The brother of late Nollywood actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola has sparked a heated debate online after publicly calling out several popular Nigerian actors, accusing them of showing performative support and love for his sister only after her passing.
According to him, these actors, despite claiming friendship and professional ties with Allwell, were largely absent when she needed both personal and career support during her lifetime.
In a video that has now gone viral on multiple social media platforms, the grieving brother expressed deep disappointment and frustration at what he described as “hypocrisy” within Nollywood. He lamented that many actors who are now posting emotional tributes to Allwell were nowhere to be seen when she was striving to make a name for herself in the industry.
According to him, the late actress consistently extended her help and support to her colleagues, yet the same level of reciprocity was not shown to her when she needed it most.
He specifically questioned why prominent actors who are now mourning her did not involve Allwell in their major projects, offer mentorship, or help promote her work when she was actively building her career. He emphasized that her contributions and generosity, including lending her resources and support to others, were often taken for granted.
The brother, visibly emotional in the video, highlighted instances where colleagues allegedly benefited from Allwell’s kindness, such as using her family home as a filming location, yet failed to provide support or acknowledge her efforts while she was alive. He lamented that these actors’ sudden expressions of grief felt insincere and hollow given their prior inaction.
He passionately asked the industry and her supposed friends: “Everybody dey post rest in peace. How many of you supported my sister when she was alive? All of una A-list actors wey call una self her friends… when una dey do movies, did you put Allwell?”
READ ALSO: Family mourns late Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola
This statement resonated with many fans and sparked heated online discussions about loyalty, support, and authenticity in the entertainment industry.
“I Supported Her More Than Enough” – Iyabo Ojo Responds
In response to the public outcry, actress Iyabo Ojo, who was reportedly mentioned in the brother’s video, issued a strong defense, asserting that she had consistently supported Allwell throughout her career.
Iyabo stated that she worked with the late filmmaker multiple times without collecting payment, provided emotional guidance, and even extended financial assistance to help Allwell grow in Nollywood.
She emphasized her contributions by saying, “I oversupported your sister when she was alive. When she was building her career as a producer and director, I featured in her movies countless times for free and also supported financially and emotionally. May her beautiful soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”
Iyabo’s response was widely shared, generating debates among fans, with some siding with her and others questioning the actions of other Nollywood colleagues during Allwell’s lifetime.
The unfolding controversy has reignited conversations about the pressures and expectations placed on entertainers, the importance of mutual support in the industry, and the distinction between genuine and performative displays of sympathy following the loss of a colleague.