In a post shared by @destinyetikoofficial, the Nollywood “Drama Doll” has publicly slammed her colleague Ekene Umenwa following a viral exposé by upcoming actress Adanma Waller. The controversy stems from claims that Umenwa has been systematically “badmouthing” several top-tier actresses, including Etiko, Ruby Ojiakor, and Lizzy Gold, while maintaining a pious public persona. Etiko’s reaction has ignited a massive debate on “fake friendships” within the Nigerian film industry.
The “exposé” video, which began trending early Saturday, suggests that Umenwa allegedly spoke ill of almost every prominent name she has worked with. This comes as a shock to fans who viewed Umenwa as a neutral and spiritual figure in the industry. Etiko, never one to shy away from confrontation, has demanded transparency, leading to a divide among Nollywood followers.
P.M. News reported on the “hot soup” Umenwa finds herself in, quoting the exposé: “Every one of them had smelly baggage (according to her).” The outlet noted that the tension is at an all-time high. Naija Gist Direct also validated the story via YouTube, highlighting that another filmmaker, Deacon Famous, has also accused Umenwa of “threatening his life” following similar fallout. They quoted Famous: “If anything happens to me, she should be held responsible.”
Echotitbits Take
Nollywood “subbing” is reaching a boiling point. While these “he-said-she-said” dramas are common, the involvement of legal threats and life-endangerment claims (as seen with Deacon Famous) takes this beyond mere gossip. Umenwa’s silence and subsequent “prayer videos” aren’t helping her case; she needs a formal PR response to stop the reputational bleeding.
Source: P.M. News — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/14/ekene-umenwa-in-hot-soup-over-shocking-claims-involving-destiny-etiko/ February 14, 2026
Photo Credit: P.M. News
Tag: Nigerian actresses
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Destiny Etiko Calls Out Ekene Umenwa Over Alleged Backstabbing
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Tributes Pour in as Nollywood Veteran ‘Aunty Ajara’ is Laid to Rest
According to The Punch, the Yoruba film industry is in mourning as veteran actress Ajara Lasisi, affectionately known as “Aunty Ajara,” was laid to rest this weekend. The funeral, attended by a heavy presence of Nollywood royalty, was a somber reminder of the actress’s long-standing contribution to the screen. She passed away recently following a prolonged battle with a liver-related illness.
The burial ceremony turned into a celebration of her life, with colleagues sharing anecdotes of her mentorship and motherly role on set. Viral videos from the event show many of her peers in tears, highlighting the deep vacuum her passing has created. The funeral has also reignited discussions about health insurance and welfare for aging veterans in the Nigerian entertainment sector.
Nigerian Entertainment Today (TheNETng) reported: “Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara dies after a prolonged battle with illness… she was a pillar of the Yoruba film industry.” NewsNow also carried the tribute: “Tributes pour in as actress Ajara is laid to rest… Colleagues and family pay final respects to a legend.”
Echotitbits Take:
Aunty Ajara’s death is a sobering moment for Nollywood. While the industry celebrates its “new school” global hits, the passing of veterans like Ajara often highlights the lack of a robust pension or health system for those who built the foundation. Watch for a renewed push from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for better health insurance schemes in the wake of this loss.
Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/05/late-nollywood-actress-aunty-ajara-laid-to-rest/ February 7, 2026
Photo Credit: Daily Post
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Angela Okorie Tenders Public Apology to Mercy Johnson Amidst Long-Standing Rift
In a post shared by @realangelaokorie on Instagram, the Nollywood actress has formally reached out to her colleague Mercy Johnson-Okojie to seek forgiveness. The public olive branch comes after years of social media call-outs and personal grievances that had previously divided their respective fan bases. Okorie expressed deep regret for past misunderstandings, extending the apology to Mercy’s husband and children.
The actress noted that life is too short to harbor animosity and that she is choosing a path of peace and reconciliation. This shift in tone marks a significant departure from her previous stance, which often involved fiery allegations regarding industry competition and personal character.
Supporting this development, The Punch Newspapers reported on its official platform that the apology was unexpected but welcomed by many industry insiders. The outlet quoted a section of the post where Okorie stated, “I am deeply sorry for everything that happened in the past; let love lead.” Similarly, Legit.ng highlighted the viral nature of the post, quoting Okorie’s plea for “grace and understanding from the Okojie family” as she moves toward a “new chapter of maturity.”
Echotitbits take: This reconciliation could signal a stabilizing trend in Nollywood, where “clout-chasing” feuds are increasingly being replaced by veteran solidarity. If Mercy Johnson accepts the apology publicly, it may set a precedent for other long-standing industry beefs to be settled, potentially leading to future collaborations between the two powerhouses.
