Friends-turned-foes: How Toyin Abraham, protégé Abike Shugaa fell apart

In the vibrant and often dramatic landscape of Nollywood, the public falling out between established star Toyin Abraham and her former protégé, Abike Shugaa, has become the latest industry talking point. Abike Shugaa, whose real name is Pelumi Olawuni, has finally broken her silence after three years, releasing a detailed video on YouTube to set the record straight about her journey and the breakdown of her relationship with Abraham.

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I know this video is long overdue, it’s been over three years. Nobody can tell my story the way I experienced it.

Shugaa's narrative paints a picture of ambition and struggle before her big break. She recounts how a viral post about her purchasing a sewing machine caught Abraham's attention, leading to a supportive gesture of 50,000 naira. However, Shugaa emphasizes that Abraham did not buy the machine for her, but rather supported her after seeing the post. This distinction is crucial, as it shapes her account of their initial interactions and the nature of their subsequent relationship.

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She said, ‘Hello, I want to be your friend. How much is the machine?’

The influencer further detailed her early career, including her first major acting role in Abraham's "Ago Alago" and appearances in projects associated with Funke Akindele's production. She described these opportunities as pivotal and expressed genuine gratitude for the exposure. Shugaa also clarified that her frequent visits to Abraham's home were primarily for work, specifically for creating TikTok content for brand deals, and that she received transport money for these sessions, refuting any notion of being a "user."

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She didn’t buy me my machine. I bought it myself… she supported me after seeing the post.

While Abraham has yet to respond publicly to Shugaa's detailed account, this public airing of grievances is not uncommon in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Such disputes often play out in the public eye, with fans and media closely following the unfolding narratives. From our perspective at The Punch, these stories not only reveal personal conflicts but also offer a glimpse into the dynamics of mentorship, career progression, and the business side of Nollywood, where relationships can be as complex as the storylines on screen.

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That was the first time I met her physically.