Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has finally broken her silence regarding the lingering rift between two of her colleagues, Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham. The issue recently resurfaced and quickly became a hot topic online after an incident at a movie premiere in Lagos.
The buzz began when Funke Akindele was perceived to have ignored Toyin Abraham at the premiere of The Return of Arinzo, which held on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The moment sparked reactions across social media, with many dragging Iyabo Ojo into the conversation and questioning her role in the situation.
Addressing the criticism, Iyabo did not hold back as she responded to those attacking her. She said, “For those of you maligning my character, insulting me, and calling me unprintable names, this is for you.”
She went on to explain her history with Funke Akindele, noting that their friendship has not always been smooth. Reflecting on a past mistake, she admitted, “I once came online to drag Funke because of Toyin’s movie. That was a wrong move on my part, I should have handled it better. Funke and I later made up, and we addressed all our issues and put them behind us.”
Iyabo further revealed that she once took it upon herself to mediate between the two actresses. According to her, both parties eventually agreed to settle their differences under one condition — they would avoid public confrontations and handle any disagreements privately.
However, peace didn’t last long. Iyabo explained that tensions flared up again in December 2025 after Toyin expressed concerns about her film’s performance in cinemas. She recounted, “I tried my very best to settle both of them, cried, knelt down, begged both parties to embrace peace which they both later did, reason you saw them a few months ago interacting with one another, but there was a condition, no one was to shade online if any issue arose, they both promised to address it off camera, but unfortunately, Dec came, Toyin made some complaints about her movie in cinemas claiming some people or person was trying to sabotage her, some fans pointed accusing fingers towards Funke, that sparked up a fresh beef.”
Speaking on her own project, Iyabo also clarified Toyin’s involvement in The Return of Arinzo. She disclosed that Toyin was originally part of the film but had to withdraw due to exhaustion and travel plans. She said, “About The Return of Arinzo, Toyin was suppose to be in it but she said she was exhausted, and she also had to travel, so she pulled out last minute, i was upset bcos it cost me alot, to rewrite the story, but the show must go on, we had a deadline to film if I wanted The Return of Arinzo to make 3rd of April ……. she apologized, we made up, and the rest is history.”
Despite her efforts, Iyabo expressed disappointment over how things have unfolded. She made it clear that she no longer wants to be caught in the middle of the conflict.
“Honestly, all this saddened me because the sky is big enough for all. I have tried my best, but at this point, I can’t beg anyone anymore. I honestly don’t want to get involved anymore. Please, you all should respect that… when both parties are ready, they will make peace……….. I love them both regardless,” she added.
Her statement has since drawn mixed reactions, with many sympathizing with her position while others continue to debate the situation.