Nollywood has been on edge lately and it’s not because of another blockbuster, but because some of its biggest names are calling out their colleagues for a lack of support. One after another, actors are speaking up about how they only get noticed when something goes wrong or someone dies, leaving fans to wonder if the industry really backs its own.
On January 7, 2026, Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omoborty, took to Instagram with a heated message for her peers. She didn’t hold back, slamming actors who show up for filming but disappear when it’s time to promote the movie. Omoborty called this behaviour “wicked and unsupportive” and said she has personally promoted many films she wasn’t even in, simply because support costs nothing, yet few are willing to give it. She said jealousy and poor character make some see a colleague’s success as a threat instead of inspiration.
Before Omoborty’s latest outburst, Ayo Makun AKA AY Comedian made headlines on February 2025when he also expressed frustration with how colleagues selectively promote films. AY shared that while promoting his movie The Waiter, he noticed that some actors, especially male colleagues didn’t back the project online or publicly, even when they had been part of it or worked with him before. He pointed out that being silent doesn’t help anyone, and real support should be meaningful, not selective.
Adding fuel to the fire, Actress Victoria Akanke, popularly known as Omo Local in December 2025 made a comment that struck a nerve with Nollywood fans and peers alike. Shortly after the sudden death of actress Allwell Ademola, she said that in the industry, “they don’t help you while you’re alive; they wait until you’re gone to celebrate you.” Her statement taps into a bitter truth many actors feel, about how colleagues often stay quiet until something tragic happens or someone passes on, and only then do tributes and applause roll in.
The debate didn’t stop with actors. On February 15, 2025, Timini Egbuson sparked yet another wave of conversation when he called out the music industry, saying he “really wish musicians supported Nollywood the way we support their music.” His comment which was posted on X highlighted what he sees as a one-sided relationship. He tried to shed light on how film stars often hype Nigerian music, but musicians rarely return the favour by promoting movies or rallying behind Nollywood projects.
What’s happening is more than casual social media chatter. These moments show a real frustrationamong some Nollywood actors who feel the industry isn’t doing enough to build each other up. Fans have flooded platforms like Instagram and X with reactions, debating whether this silence comes from jealousy, busy schedules, or just how things work in entertainment. Many agree that support shouldn’t be reserved for drama or death, but should be everyday encouragement and promotion while colleagues are still thriving.
Omoborty, AY, Omo Local, and Timini’s comments have turned a private industry issue into a public conversation — one that asks a bigger question: Can Nollywood learn to celebrate and support its own more genuinely? As the debate rages on, it’s clear that fans and industry watchers alike are watching how these stars choose to lift each other up or stay silent.
