Every beginning must eventually come to an end. Life is like a plant. No matter how flourishing or new it appears, it will eventually wither away over time. Many great people have left the world in their millions, and the Nigerian entertainment business, particularly the Yoruba film industry, is no exception.
Many fans have witnessed the abrupt disappearance of their beloved actors on the screen. From diseases to accidents, these actors have been separated from the world they love and the people who appreciate them. Moji Olaiya, a scrumptious and attractive Nigerian actress born in February 1975, is no different.
Moji Olaiya died at the age of 42 due to cardiac arrest. Eight years after her tragic death, her wonderful works, such as excellent character delivery and movie productions, have continued to make her an unforgettable enigma in the film industry.
Moji Olaiya, like many others, had a difficult start to her career, but her passion, determination, and persistence paved the route for her success. She rose to prominence after delivering epic performances in films such as Maradona (2003), Omoge Campus (2004), and Shackles of Death (2005).
Despite being born into the illustrious musical family of Nigerian high-life star Victor Olaiya, the Ekiti-born actress’ story was one of bravery, sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication. She made her acting debut in Wale Adenuga’s television series ‘No Pain, No Gain’ in the early 2000s, just as the Nigerian film industry was seeing a renaissance, a distinct departure from standards. She portrayed Ireti in the 32-episode series, which introduced her to the episodic film form.
In an interview, late Moji Olaiya took a swipe at young actors, accusing them of coming to the profession without genuine love for it.
“Many of us lack discipline and the industry is now over flooded. In time past, people come into the industry because of the passion they have for acting but not any more. Most of them want to be famous overnight even when they do not have the talent. The ladies in particular. Most of them go around almost naked. These ladies forget actors and actresses are like evangelists who preach through the television screen”, she decried.
Here are 14 things you probably don’t know about late Nollywood actress Moji Olaiya:
Moji Olaiya was born on 27th February, 1975.
Her father, Victor Olaiya, was a Nigerian highlife legend and native of Ekiti State.
She attended Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State.
She started acting in the early 2000s.
In 2003, she received two prominent awards: the Reel Awards for Best Supporting Actress of the Year and the Best New Actress Award.
In 2007, she got married to Bayo Okesola, then separated barely a year, citing irreconcilable differences.
She rose to stardom and performed impressively in Yoruba movies such as ‘Nkan Adun,’ ‘Sade Blade,’ and ‘Apaadi.’.
She accused her ex-husband, Bayo Okesola, of domestic violence and infidelity, among other things, responsible for her decision to quit the marriage.
In 2014, she converted from Christianity to Islam.
In 2015, she was honored by the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja for being a role model to Nigerian youths.
In 2016, Olaiya released a film, Iya Okomi, starring Foluke Daramola and Funsho Adeolu, which was scheduled to premiere in Lagos in July.
In 2017, she had her second child after two decades she had her first child.
In 2017, she died on 17 May 2017, from cardiac arrest in Canada
She was finally laid to rest on 7 June 2017 according to Islamic rites.
