Over the years, Surulere, the center of Lagos, has developed into a breeding ground for a number of well-known figures, including Babatunde Fashola, Waidi Akanni, and Starboy, also known as Wizkid amongst many others.
These individuals have had a massive impact and influence in their respective areas like politics, entertainment, music, and sports.
Our goal here is to fill you in on some of these famous personalities that you see on your television screen that you have no idea are from Surulere.
We will also be shedding light on the lives of these distinguished individuals, their success stories, and the inedible marks they have left in their respective fields.
If you’re interested in knowing these famous personalities from Surulere a little better, then read the content of this article to the end.
A List of 10 Famous Personalities From Surulere
The list below is some of the many personalities that hail from the buzzing district of Surulere. These individuals own their craft and have done nothing but shine in their respective fields, here is a list of them.
- Tade Ogidan
- Damilola Adegbite
- Bose Kaffo
- Babatunde Raji Fashola
- Bisi Ibidapo-Obe
- Desmond Elliot
- Femi Gbajabiamila
- Folashade Sherifat Jaji
- Waidi Akanni
- Simi
1. Akintade “Tade” Ogidan
Akintade “Tade” Ogidan, born on July 23, 1960, from Surulere, Lagos State, is a renowned Nigerian film and television screenwriter, producer, and director.
Growing up in Surulere, he attended Government Demonstration School and Surulere Baptist School for his primary education.
He began his secondary education at Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti, and completed it at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos, in 1978. Ogidan furthered his studies at Eastern New Mexico University in the United States.
In 1983, after completing his National Youth Service Corps at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ogidan became a full-time producer and director with NTA Channel 10.
During his eight-year tenure, he produced and directed several acclaimed drama series and specials, including “Play of the Week,” “Tele Theatre,” and “The New Village Headmaster.”
In 1990, Ogidan founded OGD Pictures Ltd., under which he created numerous award-winning films that have significantly influenced Nollywood.
His notable works include “Hostages,” “Owo Blow,” “Out of Bounds,” “Diamond Ring,” “Dangerous Twins,” “Family on Fire,” and “Gold Statue.”
Ogidan’s dedication to storytelling and his contributions to the Nigerian film industry have earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s top movie producers.
His upbringing and education in Surulere have played a pivotal role in shaping his illustrious career, making him a distinguished personality from this Lagos suburb.
2. Damilola Adegbite
Damilola Adegbite, born on May 18, 1985, in Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a renowned actress, model, and television personality.
Her upbringing in Surulere significantly influenced her artistic development. She attended Queen’s College in Yaba, Lagos, where she was actively involved in the school’s drama society, serving as vice president from 2001 to 2002.
She furthered her education at Bowen University in Iwo, Osun State, earning a degree in Business Administration.
Adegbite’s acting career commenced in 2008 with her portrayal of Telema Duke in the MNet soap opera “Tinsel,” a role that brought her widespread recognition.
She expanded her repertoire with notable performances in films such as “Flower Girl” (2013), where she played Kemi Williams, and “Isoken” (2017), in which she portrayed Joke.
Her compelling performances have garnered her several accolades, including the Best Actress in a TV Series award at the 2011 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
Beyond her acting career, Adegbite has made significant contributions as a model and television host, further cementing her status in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Her journey from Surulere to national and international acclaim underscores her as a distinguished personality from this Lagos neighborhood.
3. Bose Kaffo
Bose is a distinguished table tennis player whose career has significantly impacted Nigerian and African sports. Her journey from a young enthusiast in Surulere to a five-time Olympian exemplifies dedication, resilience, and excellence in athletics.
Bose Kaffo was introduced to table tennis at an early age. The supportive community and accessible sports facilities in Surulere provided a conducive environment for nurturing her budding talent.
Her passion for the sport quickly became evident as she dedicated herself to rigorous training and participation in local competitions.
Because of her remarkable achievements, it made her the second Nigerian woman to compete in five Olympic Games, following sprinter Mary Onyali. Her consistent presence on this global stage underscores her status as a leading figure in table tennis.
After retiring from active competition, Kaffo continued to influence the sports community through various roles. She was appointed to the Lagos State Sports Commission and, in 2022, elected as Vice-President of the Nigerian Para-Swimming Federation.
These positions reflect her dedication to sports development and advocacy for inclusivity.
4. Babatunde Raji Fashola
The former Governor of the Centre of Excellence, Lagos, Babatunde Raji Fashola, is a Surulere indigene. The Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the Governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015.
Although not born in Surulere, his formative years were influenced by the district. He attended Birch Freeman High School in Surulere, an experience that played a role in shaping his educational and leadership foundations.
As governor, Fashola oversaw initiatives that improved Lagos State’s infrastructure, transportation, and public services. His reign is frequently praised for the advancements made in urban development and governance.
There is no doubt that the early education he received in Surulere had a lot to do with his excellence in leadership.
5. Bisi Ibidapo-Obe
Another famous personality from Surulere is Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, aka “Omologbalogba,” who was born on January 27, 1977, in Surulere, Lagos, she is a well-known Nigerian actress who rose to fame for her role in “Bisi Omologbalogba.”
