Yetunde Barnabas biography reveals the journey of Nigeria’s Miss Pepeiye from beauty queen to acclaimed Nollywood actress and wife of footballer Peter Olayinka.

Who is Yetunde Barnabas?

Yetunde Barnabas is a Nigerian actress, model, beauty queen, and film producer who rose to prominence through her iconic role as Miss Pepeiye in the long-running television sitcom “Papa Ajasco and Company”.

Born on 30 August 1990 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Yetunde Barnabas biography showcases a remarkable journey from winning beauty pageants to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema. She gained national recognition after winning the Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja pageant in 2017 and being crowned Miss Tourism Nigeria in 2019.

Beyond her entertainment career, Yetunde is married to Peter Olayinka, a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia’s SuperLiga and the Nigerian national team. Together, they welcomed their first child, daughter Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka, in July 2022, and their second child, a baby boy, in November 2025.

Yetunde has built an impressive portfolio in the Yoruba film industry, starring in and producing numerous successful films including “Omo Iya Osun” (2018), “Elegbenla” (2019), “Erin Folami”, and “Ninu Ghetto”. She is also a successful entrepreneur, owning Star Queens Skincare beauty salon and maintaining a YouTube channel with nearly 100,000 subscribers.

With over 1 million followers on Instagram, Yetunde became the first WAG (wives and girlfriends) of Nigerian footballers to reach this milestone, cementing her status as both an entertainment icon and influential social media personality.

Yetunde Barnabas Profile Summary

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	Yetunde Barnabas Olayinka
Date of Birth	30 August 1990
Age	34 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Kogi State (Ejuku, Yagba East)
Hometown	Abuja, FCT (where she was raised)
Nationality	Nigerian
Tribe/Ethnicity	Yoruba
Religion	Christianity
Zodiac Sign	Virgo
Occupation	Actress, Model, Beauty Queen, Film Producer, Entrepreneur
Years Active	2013–present
Famous Role	Miss Pepeiye in “Papa Ajasco and Company”
Education	B.Sc. Industrial Relations & Personnel Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University
Acting Training	Seriki Olopolo Production and Royal Arts Academy
Marital Status	Married
Spouse	Peter Olayinka Oladeji (m. 2021)
Children	Two (Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka, born 2022; son born November 2025)
Parents	Mr. and Mrs. Barnabas (father deceased)
Siblings	Two younger sisters
Net Worth	Estimated $400,000–$500,000
Business	Star Queens Skincare
Instagram	@yetundebarnabas (1 million+ followers)
YouTube	Yetunde Barnabas (97,500+ subscribers)

Early Life and Family Background

Yetunde Barnabas was born on 30 August 1990 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. However, her family originally hails from Ejuku in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, in the North Central region of Nigeria.

Growing Up in Abuja

Although born in Ilorin, Yetunde grew up in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. She was raised in a Christian household alongside her two younger sisters. As the eldest of three daughters, she assumed early responsibilities within the family.

Family Tragedy

At the tender age of seventeen, Yetunde experienced a devastating loss when her father passed away. This tragedy left her mother as her sole guardian during crucial formative years. The loss profoundly impacted young Yetunde, shaping her resilience and determination to succeed.

Details about her biological mother remain largely private, though Yetunde has maintained a close relationship with her family despite her busy entertainment career.

The Mide Martins Connection

Yetunde shares a special bond with veteran Nollywood actress Mide Martins Abiodun, whom she fondly refers to as “grandma”. This has led to widespread speculation that Mide adopted Yetunde or that they are biologically related.

However, these rumours are unfounded. Yetunde is not Mide Martins’ biological daughter, nor has there been official confirmation of adoption. Rather, they share a close mentor-mentee relationship. When Yetunde gave birth to her daughter in July 2022, she congratulated Mide Martins on becoming a grandmother, writing “Eti di GrandMa oo. Thank You, Mama Love You.”

Mide Martins, who is married to Afeez Owo and has two children (Anuoluwapo and Iyin), has served as an on-screen mother figure and industry mentor to Yetunde.

Education Background

Primary and Secondary Education

Yetunde attended Love International Primary School in Abuja for her elementary education. She later proceeded to King of Kings Secondary School in Abuja for her secondary education, though some sources also mention attendance at a second government school.

During her school years, Yetunde displayed natural talent for the performing arts. She began acting in church plays from a young age, developing skills that would later define her career.

