Jigan Baba Oja Biography: Real Name, Age, Wife, Net Worth

Born on June 16, 1982, in Bariga, Lagos, Kazeem Abimbola Ibrahim (also known as Jigan Baba Oja) grew up in Bariga’s bustling and vibrant community, and Kazeem loved life, and his energy was evident from an early age. Since he demonstrated several strengths and the ability to focus and commit to anything he desired, it was clear that Kazeem was Fire.

He began his schooling journey at Odunlade Primary School, initiating his foundations in Bariga. He then went to Morocco Comprehensive High School in Yaba, where his liveliness started to expand.

Unfortunately, the first major condition happened when Kazeem turned six. A trip to the local hospital for a childhood sickness changed his life when a grave mistake was made, resulting in an injection being incorrectly given. The consequence of nerve damage and permanent ambulation through a limb for the rest of his physical movement would create a circumstance that was distinctive to him.

Jigan Baba Oja – Image source: Instagram/JiganBabaOja

Where many might have retreated, young Kazeem confronted his new reality head-on. He defied the limp to guide his charter, boldly competing with friends by challenging them to footraces, often beating them. The will was not simple boastfulness of youth; it was the very beginnings of an indomitable spirit.

The boy from Bariga decided his apparent weakness wouldn’t hold him back; rather, it would push him to create incredible resilience. He embraced a stumble to create a unique stride, paving the way for a life that would break all the limitations set on him.

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Jigan Baba Oja – From Music Dreams to Comedy Stardom

Jigan started his creative career in 2001 when he started a music group called BBK, which innovatively combined lively Fuji beats with contemporary Afrobeat; internal financial quarrels disbanded the group, but his vision continued.

He launched a determined solo career, grinding through Lagos’ competitive music scene. His breakthrough arrived in 2008 through a gritty collaboration with Fuji legend Pasuma on the track “Orobokibo”. The song highlighted Jigan’s raw vocal power and streetwise lyricism, yet music alone couldn’t contain his restless artistry.

He pivoted toward acting, discovering an unexpected gift for comedy. Early roles in Yoruba films like “Mr. Kola”, directed by industry stalwart Kunle Afod, showcased his natural timing and expressive wit. But true stardom struck via Instagram in 2018.

A spontaneous skit captured Jigan reacting with mock outrage to age-related teasing. This birthed his explosive catchphrase “Sho Mo Age Mi?” (Do you know my age?). The phrase detonated across Nigeria, echoing from buzzing market stalls to school playgrounds.

Overnight, Jigan transformed from a hustling performer into a household emblem of relatable humour. His viral moment wasn’t luck, it was talent meeting opportunity, proving comedy was his truest calling.

Turning Scars into Strength

Jigan Baba Oja refused to let his physical difference be a secret or a source of shame. Environmental discourse in Nigerian culture typically responded with quiet whispers or even an audible ‘wow’ at his leg. But he went the opposite way: normal and bold visibility. He was clear from the beginning: don’t get personal and make fun of his condition, but feel free to critique his work or what he has to offer.

This image was not a way for him to get sympathy – it was a clear statement of being comfortable with who he was and accepting pride in his journey with all its scars. He asserted that his body, exactly as it was, narrated his unique story – hiding it served no purpose.

His commitment to changing perceptions deepened with his autobiographical project, the film “Disabled”, which he produced. This work directly confronted stereotypes surrounding disability. It featured Jigan Baba Oja actively playing football, dancing energetically, and performing everyday tasks with competence, forcefully challenging assumptions about his limitations.
Despite his advocacy, prejudice surfaced publicly. A notable incident occurred during a disagreement with musician Asake, who made derogatory jokes targeting Jigan’s leg.

Jigan responded decisively, taking legal action. He made it clear, right from the start: feel free to criticize his work or what he has to offer, do not get personal, and mock his condition.

The outcome included a public apology by Asake, representing a rare win for those who were demanding respect for people with disabilities in Nigeria’s consistently challenging entertainment industry. This moment underscored his unwavering message: his disability was part of him, not a definition, and deserved dignity.

Family, Faith, and Fatherhood

Beyond the paparazzi spotlight and online fame, Jigan Baba Oja finds ultimate meaning in family. His spouse, Yetunde Kazeem, is a firm foundation, a steadying influence throughout a career of highs and lows.

In more than a decade together, they have built a padded and close-to-home life over the years, and have shared two daughters. Jigan frequently offers social media a glimpse into this world, not for promotion, but to show the daily pleasures. You can catch him dancing playfully in the living room with his girls or expressing heartfelt appreciation for Yetunde’s behind-the-scenes strength.

Central to their family values is teaching their children that difference is a source of strength. Jigan Baba Oja is purposely encouraging his daughters to learn that differences – whether they can be seen or not – are strengths, not sources of shame. This is a lesson taken from his life and those who came before him.

One of those essential pillars is his father, Chief Mudashiru Kazeem. More than a parent, the Chief embodies unshakeable loyalty and wisdom, a lifelong guiding force in Jigan. The impact of his father comes through in how Jigan is a father himself, placing importance on presence, integrity, and unconditional support. This base of love, trust in each other, and respect makes their home an oasis outside the chaos of fame.

Choosing Dignity on New Shores

By 2024, Jigan Baba Oja confronted a hard truth: Nigeria’s accessibility limitations overshadowed his fame. Routine tasks like grocery shopping became exhausting battles. Due to the lack of minimal supports of: wheels, ramps, motorized carts in stores, he was unable to avoid stairs, not without intrusive and unwanted stares, daily. Wishing to be independent, he moved to the USA, wanting a quieter, more manageable life.

Soon after, his new reality began to show up in his life, uninvited. A viral video captured fellow actor Ijebu visibly shocked, spotting Jigan working as an Uber driver. Ijebu’s stunned reaction mirrored wider public disbelief. Fan responses split sharply—some applauded his humble hustle; others criticized his departure from Nigeria.

For Jigan, the decision was straightforward. Driving symbolized more than income; it represented dignity and normalcy. In America, he wasn’t defined by his disability. He was simply a capable man earning his living, free from constant physical struggle or pity. This pivot wasn’t retreat; it was reclaiming control on his terms.
A Resilient Legacy

Jigan Baba Oja is a living example of how hardship can lead to greatness. His estimated net worth, earned through relentless hustle, reflects triumph over circumstance. From Bariga’s vibrant streets to screens worldwide, his journey screams one truth: disability directs but never destroys destiny.

He consistently remoulds barriers into bridges, whether commanding film sets or navigating rideshare routes. That distinctive limp? Jigan Baba Oja transformed it into his ultimate launchpad, a springboard defying pity and prejudice. His life rebukes limitations, showing that perceived weakness can ignite extraordinary strength. The world watches, still striving to match the pace of a man who outran every doubt with unwavering grit.