Story
Alhaji Ganiyu Oyedepo is known in the Nollywood industry and Lagos social circles by the nickname Koko Zaria.
This father of four is a talented Nollywood actor, NURTW leader and businessman based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Koko Zaria is a 54 year old Lagos-born Nigerian actress, NURTW leader and entrepreneur.
Nigerian businessman
Koko Zaria |
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 Koko Zaria: History, Biography, Pictures |
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| Events & Wiki Data | |
| First and last name: | Ganiyu Oyedepo |
| Another name: | Koko Zaria |
| Born: | May 20, 1970 (age 54) |
| Place of birth: | Lagos State |
| State of origin: | Kwara State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Couple: | Oyinda Ajoke Oyedepo, Awele Odita |
| Job: | Businessman • Actor |
| Net asset value: | $2,000,000 |
Early life
Koko Zaria was born on 20 May 1970 into a prominent family in Oyedepo in Omu Aran, Kwara State.
His father, Alhaji Oyedepo, is the brother of famous Nigerian cleric, Bishop David Oyedepo.
Dr. Oyedepo is the founder and chairman of Living Faith Ministries, one of the largest Christian ministries in the world. Dr. Oyedepo is also the richest pastor in Nigeria.
So, Koko Zaria is the nephew of the influential pastor.
Koko Zaria is also known by the following nicknames: Zargarza Koko Zaria and America Boy.
Koko Zaria’s parents passed away many years ago.
Young Ganiyu left Kwara State for Lagos in his early 20s in search of a brighter future.
Upon arriving in Lagos, he entered the transport and union business and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the union leaders.
Career
Currently, Koko Zaria is a leader of the National Union of Transport Workers (NURTW). He is currently the vice president of the Lagos branch of the union. His boss is Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo. MC Oluomo is a politician and a celebrity in the Lagos elite.
Koko Zaria is also a politician and he is affiliated with the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NURTW boss is also a Nollywood (Yoruba) actor and producer with several movies under his belt. He has acted alongside leading actors like Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Salami, Kelvin Ikeduba, Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), Kemi Afolabi, Ibrahim Yekini, Murphy Afolabi, Peju Ogunmola, Lateef Adedimeji, Adunni Ade, Alabi Pasuma (Oga Nla) among others.
He has starred in movies like Atunida, Kesari, Omogara, Eyan Re and many more.
He is the producer of the films Omo Oshodi and Koko Zaria.
As a businessman, he has invested in transportation, real estate and hospitality.
In November 2020, he opened a five-star hotel in Ilorin, Kwara State. The hotel is said to be worth over 500 million naira. The hotel is called Zargarza Hotel and Suites.
At the hotel launch event, top actors, actresses and politicians like Taiwo Hassan, Ibrahim Yekini, MC Oluomo attended the party along with Koko Zaria. MC Oluomo was the chairman of the day.
This smart businessman also owns several valuable properties across the country.
Koko Zaria was embroiled in a scandal years ago when it was alleged that he had an affair with Nollywood actress, Awele Odita.
The news is said to have caused a stir in his marriage but things were soon sorted out and his wife, Ajoke accepted the fact that he wanted another wife. Koko married Awele in a private ceremony.
Personal life
Koko Zaria turned 54 on May 5 and he threw a big party to celebrate the occasion. The party was attended by several celebrities and politicians. He is a devout Muslim. He is a lover of beautiful tattoos.
This businessman is a polygamist. He has two wives. His first wife is Oyinda Ajoke Oyedepo. She is the mother of his two daughters, Leeyah and Oyindamola Oyedepo (alias Zargarza Baby).
Leeyah turned 13 on December 30 while Oyindamola’s birthday is September 14. She is now a young woman.
The baby’s mother and later wife, Awele Odita gave birth to a healthy baby boy in 2017. The boy, named Khalid, turned 6 on December 11.
Awele is said to have given birth to conjoined twins before Khalid was conceived but the twins died shortly afterwards.
Koko Zaria also has an older daughter from a previous relationship, even before he married his first wife.
Her name is Kaosara Omolabake Oyedepo. She is in her twenties and graduated from one of Nigeria’s top universities. She currently lives in Canada.
Social Media
Koko Zaria has become a social media personality and he is very active online. His official Instagram name is @kokozaria_americaboy
He has over 386k followers on the platform.
Net asset value
Through income from transport and real estate businesses, Koko Zaria has accumulated his wealth.
His net worth is estimated at around two million dollars and is expected to increase over time.