Source: Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/wtpage13/posts/you-are-not-a-it%C4%89%C4%A5actress-angela-okorie-tender-public-apology-to-mercy-johnson-o/892730430159182/ February 5, 2026
Photo Credit: Facebook
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Judy Austin Promotes Independence Amid Continued Yul Edochie Drama
According to weareiowa.com, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Judy Austin has made headlines for emphasizing personal independence and a “live-on-your-own-terms” philosophy, positioning herself beyond the scrutiny of her marriage to actor Yul Edochie.
Austin, who has faced backlash since her relationship with Edochie became public, is framing her message as empowerment and self-definition. The move is being interpreted as an attempt to shift the storyline away from controversy and toward a personal-brand reset.
Mentions tied to her ongoing public image note that the relationship has had reputational impact and remains a consistent driver of online commentary, even as she continues to work as a producer and screenwriter.
Echotitbits take: This is a classic branding pivot. By leaning into the “independent woman” archetype, Judy Austin is attempting to neutralize negative press. It could attract a new audience—or be read as a dodge of unresolved family drama. Either way, the strategy signals she’s thinking in narratives, not just posts.
Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2023/08/05/yul-edochies-polygamous-marriage-drama/ 2026-01-15Photo Credit: ThisDay
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Mercy Aigbe Shines in Regal Red Carpet Appearance
In a post shared by @realmercyaigbe, the Nollywood actress and fashionista showcased a striking traditional-modern fusion outfit for a high-profile industry event. The ensemble—featuring intricate beadwork and a bold headpiece—reinforced her reputation as one of the best-dressed stars in the Nigerian film industry.
Aigbe, who has successfully expanded into movie production and entrepreneurship, regularly uses social media to spotlight Nigerian designers and textiles. Her latest look has also sparked conversation around the evolving standards of Nollywood red carpets.
Daily Post Nigeria described the look as a standout of the night, while Vanguard Entertainment noted her consistency in indigenous fashion representation.
Echotitbits take
Mercy Aigbe’s relevance engine is a strong mix of fashion virality and credible film output. This moment is endorsement-friendly, particularly for lifestyle, beauty, and textile brands seeking high-conversion celebrity partnerships.
Source: BellaNaija — https://www.bellanaija.com/2025/12/mercy-aigbe-colour-fire-premiere/ (January 22, 2026)
Photo credit: BellaNaija 2026-01-22
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Regina Daniels Posts Drug Test Video as Marriage Rumors and Accusations Swirl
Politics Nigeria reports that actress Regina Daniels shared a video of herself taking a drug test, saying she needed to clear her name amid allegations she describes as malicious.
In the clip, Daniels is seen at a clinic providing a sample; she says the move is about protecting her reputation and her image as a mother.
Premium Times and Legit.ng also reported on the episode, noting she has threatened legal action against those spreading what she calls falsehoods.
Echotitbits Take: Taking a personal dispute to the “medical receipts” stage is peak escalation—whether or not the courts get involved, the public fallout suggests this relationship crisis is heading for a decisive end.
Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/regina-daniels-undergoes-drug-test-threatens-to-sue-amid-marital-drama/ 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: The Nation -
Regina Daniels Posts Drug Test Video as Marriage Rumors and Accusations Swirl
Politics Nigeria reports that actress Regina Daniels shared a video of herself taking a drug test, saying she needed to clear her name amid allegations she describes as malicious.
In the clip, Daniels is seen at a clinic providing a sample; she says the move is about protecting her reputation and her image as a mother.
Premium Times and Legit.ng also reported on the episode, noting she has threatened legal action against those spreading what she calls falsehoods.
Echotitbits Take: Taking a personal dispute to the “medical receipts” stage is peak escalation—whether or not the courts get involved, the public fallout suggests this relationship crisis is heading for a decisive end.
Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/regina-daniels-undergoes-drug-test-threatens-to-sue-amid-marital-drama/ 2026-01-08
Photo Credit: The Nation -
Mercy Aigbe lands BON Awards supporting-actress win as ‘My Mother Is a Witch’ gets major nod
Photo credit: Premium Times (image on story page)
According to Premium Times, Mercy Aigbe was recognised at the 2025 Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards for her supporting performance in ‘My Mother Is a Witch’.
The recognition adds to a big night for multiple titles, with the awards rewarding both star power and craft across the slate.
Fans quickly pushed clips and congratulations across social media, keeping the BON conversation trending into the next morning.
- The Eagle Online (website): “BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – MERCY AIGBE (MY MOTHER IS A WITCH)”
- TheCable Lifestyle (website): “The 17th edition of the award ceremony… celebrated the outstanding achievements of the industry…”
Analysis/Echotitbits take: For Mercy Aigbe, a BON acting win is not just bragging rights—it can translate into stronger negotiating power for future roles, higher demand for press tours, and renewed attention for the film itself. Watch for distributor/streaming pushes and award-season campaign positioning as Nollywood’s calendar shifts toward bigger international visibility.
Source: Premium Times — 2025-12-15 — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/843149-bon-awards-2025-farmers-bride-wins-movie-of-the-year-as-seven-doors-sweeps-technical-awards.html
2025-12-15