Acting Training

Recognising her passion for acting, Yetunde enrolled at Seriki Olopolo Production and Royal Arts Academy to hone her craft. This professional training provided her with technical acting skills, stagecraft knowledge, and industry connections.

The academy’s comprehensive programme prepared her for the competitive Nigerian entertainment industry, teaching her everything from script interpretation to camera techniques.

University Education

Yetunde pursued higher education at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State, where she studied Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in this field.

Some sources also mention that whilst living in Lagos, she studied Public Administration through the Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos.

Her mother encouraged her to focus on academics alongside her entertainment ambitions, advice that Yetunde heeded by ensuring she completed her university education before fully committing to show business.

Modelling Career and Beauty Pageant Success

Entry into Modelling

Yetunde Barnabas began her entertainment journey in 2013 as a model. Friends and family had long encouraged her to enter beauty pageants, noting her slim, well-chiselled body stature, striking features, and strong catwalk skills.

Growing up, she admired beauty icons like Agbani Darego (Nigeria’s first Miss World) and international superstar Beyoncé, drawing inspiration from their poise and success.

Miss Olokun Beauty Pageant (2013)

Her first major competition was the Miss Olokun Beauty Pageant in 2013. Yetunde emerged victorious, winning the crown and gaining her first taste of pageant success. This victory boosted her confidence and opened doors in the modelling world.

Early Pageant Competitions

Following her Miss Olokun win, Yetunde competed in several smaller pageants, including Miss Live Your Dream in 2014. These experiences helped her develop pageant skills and build industry connections.

Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja (2017)

Yetunde’s major breakthrough came in 2017 when she won The Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja pageant. This prestigious title shot her to national fame and recognition within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The victory came with opportunities to work with top brands and significantly raised her profile. It also led to lucrative endorsement deals with companies like Multichoice/DStv.

Miss Tourism Nigeria (2019)

In 2019, Yetunde was crowned Miss Tourism Nigeria, further cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s premier beauty queens. This title recognised not just her physical beauty but her ability to represent Nigerian tourism internationally.

BBC’s Ewatomi Campaign (2019)

In August 2019, Yetunde achieved another milestone when the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) selected her alongside other African models for a new beauty campaign tagged “Ewatomi”. This international recognition validated her status as a beauty icon.

Brand Ambassador Roles

Her pageant successes led to numerous brand partnerships:

Acting Career: From Miss Pepeiye to Yoruba Film Star

The Iconic Role of Miss Pepeiye

Yetunde Barnabas biography took its most significant turn when she auditioned for and won the role of Miss Pepeiye in “Papa Ajasco and Company”, one of Nigeria’s longest-running television sitcoms produced by Wale Adenuga Productions.

With her mother’s approval and encouragement to balance academics with her dreams, Yetunde took on this career-defining role. Miss Pepeiye was portrayed as a materialistic, fashion-loving young woman who added comic relief to the family sitcom.

The character became iconic, and Yetunde’s portrayal resonated with Nigerian audiences. Her comedic timing, expressive acting, and ability to embody the vain yet loveable Miss Pepeiye made her a household name across Nigeria.

“Papa Ajasco and Company”, which premiered in 1996, enjoyed decades of success on Nigerian television. Yetunde’s addition to the cast brought fresh energy and attracted younger viewers to the series.

Transition to Yoruba Cinema

Leveraging her fame from “Papa Ajasco and Company”, Yetunde successfully transitioned into Yoruba Nollywood films. Her beauty, talent, and growing fan base made her a sought-after actress for leading roles.

She has since starred in numerous Yoruba language films, working alongside industry veterans and establishing herself as a formidable talent in this sector of Nollywood.

Notable Films and Performances

As an Actress:

Yetunde has appeared in numerous successful Yoruba films, including:

As a Film Producer

Yetunde has demonstrated her behind-the-camera talents by producing several films:

Omo Iya Osun (2018): Her debut production, which received positive reviews. The film featured Yetunde alongside established actors including:

The film’s success established Yetunde as not just an actress but a capable producer with good storytelling instincts.

Elegbenla (2019): She produced and starred in this film alongside Niyi Johnson and Akin Olaiya.

Acting Collaborations

Throughout her career, Yetunde has worked with numerous Nollywood stars:

Acting Inspirations

Yetunde draws her acting inspiration from legendary Nigerian actresses:

Their professionalism, longevity, and success in Nigerian cinema motivate Yetunde’s own career ambitions.

