Long before Nollywood became one of the world’s biggest film industries, Grace Owoola Oyin-Adejobi, fondly known as Iya Osogbo, was helping to shape the foundations of Yoruba theatre. Now regarded as Nigeria’s oldest living actress, she will celebrate her 96th birthday on September 13 with the launch of her biography, Grace Owoola Oyin-Adejobi (Iya Osogbo): The Track of a Nigerian Theatre Icon, honouring a career that has spanned more than seven decades.
The announcement was made on Facebook by her son, gospel filmmaker Sola Oyin-Adejobi. Organisers described the celebration as a tribute to a woman whose life has been defined by faith, service and an unwavering commitment to preserving Yoruba culture through the performing arts.
Iya Osogbo began acting in 1953 after joining the theatre company founded by her late husband, the legendary dramatist Chief Oyin Adejobi. Together, they became household names during the golden era of Yoruba travelling theatre, producing stage plays and television dramas that entertained audiences across Nigeria and helped lay the groundwork for today’s Yoruba film industry. 
Born in Osogbo, Osun State, she attended All Saints School before training as a tailor. Her journey into acting began in the early years of the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Company, when many parents discouraged their daughters from joining theatre because it was considered an unsuitable profession for women.
Despite those obstacles, she became one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba drama, earning widespread admiration for her memorable maternal roles and commanding stage presence. Her performances made her an enduring symbol of Nigeria’s indigenous theatre tradition.
In recent years, the nonagenarian has stepped away from acting because of age, saying she could no longer cope with the physical demands of the profession. Even so, she has remained an influential voice, urging younger actors to embrace discipline, modesty and hard work while preserving the cultural values that shaped the pioneers of Yoruba theatre.
The forthcoming biography will chronicle her life, career and contributions to Nigerian theatre, preserving the story of one of the industry’s earliest stars for future generations.
Her 96th birthday celebration will honour not just a veteran actress but a living archive of Yoruba culture whose life bridges the era of travelling theatre and modern Nollywood.
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