Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has stepped away from efforts to reconcile her colleagues, Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, drawing a firm line after fresh tensions reignited conversations across the industry.
This development, as gathered by Newspadi, comes amid renewed public scrutiny over the relationship between the two actresses, whose long-standing rift has continued to generate reactions among fans and stakeholders in Nollywood.
Iyabo Ojo made her position known in a lengthy statement shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, where she addressed criticisms surrounding her involvement and clarified the role she previously played in trying to bring both women together.
“For those of you maligning my character, insulting me, and calling me unprintable names, this is for you. Now, I need to set the record straight. This is the first and last time I will be talking about anything like this,” she wrote.
From what Newspadi understands, Ojo explained that her relationship with Funke Akindele goes back several years, although it has not always been smooth. She admitted that both of them had disagreements in the past and acknowledged her own mistakes, especially during a period when emotions ran high.
“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,” she said.
Her statement offered rare insight into the realities behind celebrity friendships in Nollywood, where personal and professional lines often blur. Observers note that such honesty helps the public understand that even high-profile relationships go through difficult phases.
Newspadi gathered that Ojo later reconciled with Akindele after both parties chose to move past their differences. Following that reconciliation, she took it upon herself to mend the strained relationship between Akindele and Toyin Abraham, a move that required patience, humility, and emotional investment.
According to her, she went as far as pleading with both actresses to embrace peace.
“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,” she revealed.
At the time, that effort appeared successful. Fans noticed a change in their interactions, and many believed the tension had finally ended. Public appearances suggested a level of cordiality that gave hope for a lasting resolution.
However, Newspadi learnt that the reconciliation came with certain conditions. Both actresses reportedly agreed to avoid public confrontations and handle any disagreements privately, without involving social media or external voices.
“…but there was a condition, no one was to shade online if any issue arose, they both promised to address it off camera,” Ojo explained.
Despite that agreement, the peace did not last. Events towards the end of the year, particularly around December, brought fresh controversy. Toyin Abraham raised concerns about her movie’s performance in cinemas, suggesting that certain individuals might have worked against her.
That statement quickly sparked reactions among fans, many of whom pointed fingers at Funke Akindele. The speculation reignited tensions and reopened wounds that had not fully healed.
“…but unfortunately, Dec came, Toyin made some complaints about her movie in cinemas claiming some people or person was trying to sabotage her, some fans pointed accusing fingers towards Funke, that sparked up a fresh beef,” Ojo stated.
Newspadi reports that the renewed tension placed Ojo in a familiar but uncomfortable position, as many expected her to once again intervene. However, this time, she chose to step back.
She also addressed another issue that recently stirred conversations, Toyin Abraham’s absence from her upcoming movie project, The Return of Arinzo. According to Ojo, Abraham had initially agreed to be part of the production but later withdrew.
“About The Return of Arinzo, Toyin was supposed to be in it but she said she was exhausted, and she also had to travel, so she pulled out last minute,” she said.
That decision created challenges for the production, forcing adjustments at a critical stage.
“I was upset because it cost me a lot to rewrite the story, but the show must go on… she apologized, we made up, and the rest is history,” Ojo added.
While that issue was resolved, the broader conflict between Akindele and Abraham remained unresolved. At that point, Ojo made it clear that she no longer wished to continue mediating between them.
“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… I love them both regardless,” she stated.
Newspadi gathered that her decision has generated mixed reactions. Some supporters believe she has done more than enough and deserves to focus on her own peace and career. Others feel her withdrawal could make reconciliation more difficult.
Industry watchers argue that situations like this often require direct communication between the individuals involved, without third-party involvement. They note that while mediators can help, lasting peace usually comes from mutual understanding and willingness.
Ojo also used the moment to promote her upcoming film, The Return of Arinzo, which is scheduled to premiere in cinemas nationwide from April 3. She encouraged fans to support the project, describing it as one that required significant effort, especially after last-minute changes during production.
Meanwhile, Newspadi observed that public attention on the relationship between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham intensified after a viral video surfaced from the premiere of Ojo’s film at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos.
In the clip, Toyin Abraham greeted Ojo and other colleagues warmly, including Mercy Aigbe. However, Funke Akindele appeared to avoid eye contact and did not acknowledge Abraham as she passed by.
That moment quickly gained traction on social media, with users analysing every detail and sharing different interpretations. Many concluded that unresolved issues still exist between the two actresses.
Some fans expressed disappointment, pointing out that both women have made significant contributions to Nollywood and should not remain divided. Others argued that personal differences are inevitable and should not overshadow their professional success.
From what Newspadi gathered, the situation reflects a broader reality within the entertainment industry, where competition, public perception, and fan reactions often complicate personal relationships.
For Iyabo Ojo, stepping away appears to be a deliberate decision to protect her emotional well-being and focus on her work. Those close to her believe she has invested enough time and energy into trying to resolve the conflict.
As things stand, the future of the relationship between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham remains uncertain. Both actresses continue to thrive professionally, but their personal dynamic continues to attract attention.
For now, Ojo has made her stance clear. She has done her part and chosen to move forward.
Newspadi reports that until both actresses decide to address the situation directly, the conversation will likely continue. Fans will keep watching, analysing, and hoping for a resolution that brings an end to one of Nollywood’s most talked-about rifts.
