Nollywood’s bold actress and filmmaker Wumi Toriola has reignited a fiery public clash, this time targeting food critic Opeyemi Famakin for his involvement in her ongoing feud with celebrity chef Chef T. The escalating drama, which began with Toriola’s accusation that Chef T ignored her during the promotion of her record-breaking film Queen Lateefah , has now drawn in Famakin, who publicly defended the chef—prompting Toriola to unleash a sharp critique of his career and motives.
The controversy began when Toriola accused Chef T, star of the YouTube series Dairy of a Kitchen Lover , of ignoring her direct messages while she was promoting Queen Lateefah , her debut film as a producer. In a since-deleted social media post, Toriola lamented Chef T’s silence and accused opportunists of overshadowing genuine talent. Now, Famakin, a self-proclaimed food critic, has entered the fray, defending Chef T in a video that Toriola called “desperate” and “amusing.”
In a fiery Instagram post, Toriola addressed Famakin directly, questioning his credibility and career trajectory. “There’s really no need to act like a coward,” she wrote. “My name is Wumi Toriola, and I’m merely responding to your tantrums and desperate need for attention.” She mocked his lack of a “defined career or any tangible job description,” accusing him of harming entrepreneurs under the guise of criticism. “You’ve caused more harm than good to struggling entrepreneurs,” she added, urging him to focus on building a legitimate career before engaging in public spats.
Her message concluded with a pointed challenge: “Next time you feel the urge to come for me, perhaps take a moment to reflect, establish a long-term career or build a successful business of your own. That way, your words might carry a little more weight.”
In an Instagram story, Toriola further dismissed Famakin’s criticisms, stating she’d only respond to someone with a “career and a proper job description.” The actress’s disdain for Famakin’s perceived lack of substance resonated with fans, many of whom praised her boldness in calling out what they perceive as empty criticism.
Toriola’s feud with Chef T originated from her frustration over his silence during her film’s promotional phase. Queen Lateefah , a Yoruba-language drama about a woman’s journey to reclaim her identity, became a cultural phenomenon, earning N57.7 million ($120,000) in its opening weekend—a record for a non-holiday release in Nollywood. The film’s success propelled Toriola to the top of 2024’s box office charts, earning her the Box Office Champion title from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
Her clash with Chef T, however, has taken on a symbolic edge. Toriola’s assertion that “opportunists always end up doing the most” reflects broader industry tensions over loyalty and ambition. Fans speculate that Chef T’s silence during her campaign may have been strategic, as he has since grown his brand independently—a move Toriola initially praised but later framed as a betrayal of their earlier collaborations.
Famakin’s involvement highlights the growing role of social media critics in shaping public discourse. While some see them as watchdogs, Toriola’s response underscores the skepticism many entertainers feel toward figures who wield influence without tangible credentials. “Why should I take you seriously?” her post seemed to ask, framing Famakin’s criticism as a distraction from his own lack of achievements.
This isn’t the first time Toriola has faced or fired back at critics. Earlier in 2024, she addressed fans who accused her of creating enemies by publicly calling out colleagues for their “facade of decency.” In one exchange, a fan advised her to “leave others alone,” to which she retorted, “Shut up. Did you not give birth to those actresses?” —a jab at industry hypocrisy.
Toriola’s confrontational style has made her a polarizing yet influential figure. Critics argue that her public feuds distract from her artistry, while supporters praise her authenticity in an industry rife with performative niceties. Her success, however, speaks for itself: Queen Lateefah ’s box-office dominance and her NFVCB award cement her as a force to be reckoned with, even as she navigates the choppy waters of celebrity drama.
The actress’s latest confrontation with Famakin also reflects a generational divide. As Nollywood evolves, younger creators like Toriola are challenging the authority of traditional gatekeepers—whether critics, producers, or even peers. Her insistence on engaging only with those who have “a career and a proper job description” suggests a demand for accountability in a space where clout often outshines substance.
Toriola’s journey—from YouTube content creator to box-office titan—has been marked by resilience. Her unflinching responses to critics, whether Famakin or industry skeptics, reveal a woman unafraid to wield her platform as both a sword and a shield.
Yet, the feud with Chef T and Famakin also underscores the precariousness of fame. As Toriola noted in a previous post, “Nobody sought forgiveness even as 2024 came to an end. Everyone was on a spree, and nobody offended anyone, which made all mute.” Her words hint at a deeper frustration with an industry that often prioritizes clout over integrity.
For now, the spotlight remains fixed on Toriola, whose every move—from her films to her feuds—continues to redefine what it means to succeed in Nigerian entertainment. Whether critics like Famakin or fans will ultimately judge her legacy on her art or her abrasiveness remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Wumi Toriola isn’t backing down—and the industry is watching closely.
