A Tribute to Mama Grace Owoloa Oyin-Adejobi for 96 Years of Faith, Fame and Favour
By Vincent Akindele
For 96 years, Mama Grace Owoloa Oyin-Adejobi has lived a life marked by faith, fame, service and favour, a journey her family, friends, fans and admirers will gather to celebrate on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
The celebration will take place at Gamaliel Onosode Hall, University of Ibadan Conference Centre, where the legendary actress, popularly known as Iya Osogbo, will be honoured for a remarkable life and enduring contribution to Nigerian theatre.
The occasion will also feature the public presentation and launch of her biography, Grace Owoola Oyin-Adejobi: Iya Osogbo, Track of a Nigerian Theatre Icon, written by me and her youngest son, Sola Oyin-Adejobi.
This piece was first published by Chronicle.ng on July 21, 2022, ahead of Mama’s 92nd birthday celebration, under the title, “Iya Osogbo at 92: Longevity by Grace.” It has now been updated to reflect her 96 years and the passage of time.
There is a Yoruba saying, “Orúkọ ọmọ ni má nro ọmọ,” which suggests that the name a person bears can influence what they become in life. Yoruba culture places considerable significance on names, with parents often choosing them based on circumstances, hopes and prayers surrounding a child’s birth.
Christening ceremonies are traditionally marked by celebration and prayers. Items such as sugar cane, honey and fruits may be used symbolically because of their sweetness and desirability, representing favour, fortune and success.
Kolanut and bitter kola also have cultural significance. The Yoruba word for kolanut, obì, is associated in traditional belief with protection from evil, while orógbó, bitter kola is associated with longevity.
Interestingly, Mama was christened Grace Owoola.
Those names appear to have taken on a special meaning in her life. From the Christian perspective, grace is understood as an undeserved gift from God, reflected in the scripture: “And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.” — John 1:16.
One can therefore say that, by grace, Grace has found grace to live to 96, a milestone that is all the more remarkable considering Nigeria’s comparatively low life expectancy.
Mama Grace was born on August 23, 1930, into the family of Pa John Okebiyi and Mrs Deborah Olabisi Okebiyi at Isale Osun, Osogbo, in present-day Osun State. She was born into a royal lineage and was the third child of her father and the second of her mother’s five children.
She began her primary education in 1941 at All Saints’ Anglican Primary School, Balogun Agoro, Ile-Abodua, Oluode, Osogbo.
At 96, Mama remains active, still dancing and singing to the delight of her admirers. Her journey into theatre, however, began decades ago and was initially almost incidental.
According to her biography, Mama Grace Oyin-Adejobi joined the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Company in 1953 after an invitation from her late husband.
She initially regarded acting as an enjoyable pastime. But what began as recreation gradually became a vocation and eventually a successful and rewarding career.
For Mama, the rewards of acting have gone beyond money. She has spoken of the fame, public recognition and societal appreciation that came with the profession and gave her a sense of fulfilment and gratitude to God.
Her humility, enthusiasm and determination to contribute to her husband’s ambitions helped propel her into the limelight.
Her opportunity came at a crucial moment.
A woman in the theatre company, who was also her co-wife and an accomplished actress, was regarded as indispensable to the group. She was sometimes given preferential treatment to ensure her availability for rehearsals and performances.
But there were occasions when she would create difficulties and have to be persuaded to participate.
On one occasion, the theatre company was preparing to embark on a tour. Members were already seated in the vehicle when the actress could not be found.
When she was eventually located, she refused to go with the group despite repeated pleas.
The manager became frustrated and vowed never to involve her in a production again.
The responsibility then fell on Mama Grace.
She willingly accepted the challenge, submitting herself to training and rehearsals. The decision would change the course of her life.
Mama went on to take major roles in the company’s productions. She also handled ticket sales whenever the group staged plays or screened films in cinemas, despite the risks posed by miscreants.
Her dedication, versatility and willingness to serve helped establish her as one of the enduring figures in Nigerian theatre.
Today, 96 years after her birth, Mama Grace Owoloa Oyin-Adejobi remains a celebrated figure whose life and career have touched generations.
Her story is one of grace, resilience, sacrifice and service and her 96th birthday provides another opportunity to celebrate a remarkable woman and thank God for a long, fruitful and fulfilling life.
Happy 96th birthday, Iya Osogbo. By grace, we celebrate Grace.
This biography is a delightful and inspiring read. Get your copy and discover the remarkable life and legacy of Iya Osogbo.
Akindele, a media practitioner and researcher, writes from Ibadan and can be reached on 08132262807.
