Veteran Yoruba and Nollywood actor Peter Fatomilola has opened up about his early years and the profound influence his upbringing had on his values and career.
In an interview with Oyinmomo TV, the esteemed actor shared that he inherited Ifa from his father, who served as the head of Ifa priests in Ekiti.
Peter Fatomilola revealed that his father’s strong influence initially guided his spiritual journey, drawing him toward traditional worship rather than Christianity.
He explained that while his mother was a devoted Christian who wanted him to attend church with her, he preferred staying with his father to learn about Ifa. His mother was often displeased with his choice, but his father eventually intervened, advising him to accompany her to church on Sundays to maintain harmony in the family.
As his mother’s only child, his father believed it was important to keep her happy. This arrangement allowed Fatomilola to gain knowledge of both Ifa and Christianity.
Despite his early inclination toward traditional practices, he gradually noticed similarities between religious worship and the world of theater. His exposure to church activities—such as singing, dancing, and drama performances—helped him see Christianity from a different perspective. This experience became a turning point in his life, introducing him to stage performances that would later shape his acting career.
In his words: “I inherited Ifa from my father. It’s hereditary. When my father was alive, he was the head of Ifa priests in Ilufusin, Ekiti. Today, I am the head of the Ifa priests. My mother was a Christian, and whenever she went to church, I wouldn’t follow her. She would get angry because I stayed back with my father to worship Ifa. Due to their union, my father told my mother that whenever she was going to church on Sundays, she should always take me along. He also warned me that I must always get ready for church every Sunday to make my mother happy. I am my mother’s only child, which is why my father did his best to keep her happy.”
Watch interview below;