Two of Nollywood's powerhouses, Funke Akindele and Fathia Balogun, are undoubtedly webbed in a conflict that is stirring conversations within the entertainment industry.
The rift, described as a “cold war” by insiders, emanates from the evident reluctance of Fathia to throw the weight of her support behind the movie, Everybody Loves Jennifer, the latest from the latter.
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.
According to the sources, Akindele, known for her vigorous championing of her projects, reportedly expected full support from Balogun, who played a role in the film.
But, Balogun's silence and her absence from promotional efforts ahead of the movie’s premiere didn't go down well with Akindele, thus straining their relationship further.
The rift however intensified after the film’s release, with Akindele reportedly blocking Balogun on Instagram.
This reported action, insiders believe, was a response to what she perceived as a lack of solidarity from Balogun.
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, with some believing Akindele’s reaction was justified given the lack of support, and others argued that Balogun has the right to prioritise her own projects.
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