FULL LIST: Nigerian Actors, Actresses who recently relocated abroad

Nollywood actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle has celebrated becoming a British citizen, sharing a video featuring himself and his wife, Abimbola Omobolanle, on Instagram.

In a post shared on Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Yoruba film actor expressed gratitude to God and his wife for their journey together.

He wrote, “Grateful for the journey so far. It’s all been God and you wifey @glitzadore. Baba yin ti di #britiko o.”

The post attracted congratulatory messages from colleagues in the entertainment industry.

Actor Damola Olatunji wrote, “congratulations blood,” while actress Kemity commented, “congratulations egbon.”

Actress Bukola Adeeyo also congratulated him, writing, “glory be to God, congratulations my brother.”

Similarly, actress Opeyemi Aiyeola wrote, “welocme on board dearest britiko,” while Babatee commented, “Congratulations Sukky.”

Omobolanle’s announcement has drawn attention to Nigerian entertainers who have moved abroad for different reasons, including family reunification, education, business opportunities and career changes.

Here are some Nigerian actors and actresses who have relocated overseas.

Actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington and her husband, singer, filmmaker and politician Bankole “Banky W” Wellington relocated to the United States with their family in 2024.

Banky W said he wanted to further his education, citing his academic ambitions as a major reason for the move.

By 2026, he had announced another career development, revealing that he had taken on responsibilities as an associate pastor and global ambassador at Union Church, a non-denominational Christian church with multiple campuses in the United States.

He also said he worked as a teacher and leader at Union College while remaining involved in filmmaking, music and entrepreneurship.

Banky W married Adesua in 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. The couple have two sons, Hazaiah and Hezekiah.

Actor Yomi Gold built a name for himself in the Nigerian entertainment industry before relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States, where he ventured into the meat business, including the sale of goat meat.

Gold has not publicly established a definitive reason for his relocation. However, he has spoken about the challenges he encountered in business, including financial losses, and his determination to learn from the experience.

He acknowledged that losing money in business could be painful and difficult to recover from but said he had chosen to focus on personal growth rather than remain preoccupied with past setbacks.

His acting credits include *My Regret* and *Arinzo and Gbeje*.

Actor Joseph Momodu announced a new chapter in his life after relocating to the United States and enlisting in the US Army, describing the move as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

According to details he shared, Momodu serves as Specialist J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

He completed his Basic Combat Training in April 2026 and dedicated his enlistment to his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force and died about two decades earlier.

Before joining the military, Momodu appeared in films such as *Coming to Nigeria* and *Play 2 Kill*. He also featured in television productions, including *Tinsel*, *Soul Sisters* and *The Johnsons*.

His enlistment represents a major change from his established career in acting.

Veteran actor Funsho Adeolu relocated abroad primarily to reunite with his family.

Since moving, Adeolu has continued to discuss challenges within the Nigerian film industry while exploring other professional interests.

He has also embraced event hosting, earning the nickname “The Dancing MC” through videos of his energetic performances at social gatherings.

The actor regularly shares footage of himself dancing to songs by veteran musicians on social media. He also runs his production company, Fynest Media.

Adeolu previously built a career in Nollywood, featuring in productions such as *Heroes and Zeroes*, *The Antique*, *The Tribunal*, *The Perfect Arrangement*, *One Too Many* and *Slum King*.

Actor Bayo “Boy Alinco” Bankole surprised many fans when he stepped away from the Nigerian film scene and later relocated to the United States.

He is best known for playing the character Boy Alinco in the television sitcom *Papa Ajasco*.

Bankole said he moved to Texas to pursue better opportunities and obtain quality training to improve his professional prospects. He also maintained that living abroad had not ended his acting career.

The actor has spoken about taking on menial jobs to support his family in both the United States and Nigeria. He also disclosed that his children had joined him in America.

His experience reflects the adjustments some entertainers make when they relocate while trying to sustain their careers and meet family responsibilities.

Yoruba comic actor Wale “Okunnu” Akorede moved to Canada in September 2025 to reunite with his wife and children after years apart.

Before settling in Canada, the actor had lived in Saudi Arabia. He later reunited with his wife, Wumi, and their three children, Jumoke, Hassan and Modupe, in North America.

Okunnu built a reputation for his comic performances in Yoruba films, appearing in productions such as *Afurugbin*, *Oba Korope*, *Omoanibiire*, *Esìn*, *Ise Imole*, *Tewetegbo* and *Alaayaki*.

His relocation marked a significant personal change, with family reunification cited as a major factor in his decision to settle abroad.

Nigerian actor and comedian Kunle “Frank Donga” Idowu attracted attention in October 2025 when a screenshot from the Saskatchewan government’s official website circulated online, reportedly identifying him in the provincial directory.

The development renewed interest in his life in Canada, where he has been associated with work as a multimedia communications specialist for the provincial government.

Before becoming widely recognised as an actor and comedian, Donga worked as a journalist. He later developed an interest in photography and filmmaking.

His acting credits include *The Wedding Party* and its sequel, *The Wedding Party 2*.

His career illustrates how entertainers can draw on skills acquired before and during their time in the public eye to pursue opportunities outside Nigeria’s film industry.

Actor and television presenter Joseph Benjamin moved to the United States to explore opportunities beyond those available to him in Nigeria.

He explained that his decision was driven by a desire to experience what the wider world had to offer, distinguishing his personal motivation from the broader trend of Nigerians emigrating in search of opportunities.

Benjamin gained recognition through his performances in films such as *Tango with Me*, *Mr and Mrs* and *Murder at Prime Suites*.

He also became a familiar face to television audiences as a co-host of MTN’s *Project Fame West Africa*, the talent competition that helped launch the careers of musicians including Iyanya and Chidinma.

In 2012, he received the African Actor of the Year award at the African Film Awards.

Veteran Yoruba actor Rasaq “Araosan” Ajao reportedly moved to the United States after winning a US visa lottery.

He began acting in 1979 and built a career in Nigerian film and television productions over several decades.

His credits include *Kofo the First Lady*, *Bigger Than Africa* and *My Regret*.

Reports have linked him to nursing work in New York, including at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. However, his current residence and employment details require independent confirmation.

Former beauty queen and actress Princess Chineke announced in 2023 that she had relocated to the United States to pursue further education and develop new skills.

In 2024, she disclosed that she had joined the US Army and shared photographs of herself in uniform on Instagram. She also recited the soldiers’ creed and sought divine guidance as she began the new chapter.

Before relocating, Chineke appeared in several Nollywood films and television productions, including *Rebound*, *Heroes and Zeroes*, *Ladies Cult*, *Prize of Stardom* and *Courtesy of Vengeance*.

She was previously Miss UNIBEN and gained recognition through her work in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Nigerian actress and producer Mayowa Dosu announced in 2024 that she had joined the US Army, although the exact date of her relocation to the country was not established in the available account.

Dosu built her acting career through appearances in productions such as *Fears*, *Mamami* and *Compromise*.

Her reported enlistment marked a new direction in her professional life, moving from the Nigerian entertainment industry into military service in the United States.

Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!!

🩺 Healthcare is now just a click away! Connect with healthcare professionals from anywhere with DesolNetwork Telemedicine. 👉 Register now & learn more: https://desolnetwork.com

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Nation Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline — join now!