Yetunde Barnabas biography discover the Nigerian model, beauty queen and actress’s early life, rise in talent, major roles, personal life and current net worth.
- Key Highlights of Yetunde Barnabas Biography
- Early Life and Background
- Education and Academic Journey
- Career Journey and Major Achievements
- Modelling & Pageantry
- Transition to Acting & Film Production
- Recent Milestones
- Personal Life and Family
- Contributions to Society / Legacy
- Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
- Estimated Net Worth
- Conclusion
- FAQs about Yetunde Barnabas Biography
Yetunde Barnabas stands out as a vibrant example of Nigeria’s entertainment evolution — from pageant winner to household-name actress and producer. Born on August 30, 1990, in Ilorin (but raised in Abuja), she initially captured attention through beauty contests and then parlayed that visibility into acting, notably as “Miss Pepeiye” in the sitcom Papa Ajasco & Company. I remember the first time I saw her on-screen: her comedic timing and energy struck me as refreshingly genuine, showing how embracing multiple talents can unlock broader potential. Her biography reflects not only early ambition but adaptability, determination and business sense.
Key Highlights of Yetunde Barnabas Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yetunde Barnabas Olayinka |
| Date of Birth | August 30, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Kogi State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | Kings of Kings Secondary School; Royal Arts Academy & Seriki Olopolo Production (acting training) |
| Occupations | Model, Beauty Queen, Actress, Film Producer |
| Notable Titles | Winner: Miss Olokun (2013); Winner: Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja (2017); Winner: Miss Tourism Nigeria (2019) |
| Acting Breakthrough | Role of “Miss Pepeiye” in Papa Ajasco & Company |
| Spouse | Peter Olayinka (m. 2021) |
| Children | One daughter, Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx. US$400,000–$600,000 |
Early Life and Background
Yetunde Barnabas was born on August 30, 1990, in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, although her family roots trace back to Ejuku, Yagba East in Kogi State. She was raised in Abuja and attended Kings of Kings Secondary School for her secondary education. Her upbringing in the capital exposed her to a mix of cultural influences, from Nigeria’s central-government dynamics to the creative arts scene in Abuja.
Growing up, Barnabas nurtured an interest in modelling and performance. According to interviews, she entered the world of pageantry while still in her late teens, demonstrating early ambition and resilience. Her story reminds me of the many young creatives who leverage one opportunity—such as a pageant win—to transition into broader entertainment work.
Education and Academic Journey
After her secondary school education, Yetunde sought formal training in acting and performance. She enrolled at Seriki Olopolo Production and Royal Arts Academy, where she developed the foundational skills for film and stage work. Though her academic path did not centre on a traditional university degree in film, her practical training equipped her with on-set experience and industry readiness.
Her combination of modelling, pageantry, and acting training made her a hybrid talent: comfortable in front of camera for both fashion and film. It’s a reminder that non-traditional pathways—like modelling + acting training—can lead to meaningful careers in creative industries.
Leader" loading="lazy" width="180" height="120">Career Journey and Major Achievements
Modelling & Pageantry
Yetunde’s public career began in modelling and beauty pageants. She won the Miss Olokun pageant in 2013, which gave her early exposure. Then she participated in the Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja competition, which she won in 2017—a victory that significantly raised her profile. In 2019, she also secured the title of Miss Tourism Nigeria. These wins provided not only public recognition but endorsement deals and brand-ambassador roles.
Transition to Acting & Film Production
Building on her pageant success, Yetunde made a notable transition into acting. Her breakout role came as “Miss Pepeiye” in the long-running Nigerian sitcom Papa Ajasco & Company. That role proved pivotal, turning her from pageant-face into familiar TV persona.
Subsequently, she acted in several Yoruba and Nollywood productions such as Erin Folami, Dagogo, Omo Iya Osun and Elegbenla. She also moved behind the camera: in 2018, she produced the film Omo Iya Osun, marking her entry into film production. This dual role—actor and producer—demonstrates her growing agency in entertainment.
Recent Milestones
In 2024, Yetunde reached a new social-media milestone: she became the first Nigerian WAG (wife of a footballer) to hit 1 million Instagram followers—reflecting both her entertainment presence and personal brand. Her marriage to Peter Olayinka (Super Eagles forward) in 2021 further broadened her visibility across sports & entertainment intersections.
Personal Life and Family
Yetunde’s personal life is intertwined with her public persona. She married Nigerian footballer Peter Olayinka in a civil ceremony in June 2021, following their engagement in December 2020. Their romance reportedly began in 2019. The couple have one daughter, Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka.
Her marriage and family life have been publicly shared, with media coverage of their milestones—such as her 33rd birthday in 2023, when she received multimillion-naira gifts from her husband. Yetunde also addressed social-media rumours in April 2025, denying reports that she had welcomed a second child—demonstrating her desire for personal transparency and control of her narrative.
Contributions to Society / Legacy
While Yetunde Barnabas is primarily known for entertainment, her career reflects broader contributions:
- Representation of Beauty & Culture: By winning major pageants and transitioning into film, she became a role model for young Nigerian women from non-metropolitan states.
- Entrepreneurship: She leverages her platform into business moves—e.g., acquiring property for her business and expanding her production business.
- Family & Brand Integration: Her role as a WAG and public figure creates a crossover between sports, entertainment and lifestyle, showing how individuals can build multiple-income-streams.
- Advocacy: In interviews she has spoken about challenges such as discrimination (skin colour) in the film industry—adding her voice to issues of equity and diversity in Nigerian media.
Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
- Yetunde was selected as part of the BBC’s “Ewatomi” beauty campaign in August 2019, representing African models.
- She holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian WAG to hit one million Instagram followers as of June 2024.
- The birthday gift she received in August 2023 included a property for her business from her husband—a marker of her entrepreneurial focus beyond acting.
- Her role in Papa Ajasco & Company as Miss Pepeiye was auditioned for after she had built modelling credentials, showing how one avenue (pageantry) can open doors to acting.
Estimated Net Worth
Based on available estimates, Yetunde Barnabas has a net worth ranging between US $400,000 to US $600,000. Her income streams include modelling, pageantry endorsements, acting roles, production credits and branded collaborations.
Conclusion
The Yetunde Barnabas biography tells the story of a young woman who embraced opportunity, built diverse talents and navigated transitions—from pageant winner to actress to producer and businesswoman. Her journey offers inspiration: that early successes can be launched into wider careers when met with ambition, training and adaptability.
What makes her story remarkable isn’t just the titles she’s won or roles she’s played—but how she continues to evolve in Nigeria’s dynamic entertainment landscape. For her fans and aspiring professionals alike, Yetunde’s career is a testament to setting strong foundations and then expanding into new horizons.
FAQs about Yetunde Barnabas Biography
1. Who is Yetunde Barnabas?
Yetunde Barnabas is a Nigerian model, beauty queen turned actress and film producer, best known for her role as Miss Pepeiye in Papa Ajasco & Company.
2. What pageant titles has Yetunde Barnabas won?
She has won titles including Miss Olokun (2013), Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja (2017) and Miss Tourism Nigeria (2019).
3. How old is Yetunde Barnabas?
She was born on August 30, 1990, which makes her 34 years old as of 2025.
4. Is Yetunde Barnabas married?
Yes. She married Nigerian footballer Peter Olayinka in June 2021 and they have one daughter together.
5. What is Yetunde Barnabas’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between US $400,000 and US $600,000, derived from modelling, acting, production and brand endorsements.
