Koko Zaria Biography, Net Worth, Age, Career & Facts

Koko Zaria is a Nigerian actor, NURTW chieftain, and entrepreneur. Explore his biography, real name, net worth, wives, hotel, career, and connection to Bishop David Oyedepo.

Koko Zaria, born Alhaji Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo, is a Nigerian actor, film producer, entrepreneur, and transport union chieftain who rose from working as a mechanic in Lagos to becoming one of the most recognisable figures in Nigeria’s transport sector and Yoruba film industry. He served as Deputy Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos chapter under Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) and has featured in several Yoruba Nollywood films since his acting debut in 2016. He is also the nephew of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel).

Field	Value
Full Name	Alhaji Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo
Stage Name	Koko Zaria
Other Nicknames	Zargarza Koko Zaria, America Boy
Date of Birth	20 May 1970
Age	56 years old (as of 2026)
Place of Birth	Lagos State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State
Nationality	Nigerian
Religion	Islam
Height	6 ft (183 cm)
Marital Status	Married
Wives	Oyinda Ajoke Oyedepo (first wife); Awele Odita (second wife)
Children	At least 4 — two daughters (Kaosara Omolabake, Leeyah) with first wife; one son (Khalid, b. 2017) with Awele Odita; reportedly one daughter from an earlier relationship
Education	Attended school in Aroloya, Lagos State
Occupation	Actor, film producer, entrepreneur, transport union chieftain
Political Party	All Progressives Congress (APC)
Net Worth	Estimated $1.5–$2 million (2026)
Known For	NURTW chieftain; Yoruba Nollywood actor; nephew of Bishop David Oyedepo

Early Life and Education

Ganiyu Ayinde Oyedepo was born on 20 May 1970 in Lagos State, Nigeria. He hails from Omu-Aran, a town in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. His father, whose first name has not been publicly disclosed, was the elder brother of Bishop David Oyedepo — the founder and General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel) and widely regarded as the richest pastor in Nigeria. Despite this prominent family connection, Ganiyu was raised in modest circumstances. Both of his parents are now deceased.

He has two known sisters: Faridat Okikiola Olanrewaju and Kafilat Folashade. At some point during his youth, Ganiyu lived in Zaria, Kaduna State, in Northern Nigeria — a period that gave him the nickname “Koko Zaria,” which he has carried throughout his public life.

Koko Zaria’s formal education was limited. He attended a school in Aroloya, Lagos State, and did not progress to higher education. He has acknowledged that he lacked fluency in English during his early years. Despite these limitations, he later travelled to several English-speaking countries and built an active social life among Nigeria’s upper class. His father reportedly wanted him to pursue a career in law, but Koko Zaria chose a different path.

Career

Early Career and the Transport Union

Koko Zaria’s working life began with menial jobs in Lagos. He started out in Oshodi, where he worked as a machinist specialising in engine turning. He later moved into the clothing trade, selling garments at Oluwole Car Park on Lagos Island, near Balogun Market.

In 1991, he made a defining career move by joining the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). His father opposed the decision, but the intervention of Brigadier General David Bamigboye — the first Military Governor of Kwara State and a friend of Koko Zaria’s father — reportedly helped smooth his entry into the union.

Through determination and political acumen, Koko Zaria rose through the ranks of the NURTW. He eventually became the Deputy Chairman of the Lagos chapter, serving under Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo. He also held the position of Deputy State Treasurer of Lagos State Parks and Garage. The NURTW in Lagos is a powerful organisation that controls commercial transport operations across the state, and senior positions within the union carry significant financial and political influence.

In 2022, the NURTW’s national leadership dismissed MC Oluomo, leading to the dissolution of the Lagos cabinet. This affected the formal union structures, though both MC Oluomo and Koko Zaria maintained their influence in Lagos transport and political circles.

[link to: MC Oluomo biography]

Acting and Film Career

Koko Zaria made his acting debut in 2016, entering the Yoruba-language segment of Nollywood. Despite having no formal training in theatre arts, he quickly gained attention for his screen presence and authentic portrayals. His first notable film appearance was in Atunida, directed by Sir Muyideen Ayinde, which also featured actors such as Kiki Bakare, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Jumoke Odetola.

He has since appeared in several Yoruba films, including Kesari, Omogara, and Eyan Re. His co-stars across these productions include Alabi Pasuma, Lateef Adedimeji, Kemi Afolabi, Adebayo Salami, Murphy Afolabi, Femi Adebayo, Kelvin Ikeduba, Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), Ibrahim Yekini, Peju Ogunmola, and Adunni Ade.

Beyond acting, Koko Zaria has produced films under his production company, The American Boy. His production credits include the films Koko Zaria and Omo Oshodi, both of which received positive reception from Yoruba film audiences.

Business Ventures

Koko Zaria has diversified his income through several business ventures. His most prominent investment is Zargarza Hotel and Suites, a hotel in Ilorin, Kwara State, which he launched on 28 November 2020. The hotel is reportedly valued at over ₦500 million. The opening ceremony was an emotional event for Koko Zaria — his sister was filmed holding him and crying as they remembered their late mother.

He also holds investments in real estate and the transport sector, both of which have been significant contributors to his wealth over the years. His lifestyle reflects his business success: he is known for his collection of luxury cars and has been open about his love for a flashy lifestyle.

