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Sunday night had the Nollywood industry buzzing after a fresh controversy went viral online, involving Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham at the premiere of The ‘Return of Arinzo,’ a film directed by Iyabo Ojo.
The star-studded event, held on Sunday at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos ahead of the film’s 3 April cinema release, was expected to celebrate Ojo’s directorial debut.
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The premiere was attended by prominent figures, including Rita Dominic, Mo Abudu, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Florence Ita-Giwa, Iyabo Ojo, Eniola Badmus, AY Comedian and Shaffy Bello, among many others.
However, attention quickly shifted after a video surfaced online that many interpreted as a public snub.
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Enter snub
In the widely circulated clip, Abraham, donning a purple gown, is seen moving around the venue, greeting colleagues before approaching a table where Akindele was seated alongside other industry figures, including Mercy Aigbe, Shaffy Bello and Iyabo Ojo.
Abraham appeared to greet Akindele warmly, touching her arm and leaning in to address her for more than 5 seconds. Akindele, however, maintained a forward gaze throughout the moment caught on cam and did not visibly acknowledge the greeting.
Abraham then moved to greet other prominent guests seated to the right of Akindele.
However, the extended part of her dress [chest region] accidentally brushed against Funke Akindele’s hair. Akindele turned sideways to adjust her hair on her own but did not respond to Abraham’s greeting.
Even when Abraham made a second attempt—presumably in case Akindele hadn’t heard the first greeting—there was still no response.
The footage quickly gained traction on social media, sparking intense debate among netizens, with opinions sharply divided over whether the moment reflected deliberate disregard or a misunderstood interaction.
Immediate fallout
Shortly after the incident, Abraham expressed displeasure in a now-deleted post.
In widely circulated screenshots of her comment under an Instagram post, she wrote: “I have unfollowed her. God forbid a bad thing. If I ever greet her again, that means I’m a bastard!”
Subsequent checks by PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that Abraham had unfollowed Akindele on Instagram, and that Akindele had reportedly returned the gesture.
The mutual unfollowing has further fuelled speculation that tensions between the two actresses may have resurfaced.
Open wounds, long-running rivalry
The latest development has reignited long-standing discussions about a perceived rivalry between the two Nollywood stars, one that has spanned over a decade.
Their relationship is often traced back to the early 2010s within the Yoruba film sector, where Akindele had already established herself as a leading figure, while Abraham was emerging as a formidable contender. Industry gossip and fan comparisons reportedly intensified competition, creating factions and amplifying tensions.
By 2021, the rivalry reached a peak during a high-profile box office clash between Akindele’s Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Abraham’s The Ghost and the Tout Too.
Their 2024/2025 also featured a major box-office clash between the actresses over ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ and Toyin Abraham’s ‘Alakada: Bad and Boujee,’ which sparked intense allegations of bias in screening practices.
Allegations of behind-the-scenes competition and negative narratives surfaced at the time, although none were formally substantiated.
Reconciliation attempts
Despite the tension, there have been notable efforts to ease relations. In April 2024, Abraham publicly addressed the issue in an Instagram post, acknowledging that industry gossip and unhealthy competition had contributed to the narrative. She called for a more positive outlook, stating that both actresses could thrive without rivalry.
Akindele responded briefly and amicably, a move many interpreted as an acceptance of the olive branch.
Further signs of reconciliation emerged in September 2025, when both actresses were seen grooving and interacting warmly at a movie premiere, sparking optimism among fans that the long-running speculation had finally been laid to rest.
However, intermittent reports of subtle avoidance and fan-driven comparisons persisted into 2026, suggesting that the relationship may not have fully stabilised.
Ironically, just days before the latest incident, Akindele had publicly defended both herself and Abraham against online body-shaming, a gesture that some observers viewed as a sign of solidarity.
The events of Sunday night, 29 March, have now cast doubt on that perception.
Bigger picture
Beyond personal dynamics, the comparison between the two actresses has long been tied to their commercial achievements.
Akindele is widely regarded as Nollywood’s leading box office force, with multiple record-breaking films, while Abraham remains a consistent top performer with a strong fan base and successful releases.
The duo have both recorded major box-office milestones, with Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ surpassing ₦1 billion in February 2026, making her the first debut solo director to achieve the feat, while Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ (December 2025) grossed ₦2.4 billion.
Good morning, Akindele’s ‘BTS’ became the first Nollywood film to cross ₦2 billion, and good morning, reinforcing her record as the industry’s highest-grossing filmmaker with multiple billion-naira titles.
In recognition of these achievements, both actresses were honoured by the National Film and Video Censors Board for their outstanding commercial success and contributions to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
This competitive backdrop has continued to shape public perception of their relationship, often amplified by fan narratives and social media discourse.
As of this report, neither Akindele nor Abraham has issued an official statement addressing the incident directly. With the story still developing, the internet is anticipating either possible clarifications or further unfolding in the coming days.
Reactions
The incident has dominated online conversations, with reactions ranging from criticism to defence of both parties. While some social media users have accused Akindele of public disrespect, others argue that personal boundaries should be respected.
Supporters of Abraham, meanwhile, have praised her response, describing her decision to unfollow as justified.
The situation has also inadvertently overshadowed Iyabo Ojo’s milestone premiere, with many observers noting that the controversy has eclipsed the film’s launch.
Now that is an actual rudeness you people should address and not what OmoT did.
This was RUDE and I don’t care whatever the beef was – the fact that the person you’re beefing with greeted you in public and even call you “aunty” on top, the least you can do is give a fake smile…
— Ebo Emakhu (QrisEbo) (@EboEmakhu) March 29, 2026
People would want to say funke Akindele is this and that, but it was clear before this event they weren’t on talking terms, they could have resolved it before today, but toyin chose today of all days with cameras everywhere to do eye service greeting..she deserve it kpa
— Victor Ogbaegbe (@naughty_libra07) March 29, 2026
Well, let’s just say she no Sabi put people for mind come dey fake smile. If she’s got issues with you, you’ll see it in her attitude. Some people are naturally like. Wealth or no wealth.
— YoSocial (@yosocialng) March 29, 2026
U mean MEN? not politicians
— Cyan The (@cowardleejo) March 29, 2026
We all judge Funke for her reaction, but let’s ask ourselves what Toyin Abraham could have done to deserve such a snub. Funke wouldn’t snub her like that if Toyin hadn’t done something behind the scenes that we know nothing about.
Let’s not pretend Funke is the bad one.— Adua Abdulgafar (@adua_abdulgafar) March 29, 2026
Dang! Pretending to be in good terms with someone when you’re truly not is a sin to Funke
She probably has a grudge, maybe from the kunle afolayan incident were toyin sided with kunle against Funke.
Moral: As a person you try Dey embrace self awareness.
— $ (@bosun_xuser) March 29, 2026
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