Social media influencer Priscilla Ojo has fiercely defended her mother, actress Iyabo Ojo, amid mounting criticism over her perceived role in the ongoing feud between fellow Nollywood stars Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham. The backlash intensified after a viral video surfaced showing Funke Akindele snubbing Toyin Abraham at the premiere of Iyabo’s highly anticipated film, The Return of Arinzo. Many online users questioned why Iyabo, who is known to be close to both actresses, did not intervene to prevent the public display of tension. In response, Iyabo revealed she had personally reached out to both women and urged them to reconcile, but claimed the peace effort collapsed due to Toyin’s refusal to engage.
Priscilla took to Instagram on Thursday to launch a passionate defense of her mother, accusing critics of unfairly targeting Iyabo since the announcement of The Return of Arinzo. In a lengthy post, she emphasized that her mother has consistently been misunderstood and blamed even when not directly involved in conflicts. “Always misunderstood, always blamed!! even when she’s not the one in the mix,” Priscilla wrote, highlighting a pattern of negativity that has followed Iyabo since the film’s promotion began. She stressed that despite the drama, the movie’s success is inevitable, attributing it to divine favor.
She also pointed out the hypocrisy in how people react to Iyabo’s silence or her responses, noting that critics twist narratives regardless of her actions. “When she’s quiet, they twist the story!!!! When she speaks, they get angry about the truth and still twist the story!” Priscilla wrote. She further argued that the overwhelming turnout at the film’s premiere was proof of Iyabo’s integrity and the respect she commands in the industry. “If she were a bad person, do you think people would show up and support her? Exactly, that shows how she shows up and supports people,” she added.
Priscilla also criticized those who benefit from Iyabo’s efforts but remain silent when she needs support. “Most of the time she gets dragged is because she’s always fighting people’s battles offline + online, but when it’s time for them to fight for her, what happens is they go mute. Hmmm life,” she reflected. She concluded by urging Iyabo to stay true to herself, assuring her that God’s blessings continue to flow because of her authenticity. “Truth’ll reveal itself eventually, and as for Arinzo!! IT WILL SELL! APRIL 3RD WE ARE COMING OUT IN FULL FORCE! No distractions,” Priscilla declared.
The public reaction to the premiere and the subsequent fallout underscores the intense scrutiny faced by Nollywood stars, especially when personal relationships intersect with professional projects. As The Return of Arinzo prepares for its April 3rd release, the film’s success may ultimately become the most telling response to the controversy surrounding it.
Leave a Comment