Ope Ajayi is a prominent Nigerian film producer, distributor, and entertainment industry executive with over two decades of experience spanning finance, cinemas, hospitality, and creative production. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, he completed his secondary education at the International School, University of Lagos, and holds a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos. He also attended Lagos Business School.

Ajayi began his career in the financial services sector before transitioning into film exhibition and distribution. In December 2012, he joined Genesis Cinemas (at first as General Manager), eventually helping grow its operations from three cinema locations to eleven, and expanding into Cameroon with the first multiplex there.

He is the founder and CEO of Cinemax Distribution Limited and Captain of the Sea Productions, where his mission is to integrate production, distribution, and exhibition in Nigeria’s film industry so that more high-quality African stories can reach both local and international audiences. Under his leadership, films produced or co-produced include Brotherhood, Ada Omo Daddy, Queen Lateefah, Thin Line, and the Netflix series The Party, which debuted in May 2025.

Ajayi is also active in industry leadership; he was elected as the National Chairman of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN). He is known for his strategic approach to storytelling, financing, and building infrastructure (cinemas), always aiming to elevate Nollywood’s global profile while preserving local authenticity. His work often emphasises both commercial success and quality content, including genres like murder mysteries, social narratives, and star-driven cinema.