“Unhealthy competition” – Mercy Aigbe and Funke Akindele’s Awkward Moment at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere Sparks Reactions

Social media users are reacting to an awkward moment involving Nollywood actresses Mercy Aigbe and Funke Akindele at Iyabo Ojo’s movie premiere.

The actresses, who both appear in Iyabo Ojo’s The Return of Arinzo, were among the stars who gathered to celebrate the film at its premiere in Lagos on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

In a video circulating online, Mercy and Funke were seen on stage alongside Iyabo Ojo as they celebrated the success of the premiere. Actor Femi Adebayo also approached the actresses to exchange pleasantries.

However, viewers quickly focused on the interaction between Mercy and Funke. In the clip, Mercy appeared to make a pointed or “snaky” remark towards Funke as Femi joined them, prompting social media users to scrutinise their body language and facial expressions.

The moment has fuelled speculation about the state of their relationship, particularly because another video from the same premiere showed the two actresses sharing an apparently uncomfortable atmosphere. Reports noted that they arrived at their table without exchanging pleasantries, with Iyabo Ojo seated between them.

Neither Mercy Aigbe nor Funke Akindele has publicly confirmed that there is a personal dispute between them. As a result, the viral clips remain open to interpretation, with social media users drawing their own conclusions from what they saw.

The conversation comes amid a broader night of Nollywood drama at the premiere, after another viral clip involving Funke and Toyin Abraham also generated intense reactions online.

For now, the question remains: Was Mercy Aigbe actually throwing shade at Funke Akindele, or did social media read too much into a brief interaction?

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