Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has addressed the renewed tension between colleagues Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, following a viral moment at the premiere of her latest film, The Return of Arinze.
In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Ojo rejected claims attacking her character and said she would not be drawn further into the dispute.
She confirmed that while she has longstanding friendships with both actresses, there have been past disagreements on all sides, some of which previously spilled into the public domain.
Ojo admitted she once publicly criticised Akindele during an earlier disagreement linked to a film project involving Abraham, describing that move as a mistake.
She said the matter was later resolved privately, with both parties agreeing to keep any future issues off social media.
According to Ojo, tensions resurfaced in December after Abraham made claims about alleged sabotage affecting her film’s cinema run, leading some fans to accuse Akindele and reigniting online hostility.
She also addressed speculation surrounding casting changes in The Return of Arinze, confirming that Abraham was initially expected to appear in the film but withdrew close to the filming deadline due to exhaustion and travel commitments.
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Ojo said the decision forced last-minute script changes but added that the issue was later settled amicably.
“I have tried my best,” Ojo said, adding that she would no longer act as a mediator.
She urged the public to respect her decision to stay out of the matter, noting that any reconciliation would happen when both parties are ready.
The statement follows intense online discussion sparked by a video from the film’s premiere at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos, where Abraham appeared to greet Akindele without receiving an on-camera response.
The clip divided opinion, with viewers debating whether the exchange was intentional or misconstrued.
Speculation intensified after Abraham shared, and later deleted, a cryptic social media post, while both actresses were observed to have unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Despite the controversy, Ojo confirmed that The Return of Arinze will be released in cinemas nationwide on 3 April, as scheduled.