Nollywood actress Biola Bayo has playfully challenged her friend and colleague, Doris Simeon, to sell her car to buy her the yet-to-be-released iPhone 16 Promax. This jovial interaction, posted on Instagram on has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and fellow celebrities alike, offering a unique glimpse into the camaraderie within Nigeria’s bustling entertainment industry.
Biola Bayo, known for her roles in numerous Yoruba films, took to her verified Instagram account, followed by over 1 million fans, with a post that quickly went viral. In her characteristic humorous style, Bayo wrote:
I just advised my friend @doris_simeon_ to sell her car to buy me an iPhone 16 Promax. Please, is that too much to ask from a friend? What are friends for, please? So I can’t ask my friend for 100 million dollars ni? Oga o.”
The actress didn’t stop there. She went on to tag other Nollywood figures, including Allwell Ademola and Queen Oluwa, challenging them to step up to the plate:
Please, what is iPhone 16 that people @doris_simeon_ @allwellademolaa or @queenoluwa can not get for me even if it takes you selling your kidney? Ye! Who slapped me?”
The comment section of Bayo’s post quickly became a hotbed of witty responses from fellow celebrities, each playing along with the joke:
Allwell Ademola chimed in, “What are friends for jare iya mi,” supporting Bayo’s humorous demand.
Shola Kosoko added fuel to the fire, commenting, “She dey argue? Doris, do the needful now.”
Doris Simeon herself played along beautifully, responding, “I don put my car for OEX now. Don’t worry my friend, what are friends for? I got you.”
Queen Oluwa took the joke to new heights, suggesting, “Good friend will sell her kidney. Please auction Doris Simeon and use edo for jara. Friendship goals.”
This playful exchange offers a rare glimpse into the off-screen relationships between Nollywood stars. Dr. Funmi Adewale, a media studies professor at the University of Lagos, explains the significance:
What we’re seeing here is a public display of the close-knit nature of the Nollywood community. These actresses are not just colleagues; they’re friends who share a sense of humor that resonates with their audience.”
Indeed, the banter between Bayo and Simeon is not new. Last year, during Simeon’s birthday celebration, Bayo had publicly promised to pay off her friend’s debts, acknowledging Simeon’s financial responsibilities.
Interestingly, Bayo’s reference to the non-existent iPhone 16 adds another layer to the humor. Tech analyst Yemi Adegbola offers context:
The latest model is actually the iPhone 15. By asking for an iPhone 16, Bayo is playfully exaggerating, perhaps commenting on the constant pressure to have the newest gadgets. It’s a clever way of poking fun at consumer culture.”
This reference has not been lost on fans, many of whom have joined in the joke in the comments section.
The post has garnered over 50,000 likes and 5,000 comments within hours, with fans eagerly participating in the banter:
Instagram user @Perfectina1 wrote, “You are very right Maami. It’s not too much oo.”
Another fan, @Glam By Ayomide, added, “Well, not too much, momma, you deserve it.”
This viral exchange highlights the power of social media in shaping public perceptions of celebrities. Media analyst Chidi Okafor explains:
“These kinds of interactions humanize celebrities. They show a playful, relatable side that fans don’t often see on screen. It’s a form of engagement that strengthens the bond between stars and their audience.”
Moreover, such posts often serve as a form of free publicity for the actors involved. As this exchange continues to be shared and discussed, it keeps the names of Bayo, Simeon, and others in the public eye.
The Nigerian film industry is incredibly tight-knit. These actresses have likely known each other for years, working together on various projects. What we’re seeing is the public face of deep, long-standing friendships.”
This sentiment is echoed in Bayo’s previous birthday message to Simeon, where she described her friend as “selfless, hardworking, playful, and always cheerful,” highlighting the genuine affection behind the humor.
In a country facing various economic and social challenges, this light-hearted exchange serves another purpose. Sociologist Dr. Amina Suleiman notes:
“Humor can be a powerful coping mechanism. By engaging in this kind of playful banter publicly, these celebrities are providing a moment of levity for their fans, many of whom may be struggling with day-to-day hardships.
As the comments continue to pour in and the post continues to be shared across various platforms, this exchange between Biola Bayo and Doris Simeon offers more than just a moment of humor. It provides a window into the warm, playful relationships that exist behind the scenes in Nollywood.
While fans know they’re unlikely to see Doris Simeon actually sell her car for an iPhone 16, the willingness of these celebrities to engage in such public displays of friendship and humor adds a layer of authenticity to their public personas. It reminds us that beyond the glamour and drama of the silver screen, these are real people with real friendships, capable of laughing at themselves and with each other.
In an industry often characterized by competition and drama, this exchange stands as a testament to the bonds of friendship that can flourish even under the spotlight. As Nigeria’s film industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s these human moments that keep audiences connected to their favorite stars.