Yetunde Barnabas Biography: Awards and Nominations

2019 Nominations

Despite her success, Yetunde has surprisingly not won major acting awards, though she received significant recognition in 2019:

Nigerian Achiever’s Awards: Nominated for Most Promising Actress of the Year in recognition of her various television and film roles throughout the year.

Scream Awards 2019: Nominated for Model of the Year, acknowledging her continued influence in the modelling world even as her acting career flourished.

Africa Choice Awards: Nominated for Beauty Queen of the Year, celebrating her pageant achievements and influence.

Industry Recognition

Beyond formal awards, Yetunde has received substantial industry recognition:

Marriage to Peter Olayinka and Family Life

Meeting Peter Olayinka

Yetunde Barnabas’s love story with Nigerian footballer Peter Olayinka Oladeji captured public attention from the beginning. The couple reportedly began dating in 2019, though the exact circumstances of how they met remain private.

About Peter Olayinka

Peter Olayinka is a Nigerian professional footballer born on 28 October 1995 (making him 29 years old as of 2025). He plays as a left winger or forward and has had a distinguished career:

Club Career:

International Career:

Engagement (December 2020)

The couple got engaged towards the end of 2020. Yetunde announced the engagement on Instagram on 1 January 2021 with an emotional post:

“I SAID YES…. to the Love of my Life, King of my Heart, my Sunshine and my All in All. I Love you till the end of time…🖤🖤🖤💍 Good way to end 2020🙏🏻”

She shared photos showing her engagement ring, and fans flooded the comments with congratulations.

Triple Wedding Celebrations (2021)

Between March and June 2021, Yetunde and Peter solemnised their union in three separate ceremonies:

Traditional Introduction (27 March 2021): Held in Lokoja, Kogi State (Yetunde’s home state), this traditional ceremony honoured Yoruba customs and brought both families together.

Traditional Wedding (March 2021): A larger traditional ceremony with full cultural regalia, music, and celebrations.

White Wedding (11 June 2021): The couple celebrated their white wedding in Lagos, with a reception attended by numerous Nigerian football stars including:

The weddings were lavish affairs that dominated Nigerian entertainment news for weeks.

First Child: Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka

On 27 July 2022 (some sources say 26 July), Yetunde and Peter welcomed their first child, a daughter named Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka, born in Prague, Czech Republic, where Peter was then playing football.

Peter affectionately called their daughter their “bundle of happiness” and shared photos celebrating her arrival.

When news of Gemma’s birth broke, Yetunde’s relationship with Mide Martins gained attention when she congratulated the veteran actress on becoming a “grandma”, cementing their close mentor-mentee bond.

Lavish Gifts and Support

Peter Olayinka has demonstrated his love through extravagant gifts:

Range Rover (2022): After Gemma’s birth, Peter surprised Yetunde with a Range Rover as a “push present”, a gesture that went viral on social media.

Multi-Million Naira Property (2023): For her birthday in 2023, Peter gifted Yetunde a multi-million naira property, showcasing his financial success and love for his wife.

RED Camera (2024): Days before their third wedding anniversary in 2024, Yetunde received a pre-anniversary gift worth millions of naira—a brand new RED Camera accompanied by extensive filmmaking tools. This professional-grade equipment enables her to shoot Netflix or cinema-quality films.

Second Child: Baby Boy (November 2025)

On 12 November 2025, Yetunde and Peter joyfully welcomed their second child, a baby boy. Yetunde shared the news on Instagram with heartwarming hospital photos:

“Our second little miracle has arrived, another piece of heaven in our arms. Thank You, LORD. 🤍👶🏾 12/11/25 grateful Babynumber2 foreverblessed”

The announcement came months after Yetunde publicly debunked rumours in April 2025 that she had already given birth. She had responded to the false reports: “As seen on Facebook, I am not aware that I gave birth o, even though this is good news. Please stop spreading false rumours about me, and do your findings before posting. God’s time is the best.”

Supportive Partnership

Yetunde is Peter’s biggest cheerleader. After his move to Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, she proudly shared photos of him with medals, calling him her champion. She frequently travels to Serbia to support him and shares family moments with their growing fan base.

Their relationship is characterised by mutual support, love, and respect. Whilst Peter excels on the football field, Yetunde dazzles on screen and in business, making them one of Nigeria’s most admired celebrity couples.

Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Star Queens Skincare

Beyond entertainment, Yetunde is a successful entrepreneur. She owns Star Queens Skincare, a beauty salon offering various skincare treatments and products.

To enhance her business credibility, Yetunde earned a certification in therapy from the Beauty Therapy Institute in Lagos in 2023. This professional qualification allows her to provide expert beauty services to her clients.

YouTube Channel

Yetunde maintains an active YouTube channel that has been operational for six years. The channel has garnered nearly 97,500 subscribers.

Content Includes:

Notable Project: “First Date”, a short film starring both Yetunde and her husband Peter Olayinka, showcasing their on-screen chemistry and giving fans a unique glimpse into their relationship.

Social Media Influence

With over 1 million Instagram followers, Yetunde became the first WAG (wives and girlfriends) of Nigerian footballers to reach this milestone.

Her social media presence is vibrant and engaging, featuring:

Brand Collaborations

Her substantial following makes her attractive to brands seeking influencer partnerships. She has collaborated with various fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, generating significant income through sponsored content.

Net Worth and Financial Success

As of 2025, Yetunde Barnabas’s net worth is estimated between $400,000 and $500,000.

Income Sources

Her wealth derives from multiple revenue streams:

Lifestyle

Yetunde lives a comfortable lifestyle befitting her success:

Career Milestones and Achievements

Year	Milestone/Achievement	Details
1990	Birth	Born on 30 August in Ilorin, Kwara State
2007	Father’s Passing	Lost her father at age seventeen
2013	Modelling Debut	Won Miss Olokun Beauty Pageant
2014	Pageant Experience	Competed in Miss Live Your Dream
2017	Major Breakthrough	Won Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja pageant
2017	Acting Debut	Cast as Miss Pepeiye in “Papa Ajasco and Company”
2018	Production Debut	Produced “Omo Iya Osun”, receiving positive reviews
2019	Crown Achievement	Crowned Miss Tourism Nigeria
2019	International Recognition	Selected for BBC’s Ewatomi beauty campaign
2019	Award Nominations	Multiple nominations including Most Promising Actress
2019	Relationship Beginning	Began dating footballer Peter Olayinka
December 2020	Engagement	Got engaged to Peter Olayinka
March–June 2021	Marriage	Three wedding ceremonies (traditional introduction, traditional wedding, white wedding)
July 2022	First Child	Welcomed daughter Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka
2022	Luxury Gift	Received Range Rover as push present from husband
2023	Property Gift	Received multi-million naira property for birthday
2023	Professional Development	Earned therapy certification from Beauty Therapy Institute
2024	Film Equipment	Received RED Camera and extensive filmmaking tools
2024	Social Media Milestone	First Nigerian footballer’s WAG to reach 1 million Instagram followers
November 2025	Second Child	Welcomed baby boy on 12 November

Impact on Nigerian Entertainment and Culture

Pioneering the WAG Movement

Yetunde Barnabas holds the distinction of being the first wife or girlfriend of Nigerian footballers to amass over 1 million Instagram followers. This milestone demonstrates how she has used her platform to build a personal brand independent of her husband’s fame.

She has paved the way for other footballers’ partners to embrace the spotlight and build their own careers and followings.

Representation in Yoruba Cinema

Yetunde represents successful women in Yoruba Nollywood who balance traditional roles with modern ambitions. Her characters often explore themes relevant to contemporary Nigerian women, making her relatable to diverse audiences.

Beauty Standards and Influence

Through her pageant wins and beauty business, Yetunde influences Nigerian beauty standards and skincare practices. Her advocacy for proper skincare and professional beauty treatments has helped destigmatise beauty maintenance in Nigerian culture.

Marriage and Partnership Model

Her marriage to Peter Olayinka showcases a modern Nigerian partnership where both spouses pursue successful careers whilst supporting each other. This model resonates with young Nigerians seeking balanced relationships.

Public Perception and Media Presence

Beloved Character

Yetunde’s portrayal of Miss Pepeiye remains one of her most enduring legacies. Audiences across generations recognise and love the character, making “Miss Pepeiye” almost synonymous with Yetunde Barnabas.

Fashion Icon

Her stunning fashion choices at events and on social media have made her a style icon. Young Nigerian women look to her for fashion inspiration, noting her ability to blend traditional Nigerian attire with contemporary fashion.

