When Wumi Toriola walked into the star-studded premiere of Warlord, few expected the actress to step into the night’s biggest moment of humility. Weeks after her explosive online altercation with veteran actor Afeez Owo, Wumi crossed the crowded arena, knelt before him, and asked for forgiveness. The gesture ended a public spat that had begun with a podcast remark, spiralled into viral insults, and briefly turned both actors into trending topics.
Wumi Toriola: A Rising Star in Yoruba Nollywood
Olawunmi “Wumi” Toriola was born in Lagos and holds a degree in Linguistics from the University of Ilorin. She began her acting career around 2009 and quickly established herself as a force in Yoruba Nollywood. Over the years, she expanded into film production with titles such as Ajewunmi, Obinrin, and Konge, earning recognition for both her acting and producing prowess.
Wumi’s career reached a notable milestone in 2024 when her production Queen Lateefah grossed approximately ₦365 million, making her one of the top-grossing Yoruba producers of the year. Despite the demands of stardom, she completed a Master’s degree from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, demonstrating a balance of education and career ambition.
In her personal life, Wumi married in 2018 and had a son, Zion, in 2019. The marriage ended publicly in 2023, with the 37-year-old clarifying and addressing rumours regarding the split, particularly false allegations against her. She has since emphasized co-parenting and expressed openness to having more children with her ex, even without remarrying.
Afeez “Owo” Abiodun: Veteran Actor and Industry Stalwart
Afeez “Owo” Abiodun is a veteran actor, director, and producer with decades of experience in Yoruba Nollywood. He was born on August 12, 1971, in Lagos, Nigeria, and began his acting career in the early 1990s. Known for his versatility and long-standing presence in the industry, he is married to actress Mide Martins, daughter of the late Funmi Martins, and together they have two daughters.
In past interviews, Afeez has discussed how social media and public scrutiny have affected his personal life. He remains respected for his craft, often serving as a voice of experience in industry conversations.
The Clash: When Words Went Public
The feud between Wumi Toriola and Afeez Owo began in September 2025, when Afeez spoke about Wumi on the Behind The Fame – African List podcast. He stated that Wumi “only reacts when people push her” and “does not tolerate nonsense.” He also suggested that her on-screen roles mirrored her real-life persona, implying that “violence is her comfort zone.”
Wumi responded in a now-deleted Instagram video, sharply criticizing Afeez’s comments. In her words:
“So should we also go and rent a husband to hold the mic and spoil things? The person this sub is for knows it already. You’re an elder, please stop this. Must every rift now be dragged to podcasts? They gave you a mic, and you started talking rubbish… Despite all your unfortunate behaviours, I still respect you.”
The exchange sparked massive attention online. Netizens weighed in heavily, with many criticizing Wumi for her response while some defended her. The backlash was so intense that Wumi jokingly shared a photo of herself on a hospital bed with a humourous caption, acknowledging the public pressure.
The Reconciliation: Humility on Display
Weeks after the heated exchange, the feud was formally ended at the premiere of Odunlade Adekola’s movie Warlord. A viral video on Thursday November 27, captured the moment Wumi approached Afeez, knelt before him, and apologized, saying:
“I’m sorry, sir. Please forgive me.”
Initially, Afeez appeared hesitant, but he eventually lifted her from the floor, and the two embraced, exchanged smiles, and engaged in light conversation. Fans on social media applauded the gesture, praising Wumi for showing humility and Afeez for accepting her apology. The reconciliation effectively closed the chapter on what had become one of Yoruba Nollywood’s most talked-about social media spats. See clip from the reconciliation below:
Lessons from the Public Feud
The Wumi-Afeez episode underscores the delicate balance between fame, personal image, and social media scrutiny in contemporary Nollywood. It also demonstrates:
• The power of words: A brief comment on a podcast escalated into a major public feud, highlighting the reach of celebrity statements. The funny part is many only reacted to a fragment of the interview that was shared online because if they watched the whole video, Afeez Owo’s words would most likely not have been misconstrued.
• Public accountability and humility: Wumi kneeling down to apologize served as a model for taking responsibility and restoring relationships.
• Audience engagement: Fans actively shaped the narrative. The same fans who bashed Afeez for his words, criticized Wumi for her harsh response. These netizens are now glad they have reconciled.
Moving Forward: Careers and Growth
Following the reconciliation, Wumi has refocused on her acting and production projects, while Afeez continues his long-standing contributions to Yoruba cinema. Both actors have navigated public controversy with professionalism, signaling that resilience and humility are as vital as talent in sustaining careers in Nollywood.
Their story is a reminder that in the industry, personal disputes can quickly become public drama but they can also be resolved with accountability and respect.
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