Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has finally spoken out on the simmering tensions between fellow stars Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, revealing behind-the-scenes efforts to broker peace—and why she is stepping away from the conflict.
In a candid Instagram post, Iyabo admitted that her relationship with Funke has not always been smooth, recalling a time she publicly criticised her over Toyin Abraham’s movie—an action she now describes as a “wrong move.” She noted that both actresses later reconciled and agreed to keep any future disagreements off social media.
Opening up on her role as a mediator, Iyabo disclosed that she went to extraordinary lengths to mend the rift between the two stars, including pleading with them to embrace peace. According to her, those efforts initially paid off, with both actresses seen interacting cordially months later under a mutual agreement to avoid online confrontations.
However, tensions resurfaced in December following complaints by Toyin Abraham about her movie’s performance in cinemas, a development that triggered fresh accusations from fans, many of whom wrongly pointed fingers at Funke Akindele.
Iyabo further clarified the controversy surrounding her own project, The Return of Arinzo, revealing that Toyin Abraham was originally billed to feature in the film but withdrew at the last minute due to exhaustion and travel commitments. The sudden exit, she said, forced significant last-minute changes to the script, although both parties eventually resolved their differences.
Despite her earlier intervention, Iyabo declared that she can no longer insert herself into the dispute, expressing frustration and emotional fatigue over the situation. She urged fans and the media to respect the privacy of both actresses, insisting that reconciliation would happen only when they are ready.
Maintaining a tone of neutrality, Iyabo reiterated her affection for both colleagues, stressing that there is enough room for everyone to thrive in the industry without conflict.
She also confirmed that The Return of Arinzo will hit cinemas nationwide on April 3, 2026, moving ahead as scheduled despite the lingering controversy.
