Olaniyi Afonja is a Yoruba Language actor and comedian. He is popularly known as Sanyeri, and has perfected the role of the funny security guard, driver or personal attendant. He is one of the heavyweights of the Yoruba film industry; and has featured in several very successful movies. He is a gentleman, and has managed to keep a low profile personal life; while positioning himself as one of the best Actors, Comedians and Producers in the Yoruba film making industry.
Olaniyi Afonja ‘Sanyeri’ is one of the finest Yoruba film actors; he has been a beacon of the industry for more than 15 years; he is one of the ‘middle generation;’ one of those who came after the old guard of Iya Rainbow, Oga Bellow, and Baba Suwe; but came before the set of Sunday Dagboru, Femi Adebayo and Dejo Tunfulu.
Olaniyi Afonja Biography
Sanyeri’s real name is Olaniyi Mikail Afonja, and he was born on 14 October 1974, in Oyo State, Nigeria. He is the first child of his parents, and he has several siblings. Olaniyi Afonja had his formal education at St. Michael Primary School, Oke-Ibo, Oyo State, and also Durbar Grammar School, Oyo Town, Oyo State where he completed his secondary school education. He was has been described as naturally funny; growing up he liked to make his companions laugh, even though he had not yet nurtured a desire to work in theatre.
That changed around 1992 when he was introduced to a theater group in Ibadan, and that facilitated a move to Lagos. He relocated to Lagos State in 1996, and his acting career further flourished. From smaller roles in which he excelled it became clear that he has the talent to be a major star. He went on to take up bigger roles and to star along with some of the biggest Yoruba movie stars of various generations.
He has gone on to climb to the summit of his career, becoming one of the biggest stars of his time, and has gone on to become a big movie producer; working with some of the biggest names in the industry; as well as opening the doors for some of the brightest new talents in the industry.
Olaniyi Afonja Net Worth
Olaniyi Afonja is reported to be worth between $350,000 to $400,000 dollars. His sources of income include royalties from movies produced, digital streaming rights, promotional content for brands, and salaries for movie roles. He is also said to have some real estate investments, and also to be engaged in some other businesses.
Olaniyi Afonja Wife
Olaniyi Afonja is married to the beautiful and lovely Omolara Afonja; they have been married since 2013 and they’re blessed with two children. Olaniyi says of her ‘when she married me the only property I had was my tribal marks.’ He has attributed much of his success to his wife; who he says has given him the love, support and mental stability to thrive as an actor.
Omolara Afonja is said to frequent Canada where she reportedly lives with their two children. She is reported to be quite financially stable; and some of her family lives in that country.
Olaniyi Afonja Age
He was born on 14 October 1974; that makes him 48 years old this 2024. He will be celebrating his birthday with family, friends and colleagues as usual.
Olaniyi Afonja House
Olaniyi Afonja has a huge mansion in the Ikorodu suburb of Lagos. The house is frequently occupied, and is always frequented by movie stars as well as by young upcoming starlets in the Yoruba movie industry. However, his family does not live in this house as they are based in far away Canada.
Some of Olaniyi Afonja’s Films Include:
Obakeye
Sanyeri Oloka
Awero
Jenifa
Opa Kan
Ise Awako
Omo Carwash
Sekere
Mawe Ku
Sanyeri in London
Ibale
Olu Omo
Koboko
Salako Alagbe
Edun Ara
Omo Iya Meji
Apaadi
Mama Do Good
Osole
Area Boys
Waheed Kolero
Afoju Meta
Were Merin
Kosi Tabi sugbon
Saworo
Conclusion:
Sanyeri is a top Yoruba actor. He is an actor, comedian and producer who brings laughter to any movie set. His style is comedic, and he part of the pioneers of the sitcom type of Yoruba films, in which he excels. His movies are meaningful, and his acting appeals to large audiences; even to those with very little understanding of the Yoruba language.
