‘Call Them Out by Name’ – Wumi Toriola Blasts Desola Afod

Kehinde Adeleye

Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola has told Desola Afod to revert to her father’s name if she believes her former husband’s surname is attracting disrespect, escalating a public disagreement over comments about theatre professionals.

The exchange followed Desola’s complaint that she had been disrespected at a celebrity gathering, where she alleged that theatre professionals addressed her by name. She disclosed that she was 44 years old but did not identify the individual she believed had offended her.

Reacting to the comments, Toriola criticised Desola for allegedly generalising the issue by directing her complaint at theatre professionals instead of identifying the person involved.

In a video response, Toriola said she had previously remained silent about what she described as Desola’s excesses because she did not want to disrespect her then-husband, actor Kunle Afod, a senior colleague in the industry.

She, however, said Desola’s remarks about theatre professionals were unacceptable because the industry had contributed to her own career.

“If you think that the name Afod is giving you problems and disrespect, you can change to your father’s name or use something else like Desola Kilanko,” Toriola said.

She also faulted Desola for referring to theatre professionals collectively, arguing that anyone who had offended her should be identified directly.

“If you have issues with anybody, kindly put their names, pictures or mention them in your videos. Saying theatre people, that’s the body that covers what I have worked for and earn from. I will not allow you to disrespect it,” she said.

Toriola added that she had kept quiet on a previous occasion when Desola intervened in a disagreement involving her and a colleague because she wanted to avoid disrespecting Kunle Afod.

“But this is getting too much. If you have an issue with anyone, please call them out. It’s getting unbearable,” she said.

The actress also challenged Desola’s suggestion that her background made her different from other people in the industry, saying they both grew up in Agege, Lagos State.

“You’re not the only raze person. I was also born in the same Agege where you claimed you were born. We are all packaging because of fame,” Toriola said.

Desola and Kunle Afod reportedly separated in February 2026 after years of recurring breakup posts and speculation about their marriage.