Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has extended a gesture of reconciliation to her colleague, Funke Akindele, acknowledging the competitive dynamic that has existed between them in the Nigerian film industry.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Abraham reflected on the evolution of their relationship, acknowledging that they had become “competitors and persona non grata” due to rumors and gossip.
She said the origins of their rivalry back to their days in the Yoruba movie industry and they carried it over to the Nigerian-English cinema when they crossovered to Nollywood.
However, Abraham expressed maturity and growth in her perspective, recognizing that competition does not have to be negative. She emphasized that age and wisdom have taught her the value of healthy competition, free from animosity.
She wrote, “In the English industry, Aunty Funke and I continued the rivalry sort of. It pitted our fans against each other. We are two competitive Virgo women, we love to win and sometimes in that process, we splash dirt and mud. But with time, age, and more wisdom, I have realized we can compete without being negatively competitive.
“Aunty Funke, I celebrate you for showing us what is possible. You are a winner. You sold over 1B, you made it possible for other women to dream. You ran us street with that 1B o, this year, many of us will move to 1B and we pray God makes you bigger. Thank you for making great movies and selling them like your life depends on it. You taught other women to hustle harder.
“I had set records in box office records, Aunty came and beat them, today I am happy because she has challenged me to set higher goals. Sis, let’s compliment each other even in competition at the box office, I owe you one post in December (only 1 o, I need to sell market…Lol). I pray that God will make all your dreams come true. I admire you and wish you all the best.”