October 26th, 1990, in Bronx, New York, United States. Osas is the founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds to fight malaria. She won the Miss Black USA Pageant in 2010 and has achieved recognition as the highest-grossing Nollywood actress in 2018. Osas has also received accolades for her performances, winning Best Actress in a Drama at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA for her roles in "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story" and "Man of God.

Osas Ighodaro

Early Life And Education 

Osas Ighodaro was born and raised in Bronx, New York, USA. Her parents are from Edo State, Nigeria. She attended Pennsylvania State University, where she studied Broadcast Journalism and minored in Entrepreneurship and Theater. Later, she pursued a master's degree in Fine Arts from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Osas is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She is known for founding the Joyful Joy Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds to combat Malaria. Additionally, she is the founder of Imuetinyan Productions, a film/TV production company with a mission to create inspiring, thought-provoking, and entertaining projects for a global audience.

Career 

After completing her college education, Osas Ighodaro started her acting career in New York City. She appeared in various theater plays and independent films. In 2012, she moved to Nigeria with the plan to return to the United States after six months. However, she landed several acting roles, including the character Adanna in the TV series Tinsel, and decided to stay in the country.

Osas has acted in notable films such as Cadillac Records, The Smart Money Woman, and Gbomo Gbomo Express. Her outstanding performances in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God earned her the 'Best Actress in a Drama' awards at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

She has also co-hosted events like The Headies in 2023 and 2022, the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and the family show 'Maltina Dance All'. In addition, she was recognized as one of the top female celebrities of 2020.

Award And Nominations 

1. Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) - Best Dressed Female (2022)

2. Woman of the Year in Entertainment - HER Network (2021)

3. TV Actress of the Year - ELOY Awards (2014)

4. Miss Black USA (2010)

5. Highest-grossing Nollywood Actress (2018)

6. Brand Ambassador of the Year - ELOY Awards (2015)

7. Best Supporting Actress - Nigerian Entertainment Awards (2016)

8. "Humanitarian Award" - Joyful Joy Foundation (Green October La Mode Magazine Awards 2015) 

Filmography 

Movies

2022:

- Single Not Searching (Role: Kai)

- Man of God (Role: Teju)

- Conversations in Transit (Role: Adeola)

2021:

- The Ghost and the Tout Too (Role: Amoke)

- Namaste Wahala (Role: Preemo)

- Mamba's Diamond (Role: Eloho)

- Bad Comments (Role: Hilda)

2020:

- Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (Role: Amara)

- Ratnik (Role: Sarah Bello)

- Mama Drama (Role: Mena)

2019:

- Your Excellency (Role: Candy)

- Bling Lagosians (Role: Demidun)

2018:

- We Don't Live Here Anymore (Role: Leslie)

- New Money (Role: Angela Nwachukwu)

- Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (Role: Chidinma)

- King of Boys (Role: Sade Bello)

2016:

- Put a Ring on It (Role: Eki)

- Entreat (Role: Margaret)

- A Walk in the Wind (Role: Mary)

2015:

- Where Children Play (Role: Nia)

- The Department (Role: Tolu)

- Gbomo Gbomo Express (Role: Cassandra)

2011:

- Restless City (Role: Adinike)

2009:

- The Tested (Role: Sheena)

2008:

- Cadillac Records (Role: Maid)

2006:

- Killa Season (Role: Shinae)

T.V shows 

Here is a list of TV shows featuring Osas Ighodaro:

2021:

The King of Boys Returns.

2020:

- The Smart Money Woman

- Assistant Madams

2019:

- MTV Shuga

2018:

- EVE (Africa Magic)

2013-2015:

- Maltina Dance All

2013:

- Parallels – The Webseries

2012-2014:

- Tinsel

2012:

- 12 Steps to Recovery

2010:

- Meet the Browns

2006:

- Conviction

Theatre 

Here is a list of theater productions featuring Osas Ighodaro:

- Fela & the Kalakuta Queens

- For Coloured Girls (Nigerian adaptation)

- Underground

- Dolores

- He Said, She Said

- How Sweet

- Platanos Y Collard Greens

- Revenge of a King

- Joe Turners Come and Gone

- Coloured Museum

Osas Ighodaro's Parents 

Osas Ighodaro was born into a middle-class family. Her father, an Edo man, and her mother, lived with their family in the United States of America. Although the specific details about her father's occupation and qualifications remain undisclosed, it's evident from Osas's lifestyle that she grew up in a stable, middle-class environment.

Particularly influential in her life was her father, who played a significant role in shaping her career path in the entertainment industry. During a period when Osas struggled with low self-esteem, her father decided to enroll her in a modeling school. This decision was pivotal in helping her recognize her beauty and building her self-confidence. His dreams for her came true when she not only pursued modeling as a career but also won the title of Miss Black USA.

Unfortunately, Osas also experienced a significant loss in her life. She mourned her mother's passing, sharing the sad news with her fans and followers on her Instagram page. Osas's mother passed away at the age of 65 on Wednesday, November 4. Through her post, Osas paid tribute to her mother and prayed for her peaceful rest.

Siblings 

Osas Ighodaro's siblings are not publicly known, although it is believed that she has older siblings, including her sister Joy. Joy visited Nigeria a few years ago while she was pregnant but unfortunately, she contracted malaria during her visit. This caused complications that tragically led to her premature death, along with the loss of her unborn child.

Children

Osas Ighodaro has a child named Azariah Tiwatope Osarugue Ajibade with her ex-husband, Gbenro Emmanuel Ajibabe.

Husband

Is Osas Ighodaro still married?

Osas Ighodaro was previously married to Gbenro Ajibade, a Nigerian actor, producer, model, and presenter. They got married on July 4, 2015. However, they later divorced in 2019.

Controversy 

Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro is facing a storm of criticism following her win at the 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), held on May 20th at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Ighodaro won the Best Actress in Drama/TV Series award for her role in 'Man of God,' marking her second consecutive win in this category. 

Despite Ighodaro's compelling performance in 'Man of God,' which garnered her much praise, her win has sparked a backlash on social media, with critics arguing that she didn't deserve the award. The controversy hinges on the fact that she was competing against heavyweights like Bimbo Ademoye, Ini Edo, and Nse Ikpe. Many believe that her 'Man of God' co-star, Dorcas Fapson, delivered a better performance and was more deserving of the award.

Despite the controversy, Ighodaro appears to be undeterred by the criticism. She posted a picture of herself at the award ceremony along with the caption "Grateful, Humbled, Blessed," suggesting that she's choosing to focus on her achievement rather than the controversy surrounding it.

Cars And Houses 

There is limited information available about the cars owned by Osas Ighodaro. Similarly, details about her current residence or any properties she owns are not publicly known. However, it is worth mentioning that she became a landowner after signing a deal to become an ambassador for the real estate company Throne Homes.

Net worth 

Osas Ighodaro has an estimated net worth of $1 million. She accumulated this wealth through her diverse careers, which primarily include modeling and acting.

Social Media Handle 

You can find Osas Ighodaro on social media using the handle @Officiallosas.