Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has found herself at the center of controversy after a man criticized her for promoting her movies in Yoruba rather than her native Edo language.
Toyin, who hails from Edo State but was raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the release of her latest film, Malaika, and her upcoming project, Iyalode.
To celebrate Yoruba Day, she made the announcement in Yoruba:
“IYALODE is coming in the sixth month, on the sixth day of this year. I just wanted to remind you all.
Also, thank you so much! Malaika is currently available on Circuits.tv. Please check it out for me. Acting is my only job; I do nothing else besides stage performance.”
While many fans embraced the message, one critic, Oriretan Honour, accused Toyin of abandoning her Edo heritage in favor of Yoruba culture. Oriretan Honour took issue with Toyin’s choice of language, arguing that despite being Edo by birth, she predominantly promotes Yoruba culture.
He insisted that marrying a Yoruba man should not be a reason for her to neglect her Edo roots. In a strong-worded post, he even gave her a 48-hour ultimatum to stop associating with “Yorubawood” and start supporting “EdoWood”:
“Toyin, it’s unwise claiming Yoruba that you’re originally not, instead of Edo.
More unwise only promoting Yoruba culture while ignoring Edo’s.
Your mum & dad are Edos, but sadly, nobody knows this about you. Marrying Yoruba isn’t enough reason.
You have 48 hours to dump Yorubawood & start promoting EdoWood. Be wise.”
Not one to back down, Toyin Abraham responded in Yoruba, delivering a sharp clapback while still offering a prayer for her critic:
“Your head is as bad as a masquerade chasing a mad person, but my prayer is that God grants you peace.”
