Iyabo Ojo Declares End to Mediation in Funke Akindele-Toyin Abraham Feud
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has broken her silence on the highly publicized feud between fellow stars Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, declaring that she will no longer involve herself in their conflict. This announcement comes after a viral clip from the premiere of Ojo's film The Return of Arinzo showed Akindele appearing to ignore Abraham's greeting, reigniting tensions that had simmered for years.
Past Peace Efforts Revealed
In a detailed Instagram statement, Ojo revealed the extensive efforts she made to reconcile the two actresses, which included emotional appeals and personal sacrifices. "I tried my very best to settle both of them, cried, knelt down, begged both parties to embrace peace," she wrote. Her mediation had previously led to a successful reconciliation, with Akindele and Abraham seen interacting warmly at a premiere earlier in the year, showcasing a temporary truce.
However, this peace was contingent on a strict agreement: all grievances were to be addressed privately, with no public shading or online disputes. Ojo emphasized that this condition was crucial to maintaining harmony between the two Nollywood giants, but it ultimately collapsed in December 2025.
The Breaking Point
The feud reignited when Toyin Abraham publicly complained about her film Oversabi Aunty being sabotaged in cinemas. Fans quickly pointed fingers at Funke Akindele, whose film Behind The Scenes was enjoying an extended and highly successful run at the same time. While Behind The Scenes grossed ₦2.4 billion and Oversabi Aunty crossed ₦1 billion, the disparity fueled accusations and public speculation.
Abraham's complaints, whether intended as a direct accusation or not, were perceived by many as targeting Akindele, leading to a fresh wave of conflict. This public fallout became visibly apparent at the Balmoral Event Centre in Victoria Island during the premiere of The Return of Arinzo, where the snub incident occurred.
Additional Layers of Complexity
Ojo also addressed an unreported subplot: Toyin Abraham was originally cast in The Return of Arinzo but pulled out at the last minute, citing exhaustion and travel commitments. "I was upset because it cost me a lot to rewrite the story," Ojo admitted, though she noted that Abraham apologized and they reconciled. This background adds depth to the premiere's tensions, as Abraham was meant to participate in a different capacity.
Since the viral clip, both actresses have unfollowed each other on Instagram, and Abraham posted and later deleted a vow to never greet Akindele again. Public reactions have been divided, with some blaming Abraham for breaking the peace agreement by airing grievances publicly, while others argue she couldn't control her fans' interpretations.
Ojo's Final Stance
In her statement, Ojo made her position unequivocally clear: she is stepping back from any further involvement. "I honestly don't want to get involved anymore. When both parties are ready, they will make peace. I love them both regardless," she asserted. This declaration marks the end of her years-long role as a peacemaker between Akindele and Abraham, highlighting the personal toll such mediations can take.
As The Return of Arinzo prepares to open in cinemas nationwide on April 3rd, the focus shifts to whether these Nollywood stars can resolve their differences without external intervention. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining privacy and professionalism in an industry where personal conflicts often play out in the public eye.
