The Nigerian entertainment industry witnessed another dramatic episode over the weekend as a fiery exchange erupted between Nollywood actresses Nneoma Honeybell Ukpabi and Rita Edochie , drawing the attention of fans, industry insiders, and bloggers nationwide.
The clash began in the aftermath of actress Ruby Orjiakor's star-studded wedding ceremony held in Asaba, Delta State , which brought together some of Nollywood's biggest names. Amid the celebrations, veteran actress Rita Edochie took to Instagram on Sunday, June 1, with a cryptic post criticizing an unnamed colleague for dressing “indecently and shamelessly” at the wedding.
"Some women have lost all sense of decency. Wedding or no wedding, there are limits to how much of your body the world needs to see. Class is silent. You don't have to scream it through nudity," Edochie wrote.
Although the post did not mention anyone specifically, followers were quick to link the comments to Nneoma Ukpabi , who had earlier shared images of herself in revealing a designer outfit worn to the event.
Within hours, Ukpabi issued a scathing video response on both her Facebook and Instagram pages, directly addressing Edochie:
"Keep my name out of your mouth, Rita Edochie! I've tolerated your bitterness for too long. You go online and act holy but behind the scenes, you are the one stirring envy and division. I wore what I wanted. I am proud of who I am. Mind your business!"
The video, which quickly went viral with over 300,000 views in under 24 hours , split social media. While some defended Ukpabi's right to express herself and clap back at what they saw as outdated “modesty policing,” others condemned the tone of her message, arguing that respect should be shown to industry elders.
Rita Edochie, in what appeared to be a subtle response during a later Instagram Live session, stated:
"Wisdom is profitable to direct. When you're mature, you don't reply children. A true queen does not wrestle in the mud."
The online back-and-forth triggered wider conversations about generational divides within Nollywood , especially in the eastern branch of the industry where both actresses have considerable influence. Industry veterans such as Chinyere Wilfred , Patience Ozokwor , and Ken Erics reportedly reached out privately to mediate between the two women.
While no official reconciliation has been announced, both parties have since resumed regular social media activity, hinting at a silent truce or a decision to simply move on.
This public spat follows a history of tension between conservative Nollywood figures and a newer wave of younger, assertive actresses who embrace modern aesthetics and personal freedom. Fans, meanwhile, continue to debate the incident as the entertainment world watches closely.
Related Reads:
Ruby Orjiakor's Fairytale Wedding: Full Guest List and Highlights
Inside Nollywood's Generational Clash: The Old Guard vs. the New Icons
Nneoma Ukpabi: From AGN Leadership to Controversial Star Power
Source:
Instagram. (2025, June 1). Nollywood actress Nneoma Ukpabi warns Rita Edochie to never mention her name again . Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXryFeu-sN/
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