Born on 1 January 1978, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Mercy Aigbe has gone on to become one of Nollywood’s most stylish, versatile and influential female figures. A native of Benin City, she is the second child in a family of five and attended her early schooling in Lagos before continuing her tertiary education in Oyo and Lagos states.

Early Life & Education

Mercy began life in Edo State but much of her formative years were tied to Lagos, where she attended St. Francis Primary School and later Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School in Ikeja. She then studied at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, earning an OND in Financial Studies, before obtaining a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos in 2001. It was this theatrical training that would provide the foundation for her acting career.

Entry Into Acting & Breakthrough

Mercy’s journey into acting began with television soap operas, including appearances in the popular series Papa Ajasco, before she fully committed to the film industry around 2006. Her major breakthrough came with the Yoruba‐language film Ara, produced in Ibadan, Oyo State, which helped bring her into the limelight.  From that point she built a robust body of work spanning both Yoruba-language and English-language Nigerian films — known for her strong screen presence and ability to navigate multiple genres.

Career, Productions & Achievements

Over the years, Mercy has featured in more than 150 films, particularly in Yoruba cinema, including titles such as Afefe Ife, Okanjua, Igberaga, Iro funfun, Victims, The Screenplay and 200 Million. She has also expanded into film production: for example, she produced the movie 77 Bullets (2019), which added the producer credit to her actor profile.

In an interview she cited authenticity, consistency, hard work and adapting with the times as critical factors behind her enduring success.

Entrepreneurial Ventures & Fashion Influence

Mercy’s impact spans beyond the screen into fashion and business. In November 2014 she launched her boutique, Mag Divas, in Lagos with a subsequent outlet in Ibadan.  Her signature style and red-carpet looks earned her recognition in the fashion world, and she was awarded Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year by the Links & Glitz World Awards.

Further cementing her role as an industry developer, she founded the Mercy Aigbe Gentry School of Drama in 2016, offering training for aspiring actors, scriptwriters and filmmakers.

Personal Life & Advocacy

Mercy has been open about the challenges she has faced. She married hotelier Lanre Gentry in 2013 and has two children. The marriage ended following reports of domestic violence, after which she publicly advocated against gender-based violence. In April 2023, she announced her conversion to Islam and adopted the name Hajia Meenah Mercy Adeoti.

Why She Matters

Mercy Aigbe’s story is emblematic of the creative and entrepreneurial spirit hailing from Edo State. She has successfully bridged indigenous (Yoruba‐language) film and mainstream Nollywood, built her own business empire in fashion and training, and used her platform to speak on issues of importance to women. Her roots in Benin City and her broader Nigerian/global footprint make her a fitting subject for EdoCelebrities.com — a profile of how Edo talent makes waves beyond the state and country.

Suggested image captions for upload:

• “Mercy Aigbe on the red carpet, 2016 AMVCA.”

• “Mercy Aigbe at the inauguration of her Mag Divas boutique, Lagos, 2014.”

• “Mercy Aigbe with students at the Mercy Aigbe Gentry School of Drama, 2017.”