Who are Nollywood’s finest men? Who are the most prolific male faces on social media platforms within the Nollywood industry? One might find themselves wondering or asking the aforementioned questions.
Well, if you ever find yourself asking such or similar questions, it is simple, consider yourself in the right place at the right time. Why so? This is a list of the top ten most followed Nollywood actors on Instagram. How they found themselves at the pinnacle of it all is discussed in detail; you know, Rome was not built in a day. Most, if not all of them, started from humble beginnings, and now here we are.
1. AY (Ayo Makun)
@aycomedian – 12.7 million followers
At the top of it all is AY, the comedian and actor born on August 19, 1971, in Ose, Ondo State. Ayo Makun is the eldest of seven children and studied theatre art at Delta State University, graduating in 2003. AY started his career as an assistant to other industry figures, then exploded with AY Live comedy tours. He is the creator of the famous AY Live comedy tour and writer, producer, and star of box office hits like 30 Days in Atlanta, A Trip to Jamaica, and The Merry Men. AY Makun was honored with the national MFR (Member of the Federal Republic). The comedian-turned-actor whose Instagram commands 13.3 million followers remains the most followed Nollywood actor as things stand. He crafted comedy and attained mastery with distinction. That is why his feeds are nothing less than vibrant, mixing funny sketches, promotions, live events, and philanthropic updates. AY’s presence blends laughter with purpose, making him a digital force to be reckoned with.
2. Samuel Broda Shaggi Perry
@brodashaggi – 12.4 million followers
Actor and comedian, Samuel Broda Shaggi, was born on September 18, 1993, in Ikenne, Ogun State. The comedian holds a degree in Creative Arts from the University of Lagos.
Samuel Perry, also known as Broda Shaggi, rose to fame in 2017 via Instagram skits like Inspector Perry and Professor Dele, but especially the viral “Jesus in Mushin.” Samuel Perry is a two-time AMVCA best comedy actor (2022-2023). He has ventured into music and entrepreneurship, including Shaggi Studios and real estate.
Broda Shaggi has 12.4 million followers on the Instagram platform. As a comedian-actor celebrated in productions like Ghetto Bred, his character sketches go viral, while his movie roles ground him in Nollywood. His Instagram feels like a daily theatrical experience, infused with laughter and storytelling: chaotic energy, dancing, music, skits, and film clips.
3. Falz (Folarin Falana)
@falzthebahdguy – 9.3 million followers
Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, popularly or better known as Falz, was born into a family of activists, the son of human-rights lawyer Femi Falana and his mother, Pastor Funmi Falana. Falz obtained a degree in law abroad from the University of Reading, UK.
Falz is known for merging music, comedy, activism, and film. Falz reaches 9.3 million followers on Instagram, making him only the third most followed male actor on this list. Falz’s film roles in Merry Men, Chief Daddy, and Brotherhood, as well as his feed, blend socio-political commentary, reel clips, and personal insights. Through hashtags like #JusticeForAll alone, Falz is cemented as a sought-after Nigerian celebrity with a deep connection, showing concern with strong information to the general public.
4. Odunlade Adekola
@odunladeadekola – 6.3 million followers
Filmmaker, singer, and actor, that is three-in-one, Odunlade Adekola was born in February 1976, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He studied Dramatic Arts at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. Adekola is a Yoruba-language acting legend since 2000; he is known for films like Asiri Gomina Wa, Omo Ghetto, and others. Adekola’s Instagram feed includes warm family posts, film stills, traditional attire, and spiritual reflections. It is a profound feed and vibe for Instagram.
5. Alex Ekubo
@alexxekubo – 4.7 million followers
Actor Alex Ekubo was a Mr. Nigeria runner-up in the year 2010. He was born on April 10, in Abia State. Ekubo is a degree holder with a degree in Law from the University of Calabar. Ekubo’s acting career highlights include romantic roles in Weekend Gateway, The Bling Lagosians, among other prolific roles to his name. He is admired for both his on-screen charm and off-screen simple style. Ekubo also received an honorary doctorate in Arts & Culture from ISCG University in the year 2021. Ekubo’s Instagram style involves sleek fashion, glamour, travel, brand campaigns, and youthful advocacy, which is often sophisticated but genuine.
6. Lateef Adedimeji
@adedimejilateef – 3.8 million followers
Lateef Adedimeji is an actor best known as “Crying Machine” for his emotional range in films. He has made over a hundred appearances in films such as Klepto and Lisabi. He is a winner and also a nominee across BON, AMVCA, Hollywood, and African prestigious awards. In the year 2025, he was nominated again for AMVCA. Adedimeji’s Instagram approach is all about poetic reflections, film teasers, award highlights, and romantic, thoughtful views and feelings.
7. Ibrahim “Itele D’Icon” Yekini
@iteledicon01 – 1.8 million followers
Ibrahim Yekini was born, bred, and buttered in Lagos; he hails from Bariga. He is an actor with no formal training but learned on set. His career best highlights include best actor at the BON Awards in the year 2020 for his role in the film Lucifer. Other notable roles include Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Kesari, Jagun Jagun, and Lisabi (Rising Star). Yekini’s Instagram vibes typically include behind-the-scenes clips, celebratory posts, and brand endorsements that have been steadily influential.
8. Tobi Makinde
@timini – 1.7 million followers
Best known for his breakthrough role as Timini in Jenifa’s Diary, Funke Akindele’s critically acclaimed comedy series. Tobi Makinde was born on May 16, 1991, in Lagos State. He obtained his degree from the University of Lagos, then Delyork Creative Academy. Makinde co-directed Battle on Buka Street, which is among Nigeria’s highest-grossing films, and also starred in A Tribe Called Judah in the year 2024. Makinde’s Instagram feed delightfully brings clips and stills from movie sets, directorial pride, honest challenges, and growth-focused content.
9. Mike Folarin
@mikefolarin – 1.2 million followers
Another entry in this list, in the form of actor and filmmaker alongside Odunlade Adekola, is Mike Folarin, an actor born on September 1, 1993, in Lagos State. He obtained his degree in Economics from the University of Lagos in 2016. Mike Folarin, at present, is an actor and filmmaker in rising films. His outings in Kasala and Far From Home sent waves across the Nollywood film industry, and Folarin bagged many nominations from the aforementioned films in which he starred. His nominations include BON, Future Awards Africa, and AMVCA 2025 for “young storytelling force.” Folarin’s Instagram feed includes film photography, reflective captions, and a passion for storytelling, which is often vivid, strong, and artistic.
10. Uzor Arukwe
@uzorarukwe – 1.2 million followers
Uzor Arukwe is an industrious actor from Imo State. He was born on August 6, 1983. Arukwe obtained both his Bachelor of Arts and his Masters in Economics from Abia State University. His breakthrough role came in the form of Inspector Sam in Sergeant Tutu in the year 2014. The role earned him BON and AMVCA nominations for titles like Smash and Size 12. Arukwe continues to deliver the best in rich dramas. His Instagram voice typically revolves around thoughtful, academic, and role-focused content, on-set shots, personal reflections, and a celebration of his craft. His feeds are usually serious film stills.
This is not just a follower list; it is a journey of highly skilled human beings with ambitions, moods, cult followings, and candid Instagram presences. Each one among the ten men above, in one way or another, uses Instagram to show fans they are one of us. The popular saying goes: “Great men are ordinary men with an extraordinary amount of courage,” and this goes without saying, the ten men on this list might not be great, they are not, but they are quite courageous. Their courageous activities on Instagram alone speak volumes.
