In a dramatic display of humility that captivated Nollywood fans, actress Wumi Toriola publicly knelt before veteran actor Afeez Owo to apologize, effectively ending their highly publicized feud. The emotional reconciliation occurred during the star-studded premiere of Odunlade Adekola's latest movie Warlord in Lagos on November 28, 2025.
The Public Apology That Healed Nollywood Rift
The tension between the two actors had been brewing for months, originating from comments made by Afeez Owo during a podcast interview. The veteran actor had jokingly suggested that some producers hire Wumi Toriola when they cannot afford his wife, popular actress Mide Martins. He further contrasted their personalities, describing his wife as calm in reality despite playing crazy roles on screen, while characterizing Toriola as crazy both in film and in reality because she doesn't take nonsense.
Toriola responded fiercely during a TikTok live session, labeling Owo a shameless old man and threatening to hire a husband who would make similar comments while eating pepper soup - a direct reference to Owo sipping soup during his controversial interview.
Heartwarming Moment of Reconciliation
The movie premiere provided the perfect setting for reconciliation. In a moment captured on video that quickly went viral, Toriola approached Owo and knelt before him, speaking in Yoruba: I am sorry, sir. Please forgive me. The veteran actor immediately lifted her up, embraced her warmly, and accepted her apology without hesitation.
Social media erupted with positive reactions from fans who had followed the conflict. One user, @oreofeojeniyi, commented: Wunmi is a very nice person tho she might be stubborn o..but people like that don't take matter for heart like that.. once they say their mind.. it's over..she's not a pretender..I love her
Another fan, @kanimodoofficial, expressed admiration for Toriola's humility: For the fact that she kneel down and apologize let me go and follow her ., also watching all movie this coming weekend
Broader Context and Industry Impact
The resolution comes at a time when the Nigerian film industry continues to emphasize professionalism and conflict resolution among its stars. The public nature of both the conflict and its resolution highlights how social media has transformed celebrity disputes in the digital age.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time kneeling has played a role in the Martins-Owo family dynamics. In December 2024, Mide Martins had knelt to publicly thank her husband Afeez Owo during an award ceremony, praising his support following her mother's passing.
The reconciliation between Toriola and Owo has been widely celebrated as a positive development for Nollywood, demonstrating that even the most public conflicts can find resolution through humility and mutual respect. As the industry continues to grow both locally and internationally, such displays of professionalism set important precedents for conflict resolution among entertainment professionals.
