Born September 4, 1990 in Lagos, Nigeria, Efeilomo Michelle Irele professionally known as Efe Irele is a Nigerian actress, model, and film producer. She hails from Edo State.
EFE IRELE’S EDUCATION AND EARLY CAREER
She attended Corona Primary School, Lagos, and had her secondary education at Queen’s College, Yaba.She holds a degree in Sociology from Bowen University and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Chester, United Kingdom.
Efe began her career as a model and starred as a video vixen in Burna Boy’s Like to Party video in 2012 and Adekunle Gold’s Sade video before transitioning to acting. Her breakout role came in the popular TV series Lagos Real Fake Life in 2018, where she portrayed a modern Nigerian woman navigating societal expectations.
EFE IRELE’S PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Efe Irele has built an impressive career in Nollywood as an actress, film producer, and advocate.
Since her breakout role , she has appeared in numerous films and TV productions, including Hey you, Two Weeks in Lagos, farmer’s bride and my mother is a witch.
Efe has successfully transitioned into production, with over 15 movies produced under her name in just a few years.Her work as a producer has contributed to the expansion of quality storytelling in Nollywood.
She served as the executive producer for My Mother Is a Witch (2025), a psychological drama exploring complex mother-daughter dynamics. She also stars alongside award winning Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe in this one. According to Efe, this project was particularly personal to her, highlighting her deep involvement in its creation. In addition to My Mother Is a Witch, Efe Irele has been credited as a producer on movies like As He Was Written (2023) , Loving the Accused (2022) ,Secrets of the Gods.
Through her projects, Efe Irele has demonstrated her versatility and commitment to storytelling, contributing significantly to the Nigerian film industry both in front of and behind the camera.
Efe launched the Efe Irele Autism Foundation in 2018 to cater for autistic children which is still functional till date.
In 2018 Efe won City People Entertainment Awards for Best Upcoming Actress of the Year (English) and Best New Actress of the Year (English).
She was nominated for Best of Nollywood Awards for Revelation of the Year – female. In 2023, she won Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Best Supporting Actress
Efe Irele has actively promoted her latest film, My Mother Is a Witch alongside Mercy Aigbe, through a comprehensive and engaging campaign leading up to its nationwide cinema release on May 23, 2025. She has leveraged several media platforms available including the AMVCA 2025 cultural Day shoot with Mercy Aigbe, her social media platforms, TV interviews, a beautiful movie premier etc. She posted the official trailer, behind-the-scenes content, and heartfelt messages about the film’s themes on Instagram. On tiktok,Efe shared promotional videos, including one featuring Toyin Abraham, to reach a broader audience.
EFE IRELE’S PERSONAL LIFE
Efe is the eldest of four siblings, including two sisters and a brother named Benedict Irele, who has autism. Her experiences with her brother inspired her to establish the Efe Irele Autism Foundation in 2018, aiming to support children with autism. Efe has confirmed that she is in a relationship but chooses to keep details about her partner private.
EFE IRELE’S LEGACY AND IMPACT
Efe Irele has carved a meaningful legacy in the Nigerian film industry through her versatility, emotional storytelling, and commitment to social impact. Her influence spans both creative and humanitarian spheres, making her a respected figure in Nollywood.
Efe consistently portrays and produces stories that center on complex female experiences, especially the emotional and psychological struggles women face in society. She is part of a growing movement of actress-producers reshaping the Nollywood landscape.
Through the Efe Irele Autism Foundation, she advocates for children with autism, using her platform to raise awareness and support for underrepresented communities.
She inspires upcoming talents, especially young women, to pursue diverse roles in film and not limit themselves to acting alone.
Efe Irele’s legacy lies in her multi-dimensional storytelling, her commitment to emotional authenticity, and her efforts to use film as both art and activism.
CONCLUSION
Efe’s journey reflects dedication to her craft, a passion for telling meaningful stories, and a commitment to social change.Through films that resonate emotionally and initiatives that uplift communities, she is leaving a lasting legacy that transcends entertainment.
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