Peter Fatomilola Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Chief Peter Oladele Fatomilola is a veteran Nigerian actor, playwright, poet, and prominent Ifá priest. He is widely recognized as a major custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition. Born on January 16, 1946, in Ifisin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, he has spent over five decades shaping Nigerian theater, television, and academic drama. Famous for originating the iconic role of “Papa Ajasco” in Wale Adenuga’s classic comedy series, Fatomilola’s deep cultural roots and academic background have established him as a legendary figure in Nollywood.

Peter Fatomilola Profile Overview

• Full Name: Chief Peter Oladele Fatomilola
• Nickname: Papa Ajasco, Lawuwo
• Date of Birth: January 16, 1946
• Age: 80 years old
• Place of Birth: Ifisin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Occupation: Actor, playwright, poet, academician, Ifá priest
• Marital Status: Married (Multiple wives)
• Children: 11 children
• Net Worth: Estimated over $200,000
• Chieftaincy Titles: Oluwo of Ifisin-Ekiti, Amuludun of the Source (Ile-Ife)

Early Life, Parents, and Background

Peter Fatomilola was born in Ifisin-Ekiti, located in the present-day Ekiti State of Nigeria. He was the only child born to his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Fatomilola, a native of Kwara State. His father, the late Chief Abraham Ojo Fatomilola, served as an Ifá Chief Priest and held the esteemed title of Oluwo. Because his father married nine women, Peter grew up in a very large, polygamous family environment.

Growing up, Fatomilola experienced a unique blend of religious and traditional systems. While his mother was a dedicated Christian who took him to church every Sunday, his father immersed him in the indigenous Yoruba religion. Fatomilola began learning the complexities of Ifá divination and herbal medicine at an early age. By age nine, he could interpret the Odu Ifá. By age eighteen, he was already a fully trained practitioner of traditional Yoruba knowledge systems.

Educational Background

Fatomilola began his formal education at Apostolic Primary School in Iwaro Oke, Ilesa, Osun State. He later attended Apostolic Modern School in Oke Oye, Ilesa, and Ife City Commercial College.

Driven by a deep passion for the dramatic arts, he proceeded to the former University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In 1967, he joined the university’s theater group, the Ori Olokun players, under the mentorship of the late Professor Ola Rotimi. When OAU formally established its Department of Dramatic Arts, Fatomilola became a member of its very first graduating set. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1978.

Acting Career and Notable Movies

Fatomilola’s career spans both stage and screen across the golden and modern eras of Nigerian entertainment. He achieved widespread fame when he was cast as the very first “Papa Ajasco” in 1984 in Wale Adenuga’s blockbuster comedy series of the same name. Although he later stepped down from the role because production moved to Lagos while he preferred staying in Ife, his standard-setting performance remains legendary.

In addition to comedy, Fatomilola is famous for portraying traditional herbalists, priests, and complex authority figures in Yoruba and English-language Nollywood films. His authentic portrayal of herbalists stems naturally from his real-life upbringing as an Ifá priest. Some of his most celebrated film credits include:

• Sango (1997)
• Saworoide (1999)
• Agogo Èèwò (2002)
• Osuofia in London (2003)
• Arugba (2008)
• Maami (2011)
• Gold Statue (2019)
• Rise of the Saints (2020)
• Oba Bi Olorun (2021)

He is also remembered for his stellar theatrical performance as “Lawuwo” in the critically acclaimed stage and film production Rere Run, a role that cemented his reputation as a powerhouse dramatic actor.

Academic Career at Obafemi Awolowo University

Aside from commercial acting, Fatomilola dedicated 37 years of his life to academia. After graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University, he was retained as a member of the teaching and academic staff in the Department of Theatre Arts. He mentored numerous prominent Nigerian entertainment figures, including playwright Dr. Ahmed Yerima and actor Yemi Shodimu. He eventually retired as a principal actor and lecturer.

Wives, Children, and Personal Life

Chief Peter Fatomilola lives a traditional lifestyle in Ibadan and Ile-Ife. He is married to multiple wives. One of his well-known wives, often referred to as Iya Fat, is recognized for trading local herbal concoctions. The veteran actor is a father to 11 children. Continuing the family heritage, some of his children have also trained under him in the traditional Ifá priesthood and the dramatic arts.

Despite the commercial pull of Lagos, Fatomilola deliberately chose to build his life and career in the ancient city of Ife. He maintained that it provided a better moral environment for raising a family.

Religion and Philosophy

Uniquely, Fatomilola embraces elements of multiple faiths, practicing the Ifá traditional religion, Christianity, and Islam concurrently. He has publicly stated his belief that all major religions ultimately worship the same Supreme Being through different paths. As a high-ranking traditionalist, he holds prestigious chieftaincy titles, including the Oluwo of Ifisin-Ekiti and the Amuludun of Ile-Ife.

Net Worth

As a veteran academician, stage performer, and Nollywood pioneer, Peter Fatomilola has accumulated an estimated net worth of over $200,000. While exact figures from early Nigerian stage productions remain difficult to quantify due to historical industry structures, his decades-long tenure as a university lecturer and consistent film royalties contribute significantly to his financial standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is Peter Fatomilola?

Peter Fatomilola was born on January 16, 1946. He is 80 years old.

2. Who was the first Papa Ajasco?

Chief Peter Fatomilola was the very first actor to play the iconic character “Papa Ajasco” in Wale Adenuga’s comedy series starting in 1984.

3. How many wives and children does Peter Fatomilola have?

The veteran actor is married to multiple wives and is a father to 11 children.

4. Is Peter Fatomilola an Ifá priest in real life?

Yes. Born to an Ifá priest father (an Oluwo), Fatomilola is a fully initiated Ifá priest, herbalist, and custodian of Yoruba culture who holds the title of Oluwo of Ifisin-Ekiti.

5. Which university did Peter Fatomilola attend?

He attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1978 and later worked as a lecturer.

6. What is Peter Fatomilola’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated to be over $200,000, earned through decades of acting, writing, farming, and academic service.