“I have unfollowed her. God forbid a bad thing. If I ever greet her again, that means I’m a bastard!” - Toyin Abraham as Funke Akindele Snubs her at a premiere of a film directed by Iyabo Ojo…
This is a fresh Nollywood drama that blew up over the weekend.
At the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s new movie The Return of Arinzo* on March 29, 2026, in Lagos, Toyin Abraham approached Funke Akindele (who was seated with Iyabo Ojo and Mercy Aigbe). Toyin greeted her respectfully — even genuflecting a bit and saying something like “Aunty Funke” — but Funke gave her a complete cold shoulder: blank stare, looked away, no response, no acknowledgment.
Toyin was clearly embarrassed by the very public snub. Shortly after, she took to social media (Instagram) and posted a strong reaction:
“I have unfollowed her. God forbid a bad thing. If I ever greet her again, that means I’m a bastard!”
She reportedly deleted the post later, but screenshots and videos of her statement (and the original snub clip) spread rapidly online. Both actresses have now unfollowed each other on Instagram.
This isn’t coming completely out of nowhere. Funke and Toyin have long been seen as box-office rivals in Yoruba-language cinema (and broader Nollywood). Their films often compete for the same audience, and there have been years of subtle shade, gossip, and indirect jabs in the industry. Some fans point to past political differences (Toyin was very vocal during elections) or general industry beef as possible undercurrents. Funke is known for keeping a relatively low-drama profile and focusing on her work, while Toyin is more outspoken and emotional in public.
Many people are divided in reactions:
- Some say Funke was rude and disrespectful for ignoring a public greeting from a colleague (especially at someone else’s event).
- Others argue Toyin shouldn’t have forced the interaction if they’re clearly not cool, and that her dramatic response escalated it unnecessarily.
- A chunk of comments blame underlying tensions or suggest Iyabo Ojo (who is friends with both) might be caught in the middle.
Classic Nollywood “they are not smiling” energy — public smiles vs. private shade. These things usually simmer for a while before something like this pops off publicly.
What do you think — was the snub that deep, or is Toyin overreacting?
As a longtime fan of Nollywood, witnessing the public snub between Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele felt like a real turning point in their ongoing rivalry. Having followed many premieres and industry events, it’s rare to see emotions so openly displayed, especially in such a high-profile Yoruba-language cinema setting. This incident at Iyabo Ojo’s premiere of The Return of Arinzo wasn't just about a cold shoulder; it highlighted deeper undercurrents simmering beneath the surface for years. Both actresses have carved impressive careers but have clearly attracted competing fanbases and industry attention. The snub, captured in video and spreading fast on social media, demonstrates how personal and professional lines sometimes blur in Nollywood. From my perspective, the very public nature of Toyin Abraham’s reaction shows how much these interactions can affect stars beyond their film roles. Social media is a double-edged sword here, amplifying feelings and fans’ opinions alike. It’s understandable why some fans feel disappointed by the lack of cordiality at an industry event meant for unity and celebration. Moreover, considering Funke’s usual low-drama persona contrasted with Toyin’s outspoken style, this event likely deepens the divide. It also raises questions about friendship dynamics with Iyabo Ojo, who’s known to be close with both actresses. Industry politics, competition for box-office dominance, and past political stances all add layers to this complex relationship. For those interested in Nollywood’s cultural fabric, this episode is a vivid example of how star power and rivalry coexist, often playing out in public view. It serves as a reminder that beyond the glitz, the industry involves real personalities navigating fame, respect, and career competitiveness. Ultimately, whether the snub was a slight too far or a dramatic overreaction depends on one’s viewpoint, but it undeniably adds to the ongoing saga of Nollywood's most captivating stars.
