Drop The ‘Afod’ Name If It’s Bringing Disrespect — Wumi Toriola Blasts Desola

​The Yoruba Nollywood industry is currently embroiled in a fresh and intense public feud as popular actress Wumi Toriola fiercely hits out at Desola Afod, the estranged wife of veteran actor-director Kunle Afod, over sweeping derogatory remarks directed at movie practitioners.

​The tension flared up after Desola took to social media to express deep frustration over how she is treated by individuals within the entertainment sector. Expressing her displeasure at being addressed casually by her first name, the 44-year-old mother warned actors and actresses to desist from taking her for granted, using the umbrella term “awon oni theatre” (those theatre people) to categorize those allegedly disrespecting her.

​Lashing out in a fiery video response, Wumi Toriola condemned Desola’s comments as an unprovoked blanket insult against an entire professional community. The box-office star argued that it was unjustifiable for Desola to cast aspersions on the entire film sector just because of personal grievances with isolated individuals.

​“I find it insulting and disrespectful that you said ‘awon onitiata.’ If you have issues with anybody, kindly put their names and pictures. ‘Awon onitiata’ is a body that covers what I have worked for and earn from. I will not allow you to disrespect it,” Wumi fired.

​Taking the altercation a notch higher, Wumi recalled past instances where Desola allegedly meddled in her private conflicts with colleagues—noting that she chose to stay quiet then purely out of reverence for Kunle Afod. With their marriage having faced well-documented turbulence before parting ways, Wumi pointedly advised Desola to drop the famous surname if she felt it no longer served her dignity.

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​“If you feel the name ‘Afod’ you bear is giving you a problem, you can bear your father’s name,” Wumi stated bluntly. “You are not the only razz person. We were both born in Agege; everyone is just packaging themselves. Learn to handle fame and your name properly.”

​The public spat has since drawn mixed reactions across social media, dividing fans and industry insiders alike over celebrity boundaries, respect, and the weight of maintaining public names.