Why Funke Akindele Snubbed Toyin Abraham At My Movie Premiere – Iyabo Ojo

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has broken her silence on the viral moment that has dominated social media conversations across Nigeria.

The incident unfolded at the star-studded premiere of her film, The Return of Arinzo, held on Sunday night at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Videos circulating online showed Toyin Abraham approaching Funke Akindele to exchange pleasantries, but Akindele appeared to ignore the greeting while seated with Iyabo Ojo and Mercy Aigbe.

NaijaChoice News can confirm that the clip triggered intense backlash, with many netizens accusing Iyabo Ojo of mishandling the situation and dragging her into the drama.

In a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday, Iyabo Ojo addressed the critics directly. She explained that the tension between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham stems from a series of past disagreements, with faults on both sides.

Iyabo admitted she once dragged Funke publicly over issues linked to Toyin’s movie, a move she now regrets. She later mediated between the two, even crying and kneeling to beg them to settle their differences.

The trio eventually reconciled months ago and were seen interacting warmly in public. However, Iyabo revealed a strict condition was attached: any future issues must be resolved privately, away from social media shading.

That peace shattered in December when Toyin Abraham complained publicly about alleged sabotage of her movie in cinemas. Some fans pointed fingers at Funke Akindele, reigniting the feud.

On why Toyin Abraham was absent from the cast of The Return of Arinzo, Iyabo disclosed that the actress was originally signed on but pulled out at the last minute. Toyin cited exhaustion and travel plans, forcing a rushed rewrite of the script.

“I was upset because it cost me a lot, but the show must go on,” Iyabo stated. She added that Toyin later apologised and they made peace.

Iyabo expressed sadness over the renewed online war, noting that “the sky is big enough for all.” She insisted she has done her best to foster unity and will no longer intervene.

“When both parties are ready, they will make peace,” she said. “I love them both regardless.”

Reports indicate that Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele have since unfollowed each other on Instagram. Toyin reportedly left a now-deleted comment on a post, saying she had unfollowed Funke and warning against any future greeting.

The development has once again highlighted the fragile nature of relationships in Nollywood, where fan loyalty and social media often amplify industry rivalries.

Despite the drama, The Return of Arinzo is set to hit cinemas nationwide from April 3. Iyabo Ojo urged fans to focus on the film’s message rather than the off-screen tensions.

Industry watchers say such public spats, while entertaining for some, risk distracting from the collective growth of Nigerian cinema, which continues to command global attention.