In Nollywood, friendships are often as glamorous and dramatic as the films themselves. But sometimes, bonds between stars fracture under the pressures of fame, miscommunication, and public scrutiny. Few tales capture this better than the seven-year rift between Wumi Toriola and Toyin Abraham who are two of Yoruba Nollywood’s brightest stars. From camaraderie on film sets to allegations, public shade, and eventual reconciliation, their story reads like a screenplay in its own right.
Rising Stars: Wumi Toriola and Toyin Abraham
Before delving into the rift, it’s important to understand who these women are individually. Both have carved remarkable paths in Nollywood, though their journeys differ.
Toyin Abraham: The Nollywood Powerhouse
Born Olutoyin Aimakhu on September 5, 1982, Toyin Abraham is a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood. From humble beginnings in 2003 as a film extra, she gradually rose to prominence, becoming one of the industry’s most bankable stars. Known for her versatility, Toyin has starred in box-office hits like Alakada Reloaded (2017), Ghost and the Tout (2018), Elevator Baby (2019), Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022), and Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024).
Toyin’s rise hasn’t been without controversy. From publicized marital issues to debates about her personal life, she has remained a media darling and a social media sensation. Her own production company, Toyin Abraham Productions, has further cemented her status as a powerhouse in Nollywood.
Wumi Toriola: The Rising Star with Tenacity
Wumi Toriola, born July 11, 1988, is celebrated for her depth in acting and production in Yoruba Nollywood. She began her acting career around 2009, after studying linguistics and theatre, and steadily gained recognition for her versatility and commitment to her craft.
Her credits include Alakada Reloaded, Farmer’s Bride, and Queen Lateefah (2024), and she has won awards like Fastest Rising Actress (Yoruba) in 2018. Despite not always being in the mainstream spotlight like Toyin, Wumi has carved a solid niche, earning respect for her professionalism and talent.
The Rift: How It Began
Though they once shared a close friendship, working together and supporting each other’s careers, the bond between Wumi and Toyin began to unravel around 2017.
The tension reportedly began during the filming of Alakada Reloaded in 2017. Wumi Toriola later revealed that a physical confrontation triggered the fallout. In 2018, she shared:
“After we shot Alakada Reloaded, we were in a hotel room and she slapped me
I was very angry and I would have hit her back if not that I loved her. After she slapped me, I walked out and went to another room.
The following day, I expected her to apologise to me but she just told me to bring her belongings in my car.
She was not apologetic at all. Before I got home that day, she had also told other people that she slapped me and I was upset that she was even proud of what she did to me.”
Because of that, I made a video on Instagram and I told her never to repeat such act; I just wanted her to feel sorry about her action. She then called some elders in the industry and those ones prevailed on me to bury the hatchet. So, I deleted the post online.”
The slap, according to Wumi, was not followed by any apology, leaving her feeling publicly humiliated. This incident marked the beginning of a long-standing feud, with both actresses gradually drifting apart in professional and personal circles.
Public Shade and Social Media Tensions
In June 2018, the rift spilled into the public eye. Wumi publicly questioned the authenticity of Toyin’s engagement, a move that many interpreted as a deliberate jab:
Wumi criticized Toyin’s engagement as “fake.” She later apologized, admitting her emotional reaction had gotten out of hand.
Fans took sides, and social media amplified the misunderstanding, turning it into a game of blame online.
Even years later, the rift influenced public perception. In 2023, Wumi Toriola had to publicly address rumours linking her to a colleague’s husband, Kolawole Ajeyemi. There were claims of being in a relationship and many dug up the reported rift between Wumi Toriola and Toyin Abraham and linked the accusations to lingering tensions.
Wumi quickly shut down the claims, saying:
“Not only is the comment false, it is diabolical, evil and intended to soil my name.”
“Not only did I not sleep with the said person’s present husband, I did not have any intimate relationship with her former husband as well.
I do not know why this person’s fans are fixated on continuous tarnishing of my image and bent on causing continuous rancour, but I do know that this is the last time I will be responding to anything regarding this person.”
Similarly in July 2025, on Wumi’s 37th birthday, Toyin’s husband shared a post on his Instagram account to celebrate her. This post triggered mixed reactions, with many fans of Toyin condemning Kolawole Ajeyemi of fraternising with Wumi who reportedly had beef with his wife. Unperturbed, Wumi thanked Ajeyemi for celebrating her on her birthday.
Reconciliation: A Long-Awaited Reunion
After nearly seven years of speculation, gossip, and public debate, Wumi and Toyin finally reconciled in December 2025. The moment, captured on video, went viral and was widely celebrated by fans.
The reconciliation happened on December 21, 2025, at a cinema in Ikeja, Lagos, where both actresses were promoting different projects. Toyin was promoting her Oversabi Aunty movie and Wumi was promoting Behind the Scenes, produced by Funke Akindele.
Wumi said, “I miss you”, and playfully asked Toyin to swear if she didn’t miss her.
Toyin responded, “I miss you too”, as they embraced.
This public display marked the closure of a saga that had captured Nollywood fans’ attention for years.
Conclusion
From friendship to feud, and finally to reconciliation, the story of Wumi Toriola and Toyin Abraham is a testament to the complexities of personal and professional relationships in Nollywood. It is also a reminder that behind the glamour, stars are human, navigating emotions, misunderstandings, and growth.
Their reunion in December 2025, just days before the Christmas festivities not only ended a seven-year saga but also offered a heartwarming lesson. That no matter how public or prolonged a conflict is, understanding, humility, and courage can restore even the most strained relationships.
Discussion about this post