Social Media Engagement

Yetunde actively engages with her followers, sharing insights into her personal life, professional projects, and family moments. This accessibility has endeared her to fans who appreciate her authenticity.

Handling Rumours

Yetunde has demonstrated maturity in handling false rumours, particularly the April 2025 speculation about her second pregnancy. Rather than ignoring false reports, she directly addressed them, asking people to verify information before spreading it.

Personal Life and Interests

Family Values

Despite her busy career, Yetunde prioritises family. She frequently shares quality time with her children and husband, ensuring they remain her top priority.

Faith and Spirituality

Raised in a Christian home, Yetunde maintains strong faith. Her social media posts often include expressions of gratitude to God, particularly when celebrating milestones like childbirth.

Travel and Exploration

Yetunde enjoys travelling, both for leisure and to support her husband’s football career in Serbia. She shares travel content with her followers, giving them glimpses of international experiences.

Hobbies

Beyond work, Yetunde enjoys:

Conclusion

The Yetunde Barnabas biography presents a remarkable story of talent, beauty, resilience, and success. From winning her first pageant in 2013 to becoming one of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, Yetunde has built an impressive career spanning modelling, acting, and production.

Her iconic role as Miss Pepeiye in “Papa Ajasco and Company” introduced her to millions of Nigerian households, whilst her subsequent work in Yoruba cinema has solidified her status as a formidable actress. Beyond the screen, her success in the beauty industry through Star Queens Skincare and her substantial social media following demonstrate her business acumen.

At 34 years old with an estimated net worth of $400,000–$500,000, Yetunde has achieved remarkable success. Her marriage to footballer Peter Olayinka represents a modern Nigerian love story, with both partners supporting each other’s careers whilst building a beautiful family. The births of their daughter Gemma in 2022 and son in November 2025 have added new dimensions to Yetunde’s life.

As the first Nigerian footballer’s WAG to reach 1 million Instagram followers, Yetunde has pioneered a path for others to follow. Her ability to maintain relevance across multiple platforms—television, film, YouTube, Instagram—demonstrates her adaptability in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.

The journey of Yetunde Barnabas from a beauty pageant contestant in 2013 to an acclaimed actress, producer, entrepreneur, wife, and mother in 2025 inspires young Nigerian women aspiring to build multifaceted careers. Her story proves that with talent, hard work, and strategic partnerships, success across multiple domains is achievable.

FAQs About Yetunde Barnabas Biography

Q1: How old is Yetunde Barnabas?
Yetunde Barnabas was born on 30 August 1990, making her 34 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Virgo.

Q2: Who is Yetunde Barnabas’s husband?
Yetunde is married to Peter Olayinka Oladeji, a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia and the Nigerian national team. They married in 2021 through three separate ceremonies.

Q3: How many children does Yetunde Barnabas have?
Yetunde has two children with her husband Peter Olayinka: their daughter Gemma Iremide Tolani Olayinka (born July 2022) and their son (born 12 November 2025).

Q4: What is Yetunde Barnabas’s net worth?
Yetunde Barnabas’s net worth is estimated between $400,000 and $500,000, earned through acting, modelling, film production, brand endorsements, and her beauty business.

Q5: Is Yetunde Barnabas Mide Martins’ daughter?
No, Yetunde is not the biological daughter of actress Mide Martins, nor has adoption been officially confirmed. However, they share a very close mentor-mentee relationship, with Yetunde referring to Mide as “grandma”.

Q6: What is Yetunde Barnabas famous for?
Yetunde is best known for her role as Miss Pepeiye in the long-running Nigerian sitcom “Papa Ajasco and Company”. She is also famous as a beauty queen (Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja 2017, Miss Tourism Nigeria 2019) and Yoruba film actress.

Q7: Where is Yetunde Barnabas from?
Yetunde was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, but her family originates from Ejuku in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. She was raised in Abuja, FCT.

Q8: What tribe is Yetunde Barnabas?
Yetunde Barnabas is from the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria.

Q9: What movies has Yetunde Barnabas produced?
Yetunde has produced several films including “Omo Iya Osun” (2018) and “Elegbenla” (2019), both of which received positive reviews.

Q10: How did Yetunde Barnabas and Peter Olayinka meet?
The couple reportedly began dating in 2019, though the exact details of how they met remain private. They got engaged in December 2020 and married in 2021.