A public disagreement has emerged between Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham and influencer-turned-actress Abike Shugaa, with both offering different accounts of a relationship that began in 2021.
In a video published on YouTube on Friday, April 17, Abike Shugaa, whose real name is Pelumi Olawuni, said she decided to speak after “over three years” of remaining silent. “I know this video is long overdue, it’s been over three years. Nobody can tell my story the way I experienced it,” she said.
Abike explained that she first came into contact with Toyin Abraham after sharing a social media post about purchasing a sewing machine. The post attracted attention online, and Abraham reached out to her directly. According to Abike, Abraham sent her ₦50,000 after the purchase. “She didn’t buy me my machine. I bought it myself… she supported me after seeing the post,” she said.
The two later met in person in March 2021 during an audition connected to a production platform associated with actress Funke Akindele. Abike said Abraham subsequently introduced her to acting opportunities, including a role in the Yoruba-language film Ago Alago. She described that period as important for her entry into Nollywood.
Abike provided details of payments for her roles. She said she received ₦50,000 for Ago Alago, where she worked for about two weeks, and another ₦50,000 for two scenes in Ijakumo. She stated that her scenes in Ijakumo were later removed without her prior knowledge. “I didn’t even know my scenes were cut… I found out when the movie came out,” she said.
She added that she was paid ₦500,000 for a supporting role in Malaika, a film released by Abraham. Abike also said she contributed to the film’s promotion, stating, “We shot over 100 promotional videos.”
Alongside her acting work, Abike said she earned income from content creation and brand promotions, including projects linked to Funke Akindele. She said this allowed her to remain financially independent during her association with Abraham.
According to Abike, tensions developed during the promotion of Malaika. She said the situation worsened after she accepted a promotional package for the film A Tribe Called Judah, produced by Akindele. Abike stated that she had informed Abraham in advance. “That was when everything changed,” she said.
She further alleged that Abraham questioned her interactions on social media and objected to certain professional associations. Abike also claimed that during a private exchange, Abraham made a threatening remark. “She said if I leave her, she will make sure she ruin my life. I was scared… I recorded the conversation and sent it to my mum and my manager,” she said.
Abike said attempts were made to resolve the disagreement through intermediary efforts by skit maker Kamo State, but she declined to take part in a proposed public reconciliation. “I’m not interested… I don’t want to be involved in any drama… I choose peace,” she said.
In response, Toyin Abraham addressed the matter briefly on X. “I have made up my mind never to say anything cos I see her as a daughter… may God bless everyone of us,” she wrote.
Abraham, however, disputed some of the claims about compensation. She confirmed that Abike received ₦500,000 for Malaika and ₦50,000 for her scenes in Ijakumo. She stated that the scenes were removed during post-production. “She was paid 500k for Malaika… nobody will pay an upcoming actress that much,” Abraham said in a separate post.
A statement issued by Abraham’s management described some of Abike’s claims as misleading and maintained that all agreed payments were made. It also stated that Abike had been informed that her scenes in Ijakumo would not appear in the final version.
As of the time of this report, no further public statements have been issued by either party.