Career Timeline

Year	Milestone
1970	Born in Lagos State, Nigeria
Late 1980s	Worked as a machinist in Oshodi, Lagos; later traded clothes at Oluwole Car Park
1991	Joined the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
2000s	Rose to Deputy Chairman of the NURTW Lagos chapter under MC Oluomo
2016	Made acting debut in the Yoruba Nollywood film Atunida
2017	Produced films Koko Zaria and Omo Oshodi under The American Boy production company
November 2020	Launched Zargarza Hotel and Suites in Ilorin, Kwara State
2022	NURTW Lagos cabinet dissolved following MC Oluomo’s dismissal by national leadership

Personal Life

Koko Zaria is married to Oyinda Ajoke Oyedepo (née Oyindamola Olope), his first wife. The couple have two daughters together: Kaosara Omolabake Oyedepo and Leeyah Oyedepo.

He also has a relationship with Nollywood actress Awele Odita, who is widely referred to as his second wife. In 2017, Awele gave birth to a son named Khalid in the United States. The news of their relationship initially caused tension, but Koko Zaria publicly thanked his first wife for accepting the situation, writing on Instagram: “Ajoke my first wife, my joy, my blood, my sister, big mommy, thank you for accepting everything. Thanks for your love and support.”

He also reportedly has a daughter from an earlier relationship, bringing his known number of children to at least four.

Koko Zaria practises Islam, despite being the nephew of one of Nigeria’s most prominent Christian pastors. He has been seen attending both church events and Islamic holy pilgrimages, reflecting the interfaith dynamics within his extended family. He is known for his love of tattoos and his active presence on Instagram (@kokozaria_americaboy), where he shares aspects of his lifestyle and family life.

[link to: Bishop David Oyedepo biography]

Net Worth and Assets

Koko Zaria’s net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million as of 2026. His wealth has been accumulated through multiple income streams: his long career in the transport union (where senior positions carry significant financial benefits), real estate investments, the hospitality industry (Zargarza Hotel and Suites, valued at over ₦500 million), and his acting and film production work.

He is known for his collection of luxury vehicles, which he frequently showcases on social media. His fleet has reportedly included several high-end cars worth millions of naira. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful “agbero” (transport union operatives) turned entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

Awards and Recognition

Koko Zaria has not received widely documented formal awards from major film bodies. His recognition has come primarily through his prominence in the NURTW, his roles in Yoruba Nollywood films, and his public profile as a socialite and entrepreneur in Lagos. His acting career, though beginning relatively late (at age 46 in 2016), has earned him a loyal following in the Yoruba film industry.

Interesting Facts About Koko Zaria

1. His nickname “Koko Zaria” comes from a period in his life when he lived in Zaria, Kaduna State, in Northern Nigeria.
2. He is the nephew of Bishop David Oyedepo, one of the wealthiest pastors in the world, yet he practises Islam.
3. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but he chose to join the road transport workers’ union instead.
4. Brigadier General David Bamigboye, the first Military Governor of Kwara State, reportedly intervened to help him enter the transport business.
5. He did not begin his acting career until 2016, at the age of 46, yet has since appeared in multiple Yoruba films and produced at least two.
6. His hotel, Zargarza Hotel and Suites in Ilorin, is reportedly valued at over ₦500 million.
7. His son Khalid was born in the United States in 2017 to Nollywood actress Awele Odita.
8. He also goes by the nickname “America Boy” and frequently travels abroad despite having had limited formal education.

[Suggested image: Zargarza Hotel and Suites in Ilorin, or Koko Zaria with his luxury car collection. Alt text: “Zargarza Hotel and Suites in Ilorin, Kwara State, owned by Koko Zaria”]

Quotations by Koko Zaria

“Ajoke my first wife, my joy, my blood, my sister, big mommy, thank you for accepting everything. Thanks for your love and support. I know how to handle my home and nothing is wrong with my home. We are one happy family.” — Koko Zaria, addressing the public about his family arrangement, via Instagram

“Here is my birthday and I’m ready for new accomplishments and many moments of happiness.” — Koko Zaria, celebrating his 50th birthday on Instagram, May 2020

Final Thoughts

Koko Zaria’s life story is one of reinvention and resilience. From his beginnings as a mechanic and clothing trader in Lagos to his rise as a powerful figure in the NURTW and a recognisable face in Yoruba cinema, he has repeatedly defied the constraints of his limited formal education and humble origins. His transition into acting at 46 and his establishment of a hotel valued at over half a billion naira demonstrate a willingness to take on new ventures at any stage of life.

His family background adds an unusual dimension to his public profile. As the nephew of Bishop David Oyedepo — one of Africa’s most prominent Christian leaders — yet a practising Muslim, Koko Zaria embodies the religious diversity that exists within many Nigerian families. His relationships with both his extended family and the powerful figures in Lagos transport politics have positioned him at the intersection of entertainment, business, and politics.

As of 2026, Koko Zaria remains active in both the entertainment industry and Lagos’s social and political scene. His story continues to resonate with Nigerians who see in him a testament to the possibilities of self-made success in one of Africa’s most competitive cities.