Iyabo Ojo Breaks Silence on Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham Drama
Nollywood actress and producer Iyabo Ojo has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding an awkward moment between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham at a recent film premiere. This comes after mounting public pressure for her to intervene, given her close ties to both parties.
Ojo's Statement on Instagram
In a detailed post on her Instagram page, Ojo stated she would be speaking on the issue for the first and last time, pushing back against criticism directed at her. She emphasized that she has made numerous efforts in the past to reconcile the two actresses, noting that their relationship has experienced significant ups and downs over the years.
Ojo admitted to once publicly criticizing Akindele during a disagreement linked to Abraham's film, a move she now acknowledges was wrong. She explained that she later resolved her differences with Akindele and subsequently attempted to broker peace between both actresses.
Past Mediation Efforts and Recent Tensions
According to Ojo, she pleaded with Akindele and Abraham to put their issues aside, and they eventually agreed to move forward and keep any future disagreements off social media. However, tensions resurfaced in December when Abraham raised concerns about her film's performance in cinemas, alleging possible sabotage.
Ojo revealed that these claims led to speculation among fans, with some accusing Akindele, which reignited friction between the two. She also discussed her latest project, The Return of Arinzo, disclosing that Abraham was initially expected to be part of the film but withdrew at the last minute due to exhaustion and travel commitments.
This decision affected production, requiring a rewrite of parts of the script, but Ojo said they later resolved the issue. Despite these efforts, Ojo declared she no longer intends to involve herself in mediating between the actresses.
The Viral Premiere Incident
The controversy stems from a viral moment at the premiere of The Return of Arinzo, held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. In a circulating video from the event, Abraham was seen approaching Akindele and attempting to greet her while slightly kneeling.
Akindele, who stars in the film, appeared not to acknowledge the greeting, maintaining a straight face as she looked away. This brief interaction quickly gained traction on social media, with users interpreting it as a snub and questioning the nature of their relationship.
Public Reaction and Ojo's Final Stance
Some fans criticized Ojo, urging her to intervene given her connections to both actresses. In response, Ojo wrote, The sky is big enough for all, adding that she remains on good terms with both women but will step back and allow them to resolve their differences privately if they choose to.
As of the time of this report, neither Akindele nor Abraham has publicly commented on the viral clip. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within Nollywood, with Ojo's statement shedding light on the complexities behind the scenes.
