A combined photo of Funke Akindele and Fathia Balogun
By Akeem Atoyebi
A subtle yet evident rift has emerged between two Nollywood powerhouses, Funke Akindele and Fathia Balogun, stirring conversations within the entertainment industry.
The conflict, which insiders describe as a “cold war,” reportedly stems from Balogun’s apparent reluctance to support Akindele’s latest movie, Everybody Loves Jennifer.
Sources close to the actresses revealed that Akindele was disappointed with Balogun’s failure to promote the movie on her social media platforms, as many other cast members actively did.
Akindele, whose reputation for championing her projects is well-known, reportedly expected full support from Balogun, who played a role in the film. The actress’s silence and absence from promotional efforts ahead of the movie’s premiere are said to have strained their relationship further.
Matters escalated after the film’s release, with Akindele reportedly blocking Balogun on Instagram.
While Akindele has not publicly addressed the situation, industry insiders suggest that her decision was a response to what she perceived as a lack of solidarity from Balogun.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Balogun was noticeably absent from the star-studded premiere of Everybody Loves Jennifer. Her silence on the project raised eyebrows, particularly as fans and industry observers questioned why one of the movie’s key cast members refrained from showing support.
In the midst of the brewing tension, Balogun is said to have turned her focus toward her own upcoming project, Efunroye D Unicon. The movie, which has been described as one of her most ambitious ventures yet, appears to be occupying much of her attention, potentially contributing to the rift between the two actresses.
However, Balogun seemingly addressed the controversy in a cryptic video shared on social media. In the now-viral clip, she stated, “Anyone who blocks me on social media cannot block my connection to God.”
Though she did not mention Akindele by name, many interpreted the comment as a subtle jab at her colleague.
This is not the first time tension has brewed among Nollywood stars, but industry insiders suggest this feud might linger.
A source familiar with both actresses remarked, “The fight has been on for a while. This wasn’t just about the movie; there seems to be a deeper issue between them, and it’s unlikely to end soon.”
Despite the controversy, Akindele has maintained her silence. Known for her professionalism and focus on her craft, she has refrained from addressing the perceived animosity publicly.
Fans, however, have taken to social media to express their thoughts, with many urging the actresses to reconcile.
Balogun’s fans have also rallied behind her, praising her dedication to her upcoming film and applauding her response to the situation. “Fathia is focusing on her work and letting God handle everything,” one commenter wrote.
As Nollywood enthusiasts continue to speculate about the feud, the public remains divided over the cause.
While some believe Akindele’s reaction was justified given the lack of support, others argued that Balogun has the right to prioritise her own projects.