Her performance in the film struck a chord with moviegoers, cementing her place as a notable character in Nigeria’s film industry.
In addition to her professional career, Bisi started B.I.O Lingerie, an adult boutique in Lagos, as an entrepreneur.
Bisi’s ascent from Surulere to the limelight shows the district’s function in nurturing talent capable of flourishing in Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment environment.
6. Desmond Elliot
The movie actor turned politician, Desmond Eliot is a famous personality from Surulere. One could almost say he is a bonafide Lagosian since he spent and still spends most of his life in Lagos.
He became famous as an actor in the early 2000s, starring in several popular Nollywood movies. Over the years, he acted in over 200 films and TV series, which for an actor is a big deal
Apart from acting, Desmond also ventured into movie production and directing, helping to shape the Nigerian film industry.
In 2015, Desmond Elliot transitioned into politics and was elected as a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (Surulere Constituency 1) under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
As a politician, he has been involved in youth empowerment programs, education reforms, and infrastructural projects in Surulere.
7. Femi Gbajabiamila
In addition, Femi Gbajabiamila hails from Surulere, a historic district in Lagos State. He attended Igbobi College for his secondary education before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a law degree.
His educational background provided him with a strong foundation in law and governance, preparing him for a career in politics and public administration.
Gbajabiamila’s political journey began in 2003 when he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives to represent the Surulere I Federal Constituency.
His dedication to his constituents and legislative work earned him re-election multiple times. Over the years, he has served in various capacities, including as the Minority Leader and Majority Leader before ascending to the position of Speaker in 2019.
Gbajabiamila has remained deeply committed to the development of his constituency, Surulere. His work put into the development of Lagos has helped improve the quality of life for residents of Surulere, which shows his commitment to grassroots development.
8. Folashade Sherifat Jaji
She is a Surulere indigene, who is a distinguished Nigerian chemist and civil servant. Her notable contributions to Lagos State’s public service have earned her significant recognition.
Jaji’s educational journey began at Anglican Girls Primary School in Surulere, followed by Queen’s College in Yaba, where she obtained her West African School Certificate in 1974.
She pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Ibadan. After completing her National Youth Service at Nigerian Breweries, she earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria in 1985 and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Lagos in 1989.
Jaji commenced her career in the Lagos State Civil Service on October 27, 1980, at the State Judicial Service Commission.
She held various positions, including roles in the Governor’s Office’s Department of Political Affairs and the Department of Programs and Budget.
In November 2008, she was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Teachers’ Establishment and Pensions Office, and in March 2011, she became the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training, and Pensions. Her exemplary service led to her appointment as the Head of Service of Lagos State on February 17, 2015.
On May 30, 2019, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appointed Jaji as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a position she currently holds. In this role, she has been instrumental in coordinating state policies and ensuring effective governance.
Her dedication to public service and her impact on Lagos State’s administration underscore her prominence as a notable figure from Surulere.
For more insights into her perspectives and initiatives, you can watch an interview with Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji discussing child abuse prevention:
9. Waidi Akanni
Another famous personality from Surulere in the sports sector is Waidi Akanni. He developed a passion for football at an early age, playing in local tournaments and honing his skills on the streets of Lagos.
Playing both midfield and defense, Akanni showed incredible ability on the field. He continued to hone his skills and obtain international recognition while playing NCAA football in the United States.
Later, he played for Nigeria at a number of levels, including the Super Eagles, where he made a big impact on the performance of the national squad.
Waidi Akanni entered the field of football administration after leaving active football to further his goals in the sport. As the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), he was helpful in building the state’s youth.
10. Simi (Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye)
Aside from producing outstanding athletes, Surulere is also a homeland for well-known characters in the entertainment sector.
One such person is the well-known Nigerian singer, songwriter, and sound engineer Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye, better known by her stage name Simi.
The music icon was born and raised in Surulere, Lagos, where she discovered her love for music early.
Growing up in a musically inclined environment, she was a member of her church choir, which helped her develop her vocal abilities.
With the release of her hit track “Tiff,” which received a lot of attention and led to her being nominated for a Headies Award, she made her breakthrough in 2014.
After this triumph, she joined X3M Music, releasing several hit songs and albums, including the regarded Simisola (2017), which sealed her position in the Nigerian music scene.
Simi is a shining example of the incredible talent that emerges from Surulere. Her impact on the Nigerian music industry, her advocacy for gender equality, and her ability to inspire the younger generation make her a true icon. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her legacy remains in her cultural beliefs and roots.
In conclusion
It is possible that some or all of these famous personalities from Surulere are people that you might already be aware of and they all have one thing in common which is that they are all famous personalities from Surulere.
This is not to say that it is only when you live in Surulere you can be famous or the people listed in the famous personalities from Surulere became who they were because they are from Surulere but rather the point we are trying to communicate is that Surulere is home to stars and icons in various field and that is worth writing about.
Make sure to let us know your thoughts on this article, if you would like us to create more content around this topic, let us know in the comment section below.
