Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham fuel rivalry debate with movie promotions

By Anthonia Okonkwo –

Nollywood actresses and filmmakers Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham have sparked fresh conversations about their relationship following separate promotional activities for their upcoming films, The Four: No One Fights Alone and Bestie.

The discussion began after Funke announced a partnership with Facebook to promote The Four: No One Fights Alone.

Sharing her excitement, she said the collaboration would give fans exclusive access to the film’s preparations, premiere looks and behind-the-scenes moments. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, confirmed that the partnership would cover the film’s London and Lagos premieres.

Shortly after Funke’s announcement, Toyin shared a throwback to her experience with TikTok during the promotion of her film, Oversabi Aunty, while expressing hope for more collaborations ahead of Bestie.

“Throwback to when TikTok collaborated with OVERSABI AUNTY! ❤️🔥 It was such a beautiful experience, and I’m looking forward to more amazing collaborations as we gear up for BESTIE. More magic, more creativity and bigger moments ahead! 🚀 Anyway, Fam, are you ready?” she wrote.

However, the picture Toyin shared was taken at TikTok’s #WhatToWatch Cinema Experience on December 17, 2025. The event brought filmmakers, actors and content creators together to discuss how social media platforms could help promote films. It was not a formal partnership programme like Funke’s recently announced Facebook collaboration.

The timing of the two posts drew mixed reactions online, reviving memories of previous disagreements and reported attempts at reconciliation between the actresses. One incident that attracted attention occurred at Iyabo Ojo’s The Return of Arinzo premiere in March, when Funke appeared not to acknowledge Toyin’s greeting. The moment went viral, although neither actress publicly confirmed that it reflected an ongoing dispute.

Funke’s The Four: No One Fights Alone is scheduled to open in cinemas on December 11, while Toyin’s Bestie is expected to hit cinemas on December 16. As both films prepare for the December cinema season, their promotional activities have become a talking point online, although neither actress has suggested that her latest moves were directed at the other.