Nollywood actress Queeneth Hilbert has escalated her public feud with colleague Destiny Etiko by filing a counter-application to enforce her fundamental rights, following Etiko’s N100 million defamation lawsuit against her.
The latest development in this rapidly unfolding industry drama came when Hilbert shared a screenshot of her legal application on Instagram, accompanied by the terse message: “See you in court. Let’s do this.” The post marks a significant intensification in what has become one of the most talked-about conflicts in Nigeria’s film industry in recent weeks.
Tensions between the two actresses became public last week when Hilbert made explosive allegations against Etiko on social media. Hilbert accused her fellow actress of “snatching people’s Odogwu,” a term often used in Nigerian contexts to refer to wealthy or influential men. In her inflammatory post, Hilbert claimed Etiko had a pattern of pursuing relationships with men previously involved with her colleagues, specifically alleging that Etiko had stolen one of her ex-boyfriends from Benin who drove a Mercedes-Benz.
The accusations quickly gained traction across Nigerian entertainment media platforms, prompting Etiko to respond through legal channels rather than engaging in a social media war of words. Etiko’s lawyers filed a formal N100 million defamation petition against Hilbert, demanding she retract her statements across all social media platforms where the claims were published.
The legal notice reportedly required Hilbert to “cease and desist from publishing, discriminating, and making any further false and defamatory statements” about Etiko, in addition to demanding a complete retraction of what they described as “derogatory publication.”
Rather than complying with these demands or offering an apology, Hilbert has chosen to counter with her own legal action, filing an application to enforce her fundamental rights. While the specific grounds for this application have not been made public, legal experts suggest it may relate to constitutional protections for freedom of expression or potential claims of harassment.
The conflict between the actresses has captivated fans and industry observers alike, with social media commentary dividing supporters between both camps. Some have framed the dispute as emblematic of deeper issues within Nollywood regarding competition for roles, brand endorsements, and personal relationships.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Hilbert appeared unbothered by the legal threats over the weekend, sharing a cryptic message on social media about divine justice. God blesses people right in front of those who hoped they’d fail,” she wrote, which many interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to her ongoing dispute with Etiko.
Industry insiders familiar with both actresses note that this public confrontation represents a rare breach of the usually collegial – at least publicly – relationships maintained between Nollywood stars. These kinds of personal accusations being thrown around in public spaces are unusual in our industry,” commented a veteran producer who requested anonymity. Most disputes between actors are handled privately or through intermediaries within the industry.
The term “Odogwu,” central to Hilbert’s accusations, carries significant cultural weight in Nigerian contexts. While literally translating to “great man” or “hero” in Igbo language, it has evolved in contemporary usage to sometimes refer to wealthy patrons or influential men who may financially support entertainers or public figures.
Both Hilbert and Etiko have substantial followings on social media and have built successful careers in Nollywood, Nigeria’s thriving film industry. Etiko in particular has risen to prominence through roles in numerous popular films and has cultivated a strong personal brand, including several product endorsements.
As the matter moves from social media to the courtroom, legal analysts suggest the case could potentially set precedents regarding defamation standards in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, especially as it relates to statements made on social media platforms.
The Nigerian film community appears divided on the matter, with some colleagues publicly calling for reconciliation while others have privately taken sides. Several senior industry figures have reportedly attempted to broker peace between the actresses, thus far without success.
For now, both parties seem committed to pursuing their legal options, with Hilbert’s defiant “See you in court” message suggesting she has no intention of backing down from her claims despite the financial penalties sought by Etiko’s legal team.
As fans and followers await the next development in this unfolding drama, the case highlights the increasingly complex intersection of personal relationships, public personas, and legal boundaries in Nigeria’s evolving entertainment landscape. Whether resolved in court or through eventual reconciliation, the conflict between these two prominent actresses has already provided a rare window into the personal tensions that sometimes simmer beneath Nollywood’s glamorous surface.
The case also raises important questions about the responsibility of public figures when making potentially damaging allegations on social media platforms, where information spreads rapidly and can significantly impact reputations and careers. As social media continues to blur the lines between personal disputes and public discourse, this high-profile legal battle may serve as a cautionary tale for other entertainment industry figures about the potential consequences of taking private grievances into digital public spaces.
With court proceedings now set to determine the outcome of this dispute, industry watchers will be closely monitoring how this unprecedented public conflict between two of Nollywood’s recognizable faces ultimately resolves. Whatever the court’s decision, the affair has already shed light on the complex personal and professional dynamics that exist within Nigeria’s booming film industry, one of Africa’s most significant cultural exports.
