If you’ve noticed lately, Nollywood drama isn’t only happening in movies anymore. These days, the real drama is unfolding on our phones, especially on Instagram Live. Actors, actresses, skit makers, even musicians, now run to IG Live to address insults, settle scores, or sometimes drag each other. And honestly, it has turned the app into Nollywood’s new battleground.
Let’s break it down with fresh examples.
Afeez Owo vs Wumi Toriola
One of the hottest clashes this year came between Afeez Owo, popular Yoruba actor and husband of Mide Martins, and actress Wumi Toriola.
It all started when Afeez Owo was on a podcast and made a comment comparing Wumi to his wife. To him, maybe it was harmless gist, but to Wumi, it was pure disrespect. She didn’t waste time in responding during an Instagram live session. The mother of one who is fondly called Queen Lateefah fired back, blasting him for putting her down publicly.
The drama quickly spilled onto Instagram. Clips from the podcast trended, Wumi’s reactions made rounds, and fans took sides. Some defended her, others backed Afeez. At one point, Wumi claimed she had health concerns after all the backlash, reminding everyone that this “online fight” thing comes with real stress.
This clash shows how Instagram (and podcasts that end up on IG) have become the fastest way for Nollywood stars to attack and defend themselves.
Gideon Okeke vs Jim Iyke
Another clash that shows just how much Nollywood beef now plays out on Instagram is the long-running rift between Gideon Okeke and Jim Iyke.
For months, Gideon had been openly dragging Jim over the quality of his Prime Video project Sin, mocking its alleged multi-million-dollar budget and calling it “trash.” He also revisited old grievances, including an on-set injury he says he suffered over a year ago while working under Jim’s production.
But in August 2025, the feud hit a shocking new stage. In a solemn video posted to his Instagram, Gideon issued a public apology to his fans, colleagues, and the Nollywood community. Visibly shaken, he admitted that his outbursts in recent weeks had been “totally out of character.”
The apology, however, came with a startling claim. Gideon alleged that during an altercation on January 18, 2024, Jim Iyke attempted to harm him with a firearm on set.
He went further, saying other people were present during the incident but have “feigned ignorance” till today, refusing to back him up. According to Gideon, he reported the matter to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), but as of September 2025, he claims the guild has done nothing to address it.
Despite the gravity of his allegations, Gideon announced he was tired of the fight and would “cease and desist” from further public commentary.
Phyna vs VDM
One of the most heartbreaking examples of how Instagram Live has become a Nollywood battleground is the very public clash between reality star turned actress Phyna and social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In August 2025, Phyna’s younger sister, Ruth Otabor, was involved in a ghastly accident with a Dangote truck. Ruth’s leg was reportedly crushed, and she was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. At the same time, activist VDM accused Phyna of demanding ₦1 billion in compensation from the Dangote Group while allegedly ignoring the plight of the motorcyclist who was also hit.
Phyna, already shaken by her sister’s condition, took to Instagram Live with media host Izzy Ogbeide to clear her name. She claimed she had receipts, proof that she carried VDM along at every step but was ignored. On Live, she broke down in tears, accusing VDM of being manipulative and trying to discredit her while her family was in crisis.
But instead of sympathy, the move divided opinions. Supporters felt Phyna was brave to defend herself publicly in such a vulnerable moment.
Critics argued she made a mistake by airing everything on Live, saying her emotions overshadowed the facts and gave her critics more room to twist the story.
Within hours, screen-recorded clips of Phyna crying spread across blogs and gossip sites, turning her personal grief into viral content.
Tragically, Ruth later passed away from her injuries, and reports surfaced that Phyna herself was hospitalized, believed to be from stress caused by both the family tragedy and the relentless social media backlash.
Opeyemi Aiyeola vs Eniola Badmus
Another recent case involved Opeyemi Aiyeola and Eniola Badmus. According to reports, Opeyemi went on Instagram Live to address something she believed Eniola had said about her looks, specifically her “front hair.”
What might have been small banter quickly became serious. Opeyemi made it clear she felt insulted, and her fans backed her up. On the flip side, Eniola’s fans said it wasn’t that deep. Just like that, Nollywood fans were split into camps again.
This again shows that even on IG Live, even small jokes can escalate. Once it’s live, there’s no editing, no cutting. Whatever you say becomes gist for the whole country.
Segun Arinze
Even veteran actors are not left out. Segun Arinze, a respected Nollywood figure, recently blasted some of his colleagues, accusing them of not being serious with their craft. He voiced his frustrations through social media videos, which quickly went viral.
While some people praised him for speaking the truth, others felt he was too harsh. But either way, the conversation lived and breathed on Instagram. It’s the platform where grievances now get maximum attention.
The Themes and Dynamics Emerging
Looking at all these examples together, a pattern is clear:
1. The Battle for Respect
Most of the clashes come down to respect. Either someone feels disrespected (like Wumi Toriola), or someone feels their hard work isn’t appreciated (like Segun Arinze). Instagram Live has become the stage where reputations are defended.
2. Dragging as Entertainment
Fans don’t just watch, they participate. Every Live comes with thousands of comments, memes, and screen recordings. Dragging has become part of the entertainment, keeping celebs trending long after the Live ends.
3. Public vs Private Boundaries
Issues that should have been solved privately now get aired in real time. Just like Opeyemi Aiyeola’s clapback, Instagram has blurred the line between personal and public life.
4. Speed Over Strategy
Because IG Live is immediate, celebs often speak in anger. There’s no manager or PR team to filter words. This rawness excites fans, but it also leads to bigger scandals.
Why It’s Becoming a Battleground
• Accessibility: Anyone can go live, at anytime. It’s doesn’t have to be pre-planned.
• Amplification: Once a celeb goes live, blogs pick it up instantly, and the gist spreads like wildfire.
• Validation: Many stars feel pressured to respond live because silence is seen as weakness or guilt.
• Monetisation of Controversy: Controversy equals attention, and attention often translates into more followers, bookings, and even brand deals.
The Challenges and Downsides
While IG Live keeps stars relevant, it also comes with risks. Here are some examples below:
• Mental Health Strain: Like Wumi Toriola’s case, the stress of backlash can affect health and wellbeing.
• Career Damage: One careless statement live can cost roles or endorsements.
• Fan Division: Each clash splits fan bases into camps, creating toxic online wars.
• Loss of Privacy: Once personal life is live, there’s no going back. Even years later, clips resurface to haunt.
Conclusion
Instagram Live is no longer just a place for fun chats or fan interactions. It has become Nollywood’s courtroom, therapy couch, and boxing ring, all rolled into one.
From Afeez Owo vs Wumi Toriola, to Gideon Okeke vs Jim Iyke, and even veteran critiques like Segun Arinze, it’s obvious IG Live is now central to how Nollywood stars fight their battles.
