A viral video featuring Nollywood stars Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham has ignited widespread reactions across social media, following an apparent snub at a movie premiere that has left fans and industry watchers speculating about a possible rift between the two.
In the trending clip, Toyin Abraham is seen approaching Funke Akindele to greet her warmly. However, Akindele appears to deliberately avoid eye contact, maintaining a straight face and focusing on the screen, despite Abraham’s attempt to engage her. Observers noted that even after physical contact and repeated greetings, the actress did not respond—fueling claims that the action was intentional.
The incident has since triggered a wave of reactions, with many interpreting the moment as a reflection of an underlying feud. Adding to the drama, Toyin Abraham was quoted as saying, “I have unfollowed her and will never greet her again,” suggesting that the relationship between the two may have deteriorated further after the public snub. It was also observed that while Funke Akindele still follows Abraham, the latter has reportedly unfollowed her.
Social media users have been sharply divided in their interpretations. Alice Momoh Bello defended Akindele’s stance, writing, “Funke no dey pretend. Period. There’s nothing like let’s fake it for the audience.” Similarly, Gbenga Olaleye David supported the perceived honesty, stating, “Once you don’t like someone, don’t fake it… na sincerity.”
Others, however, viewed the act as deliberate and unnecessary. Ose Sure remarked, “To me this is not over-focused but intentional because she touched her.” Larah Nyasu criticised the move as undiplomatic, noting, “Nothing stops Funke from replying… there is what we call being diplomatic.” Angel Onyemowo Dorcas also weighed in, stressing the importance of public perception: “Salutation is not love… I won’t give anyone the pleasure of making me look like the bad person.”
Some reactions hinted at a deeper, long-standing rivalry. Khadijat Ajagbe suggested, “I have been smelling this beef since last year when their movies came out the same month,” while Raphaella Sylvester alleged that previous accusations of sabotage during the cinema season may have strained their relationship. Ayei Favor echoed this sentiment, implying that lingering grievances could explain Akindele’s reaction.
Not all reactions condemned the actress, however. Jane Ekechukwu offered a more measured perspective, stating, “You don’t greet someone you’re not in good terms with in public and expect a warm reaction,” while Mhiz Adeola Christy claimed the situation might have been exaggerated, arguing that others present also appeared unresponsive.
Criticism also came from some quarters, with Jayeola Oluwafunmi describing the moment as excessive, saying, “She was almost kneeling… that reaction was too bad,” while Olusina Ayoola bluntly questioned Akindele’s attitude. Meanwhile, Nonye Ruth Ibezim dismissed the controversy as a possible publicity stunt, asking, “Which movie are they trying to sell with this drama?”
As the debate rages on, neither Funke Akindele nor Toyin Abraham has issued an official statement addressing the incident.
