By Emmanuel Daniji

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The online rivalry between Nollywood actresses Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham has resurfaced as both filmmakers prepare to release new movies in December.

With the cinema season approaching, fans of the two actresses have started comparing their promotional campaigns, fashion choices and social media activities, turning what should be a period of excitement for Nigerian cinema into another round of online arguments.

Akindele is preparing to release The Four: No One Fights Alone, while Abraham is set to bring Bestie to cinemas. Both actresses have built strong followings and established themselves as major forces in the Nigerian film industry.

Their supporters, popularly known as Titans and Jenifans, have often clashed online over box-office records, promotional strategies and claims that one actress is copying the other.

One of the latest talking points is their use of customised Adire fabrics to promote their films.

Akindele recently attended the 40th birthday celebration of Nike Akinyemi, chief executive of KolonyEvents, alongside members of her team, including Wumi Toriola, Kemity and Lateef Adedimeji. They wore matching blue Adire fabrics bearing the title of her upcoming film, The Four.

Some supporters of Abraham responded by pointing to the customised outfits she used during the promotion of her 2023 film, Malaika, arguing that she had been using the idea long before the latest campaign.

Abraham later shared pictures of herself wearing pink-and-orange Adire fabric carrying the title of Bestie. The move sparked fresh accusations from some Akindele supporters, who questioned the timing and similarity of the promotional styles.

However, Abraham’s designer reportedly dismissed the copying claims, insisting that the fabric had been planned earlier.

The debate has also extended to social media promotion, particularly TikTok collaborations, with fans comparing the timing of announcements by both actresses.

While some supporters have accused Abraham of following Akindele’s promotional style, others have defended her, arguing that customised fabrics and social media campaigns are common marketing tools in the film industry.

For now, the attention is on the two December releases and how audiences will receive them when they arrive in cinemas.

Beyond the online arguments, the competition also reflects the growing influence of Nollywood filmmakers who have built strong personal brands and loyal fan communities. Their films will provide another opportunity for both actresses to connect with cinema audiences and strengthen their positions in the industry.