A couple of Nollywood stars started their journeys in law before finding success in entertainment. Some studied law to fulfill family expectations, while others had genuine interest in the field.
Some originally trained as lawyers, earning their degrees before transitioning into film, music, fashion and media. Their legal education often plays a role in shaping their careers, whether through contract negotiations or advocacy.
This list highlights some Nigerian entertainers who have studied law, practised a little bit or fully and have made remarkable strides in their respective creative industries.
1. Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) is one of Nollywood’s most revered actors, known for his charismatic performances and smooth delivery. Born in 1961, he originally studied Theatre Arts at the University of Benin before later pursuing a law degree at the University of Lagos.
With a career spanning decades, RMD has featured in countless movies, including classics like The Weddings Party. One of the movies that brought out his legal personality was Castle & Castle, a series where he played the role of a lawyer seamlessly.
Outside Nollywood, RMD has also had an impressive political career. He served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 to 2015. His involvement in governance showcased his versatility, proving that he could balance law, politics and entertainment.
His transition from acting to politics and back again has been seamless, a testament to his adaptability and intelligence. RMD is adored by many till date because of his unique abilities.
2. Kanayo O. Kanayo
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo (KOK), is a veteran Nollywood actor famous for his roles in movies centered on money rituals and power struggles.
Beyond acting, he is also a trained lawyer, having obtained a law degree from the University of Abuja and later being called to the Nigerian Bar. KOK’s foray into law has influenced his approach to filmmaking and public service. He actively speaks on legal matters and national issues.
His acting career, which took off in the early 1990s, has seen him feature in movies like Living in Bondage, Blood Money and Rituals, earning him a reputation as the ultimate “ritualist” in Nigerian cinema.
However, behind the stereotype, he is a skilled actor with a deep understanding of storytelling and character interpretation. His performances are to die for making him a fan favourite.
3. Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo is a Nollywood legend widely known as Andy Okeke for his role as Andy Okeke in the classic movie, Living In Bondage – the movie that revolutionized Nigerian cinema.
Beyond acting, he is also a trained lawyer, having earned his law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before obtaining a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. His law background shaped his public engagements.
He has been actively involved in politics and public affairs. He has spoken on national issues and even congested for political office. During the 2023 General elections in Nigeria, he was a spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Council.
His legal background gives him an edge in political debates, allowing him to articulate points and causing him to trend in the Nigerian media for one controversial statement or another. In all, Kenneth is a terrific actor loved by many.
4. Falz
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, actor and activist with a strong legal background. Born to renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, Falz studied Law at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and was called to bar.
Instead of pursuing a traditional legal career, he carved a niche for himself in entertainment, blending music, comedy and social activism. Falz’ music often addresses social issues, from corruption to police brutality, with hits like This is Nigeria.
As an actor, he has also delivered remarkable performances in movies like Merry Men and Chief Daddy , showcasing his versatility beyond music. Most recent was his feature in Funke Akindele’s box office hit in 2024, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
Falz has built a career that fuses legal insight, entertainment, and social responsibility, proving that being a lawyers does not always mean wearing a wig and a gown in a courtroom. He has taken advocacy to a global stage through his music.
5. Mr. Macaroni
Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, is one of Nigeria’s top skit makers, and comedians. Before his rise to fame, he studied Law at different universities, including Lead City University and Houdegbe North American University before finally graduating in Theatre Arts from Redeemers University.
Despite not completing his Law practice, his legal background is evident in the way he crafts his content. His character in his skits, “Daddy Wa,” showcases the wealthy, entitled men in the society which has earned his massive recognition.
Mr. Macaroni has also done a couple of things with Nollywood, majorly among Yoruba language movies in the industry. He featured in Ayinla in 2021, Anikulapo in 2022 and Lisabi: The Uprising in 2024. All were Netflix originals.
Beyond comedy and acting, he has been vocal about human rights and justice in Nigeria. He played a prominent role in the #EndSARS protests, using his influence to amplify the voices of young Nigerians against police brutality.
6. Layi Wasabi
Layi Wasabi has become a star in Nigeria comedy despite breaking into the industry not long ago. He is known for his unique, deadpan humor and intelligent storytelling.
Though primarily recognized as a comedian, he is also a law graduate, having studied at Bowen University. His background in law is prevalent in his content as he often incorporates legal jargon into his skits.
His comedic style, makes him stand out in Nigeria’s crowded skit-making space. He often plays exaggerated versions of legal professionals to induce humour. His ability to make law relatable has made him stand out.
Layi has also featured in a couple of Nollywood movies like Adire in 2023, Japa in 2024 and the biggest of them all, Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024, where he played Falz’ best friend in the blockbuster film.
7. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is one of the most successful actresses in Nollywood, widely recognized for her comedic brilliance filmmaking prowess. She broke the Nigerian box office twice with her blockbuster movies.
While many know her for her acting, few realize she studied Law at the University of Lagos before switching to Theatre Arts. Though she did not practice law, her legal background has been instrumental in her business dealings.
Her breakout role in Jenifa made her a household name and she expanded the franchise into the highly successful TV series, Jenifa’s Diary. She has produced and started in box office hits such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle On Buka Street, A Tribe Calmed Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa.
Her ability to connect with audiences through humour, relatable storytelling, and strong female characters has made her one of the most influential figures in Nigerian entertainment.
8. Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo is a prominent Nollywood actor, known particularly for his work in Yoruba cinema. He is the son of the veteran actor, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and has carved out his own space in the industry.
Before fully embracing acting, Femi obtained q Law degree from the University of Ilorin and even practiced for a brief period. His transition from law to entertainment was influenced by his passion for the arts.
In addition to acting, Femi Adebayo is a filmmaker and producer. He produced Jagun Jagun in 2023 and Seven Doors in 2024 where he also acted in. His legal background has undoubtedly played a role in ensuring that his business dealings are properly managed.
In May 2024, he won a lawsuit against an unnamed YouTube content aggregator. The lawsuit was over piracy of his film and Femi was awarded ₦25 million.
9. Kelechi Udegbe
Kelechi Udegbe is a talented Nollywood actor known for his gripping performances in films and TV series. Though primarily an actor, he has a Law degree, which has influenced the way he approaches storytelling and business in the film industry.
His standout performances in movies like Ojukokoro, Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo and TV series like Officer Titus have earned him critical acclaim. One of his unforgettable performances was in Bolanle Austen-Peters’ movie, Collision Course that explored the activities around the #EndSARS protest in 2020.
10. Lepacious Bose
Lepacious Bose is a Nigerian comedian, and actress with a background in Law. She studied Law at the University of Ibadan but chose entertainment as her primary career path.
Her comedic journey has been centered on self-love, body positivity and social issues. Beyond comedy, she has appeared in several Nollywood productions like Chief Daddy and Being Mrs. Elliot.
