Iyabo Ojo Enters Nollywood's Heated Movie Promotion Debate
Prominent Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has joined the escalating industry discussion surrounding movie promotion techniques, specifically addressing the ongoing dispute between colleagues Funke Akindele and Kunle Afolayan. Ojo made her stance known through a subtle yet pointed social media post that has captured significant attention across Nigeria's entertainment landscape.
The Core of the Controversy: Dancing Skits Versus Traditional Promotion
The debate centers on whether dancing skits and viral social media challenges represent legitimate and necessary tools for selling films in Nigeria's competitive cinema market. This conversation gained momentum following comments made by acclaimed filmmaker Kunle Afolayan during the premiere of his latest project. Afolayan expressed that cinema earnings reaching billions of naira held little personal significance if they did not translate into substantial financial returns for the creators.
Although Afolayan did not mention any names directly, the timing of his remarks drew immediate attention, coming shortly after Funke Akindele's film achieved remarkable success by crossing ₦2.4 billion at the Nigerian box office. Toyin Abraham's production also celebrated surpassing the ₦1 billion milestone around the same period, highlighting the commercial potential of contemporary Nigerian cinema.
Funke Akindele's Response and the Dance Promotion Style
In response to what many interpreted as indirect criticism, Funke Akindele urged her colleagues to avoid jealousy and reminded the industry that there is ample space for everyone to thrive. The conversation intensified when Afolayan specifically criticized the growing trend of filmmakers utilizing dance skits and social media challenges to promote their movies—a promotional style strongly associated with Akindele's successful campaigns.
Akindele further fueled the discussion by sharing a video of herself dancing to promote her film, which sparked widespread public reactions and commentary. Hours later, Afolayan clarified that he harbored no personal animosity toward Akindele, noting that she had contacted him directly to express her concerns about his public statements.
Industry Figures Take Sides in the Promotion Methodology Debate
Before Iyabo Ojo entered the conversation, several other notable Nollywood personalities had already shared their perspectives on the matter. Regina Chukwu reposted a message emphasizing that success comes in turns and encouraging filmmakers to focus primarily on their craft rather than promotional techniques.
Media mogul Mo Abudu praised the creativity demonstrated by both Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham while explaining that dancing did not align with her own promotional specialty. Veteran actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde supported Afolayan's viewpoint, stating that she only dances when personally inspired rather than as a calculated promotional obligation.
Iyabo Ojo's Subtle Social Media Intervention
Finally, on Friday, 6 February 2026, Iyabo Ojo added her distinctive voice to the ongoing dialogue through a carefully crafted Instagram post. The actress delivered what many interpreted as a subtle jab at the underlying tensions, writing: "Jealousy is the last class to attend before becoming a witch."
Ojo emphasized that no rigid rules govern the entertainment industry, encouraging colleagues to pursue whatever promotional strategies work most effectively for their individual projects. The Queen Mother, as she is affectionately known, urged industry professionals to allow others to achieve success through their chosen methods while focusing on their own paths to victory.
Her complete post read: "Who made the rules? Nobody you gotta answer to. 2026 ain’t for talkers—it’s for doers. Do what works for YOU. Let others win their way. You win yours. Period."
Public Reactions and Broader Industry Implications
The post generated immediate reactions from netizens and industry observers alike. Comments ranged from enthusiastic support for Ojo's straightforward approach to more nuanced discussions about professional respect and promotional ethics within Nollywood. This exchange highlights broader conversations about:
- The evolution of film marketing in Nigeria's digital age
- Professional relationships and competition within the entertainment industry
- The balance between artistic integrity and commercial success
- Generational differences in promotional approaches
This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Nollywood's continued growth and international recognition, with filmmakers navigating increasingly sophisticated marketing landscapes while maintaining authentic connections with Nigerian audiences. The discussion reflects deeper questions about creative expression, commercial strategy, and professional solidarity within Africa's largest film industry.
As Nollywood continues to expand its global footprint, debates like these demonstrate the industry's dynamic nature and the diverse approaches Nigerian creatives employ to connect with audiences both domestically and internationally. The conversation between Akindele, Afolayan, and now Ojo represents more than mere celebrity disagreement—it signifies important discussions about the future of film promotion in Nigeria's evolving entertainment ecosystem.
