Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has announced that she will no longer intervene in the ongoing feud between her colleagues, Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham. The development comes after a high-profile snub at Iyabo’s recent movie premiere, which reignited tensions between the two actresses.
The incident that brought the feud back into the spotlight occurred over the weekend during the premiere of one of Iyabo Ojo’s films. Reports and social media videos showed Toyin Abraham approaching a table where Iyabo and Funke were seated. After greeting Iyabo, Toyin moved to greet Funke, only to be visibly snubbed by the veteran actress. The moment quickly went viral, attracting widespread commentary and criticism.
In a detailed post shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, Iyabo addressed the backlash she received following the event, clarifying her position and explaining her past efforts to mediate between the two actresses. She revealed that her friendship with Funke Akindele spans many years, though it has not been without disagreements.
“Funke and I have been friends for the longest, but there were times we fell out, fault on both sides. 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,” Iyabo admitted.
She explained that after reconciling with Akindele, she had actively worked to foster peace between Funke and Toyin, taking deliberate steps to mediate between them. According to Iyabo, an earlier agreement had been reached in which both actresses committed to resolving disputes privately rather than airing grievances publicly.
“Funke and I later made up, and we addressed all our issues and put them behind us. 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,” she wrote.
However, Iyabo noted that the truce began to unravel following controversies in December surrounding the release of movies in cinemas. Toyin reportedly voiced complaints that her films were being sabotaged, and some fans directed their anger toward Funke, reigniting hostilities.
Iyabo also shed light on production challenges she faced for her film The Return of Arinzo. She explained that Toyin had initially been expected to participate but withdrew at the last minute due to exhaustion and travel commitments. The sudden change required Iyabo to rewrite portions of the story to meet the filming deadline of April 3, 2026. Despite the setback, she and Toyin reconciled to ensure the project moved forward.
Reflecting on her role in attempting to mediate, Iyabo expressed frustration and emotional exhaustion, stating that she could no longer intervene. “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,” she said.
Despite stepping back, Iyabo made it clear that she still cares for both actresses. “I love them both regardless,” she added, urging fans and the public to respect her decision to disengage from the dispute.
The latest statement from Iyabo Ojo marks a definitive end to her attempts at reconciliation between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham. The feud, which has flared multiple times over the past year, continues to capture media attention and fuel public debate, highlighting the challenges of managing interpersonal conflicts in the high-stakes world of Nollywood.
As of now, both Funke and Toyin have not publicly commented on Iyabo’s statement, leaving the industry and fans waiting to see whether they will independently take steps toward reconciliation.
The episode underscores the complexities of celebrity relationships in Nollywood, where personal disagreements can quickly spill into public view, drawing in colleagues, fans, and media commentary. Iyabo Ojo’s decision to step back may signal a turning point in the saga, emphasizing personal boundaries and the limits of third-party mediation.
