How Mosun Filani Balances Fame, Family, and Flair

 

By Olumide Labulo

After a long break, like Opeyemi Aiyeola, I was glad to see Mosun, one of my favourites, appear before the camera again. It was Wunmi Toriola's 'Konge', I remember. I'm sure when stars who have carved a solid space for themselves in Nollywood, especially in Yoruba movies, are mentioned, Mosun Filani is a name that simply cannot be ignored. She’s one of those rare actresses who light up the screen with a natural charm. While off-screen, she carries herself with the calm elegance of a woman who knows exactly who she is. No doubt her journey mixes talent, determination, and a good dose of family love.

Born Mosunmola Filani (now with Oduoye) in Ibadan but originally from Ikole, Ekiti State, Mosun grew up in an environment where education and discipline were non-negotiable. She studied at Abeokuta College of Education before enrolling at Tai Solarin University of Education, where she earned a degree in business administration. At the time, she probably didn’t imagine she’d be switching scripts with calculators and film sets with business plans, but those years gave her the foundation to juggle a career in entertainment and entrepreneurship with enviable ease.

Mosun burst into Nollywood in 2005, and it didn’t take long for her name to start making the rounds. Yoruba cinema was already booming, and her entry felt almost like the missing spice to a delicious dish. She played roles that audiences connected with instantly, delivering the kind of performances that made fans cry, laugh, and sometimes shake their heads as though the drama was happening in their own living rooms. From ''Aje Metta'' to ''Oga Olopa'', and her unforgettable turn as Tracy in ''Jenifa'', she cemented her place as one of the must-watch faces in Yoruba movies. In 2009, the industry itself acknowledged her brilliance when she won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the first-ever Best of Nollywood Awards. Not a bad way to announce your arrival, right?

But just when fans thought they’d have her on their screens forever, Mosun decided to take a break. At the height of her career, she pressed pause not because she was tired of fame, but because she wanted to focus on her family. In a world where many people struggle to balance personal life and public demands, that choice was bold. Since her marriage to Kayode Oduoye, a lawyer and politician, in 2012, together, they’ve raised two children. Anyone who follows her online will tell you: she is not shy about showing her gratitude for a marriage that has stood strong. In February 2025, the couple marked 13 years together, and Mosun made sure the whole world knew she was thankful, hopeful, and still very much in love.

Of course, Nollywood is like that clingy ex that never really lets go. LOL. After a few years of nurturing her children, Mosun felt they had grown enough to care for themselves. She returned to acting with the energy of someone who had been recharging behind the scenes. She announced her comeback with a playful declaration to filmmakers: “Am back and ready. Send ur script!” Trust me, the response from fans made it clear that her absence had been felt, and her presence was still very much needed. Besides movies, Mosun Filani has shown that she’s more than just an actress. She runs a hair and skincare business, and here’s the funny twist: she admits it pays more than acting sometimes. Imagine building a career as one of Nollywood’s beloved stars, only to find out your side hustle brings in even more? Mosun laughs about it, but it also says a lot about her entrepreneurial spirit. She’s the type who understands that diversifying income isn’t just for bankers and tech bros.

As for her public image, Mosun has managed something many celebrities only dream of: a scandal-free reputation. She’s outspoken about the value of a good name, insisting that fame without integrity is empty. She’s also not afraid to keep things lighthearted. When rumours spread online that she had hit her 50s, she shut it down with humour, making it clear she’s not quite ready to be grouped with golden jubilarians just yet. It’s that mix of honesty and playfulness that makes her such a relatable figure. Other times on social media, she blends inspiration with humour, reminding her fans that while saving money is important, sometimes you just have to spoil yourself. After all, what’s the point of working hard if you can’t buy yourself that bag, that wig, or even that small plate of nkwobi that keeps winking at you?

Looking at the full arc of Mosun Filani’s biography, it’s clear she’s more than just an actress. She’s a wife, a mother, a businesswoman, and a public figure who refuses to be boxed in. Her story is about balance: between ambition and gratitude, between the glitz of Nollywood and the warmth of home, between building wealth and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. As she continues her career comeback while expanding her entrepreneurial empire, one thing is certain: Mosun Filani remains an enduring force in Nollywood and an inspiration to many. Whether you knew her from ''Jenifa'' her Yoruba classics, or her candid social media posts, she represents the best of what it means to be talented, grounded, and delightfully human.