By Zainab Ibrahim
Nollywood has long been home not only to cinematic romance and drama, but also real‑life rivalries that capture public attention. Among the most loud and enduring in recent times is the conflict between Iyabo Ojo and Lizzy Anjorin, two veteran actresses who once shared the stage, the spotlight, and the goodwill of fans. Now they are both central figures in a years‑long feud that has involved accusations, court cases, spiritual claims, and repeated attempts at peace.
Early Days: Sharing Screens and Friendship Vibes
Iyabo Ojo has been acting since the late 1990s (her career formally beginning around 1998) and has appeared in numerous English‑language and Yoruba films. Lizzy Anjorin, likewise, has been active in Yoruba and Nollywood cinema, though specific details of early collaborations between the two are sparse.
What is clear from recent resurfacing clips is that there was a time when things between them appeared friendly or at least cordial. An old video trending online shows Lizzy Anjorin joyfully spraying money on Iyabo Ojo during a public event, both women dancing together, smiling, celebrating. Fans who saw the clip were struck by how close their interactions once were.
There are no strong public records that specify exactly when their friendliness cooled. But the emergence of such videos among the feud‑driven commentary suggests there was a period when their relationship was amicable enough for mutual praise and public shows of goodwill.
The Spark and Escalation: What Seems to Have Started It All
The conflict appears to have become public and heated around 2023. Several media reports say that subtle “shade” on social media turned into direct accusations.
In November 2023 Iyabo Ojo officially sued Lizzy Anjorin over alleged defamation, demanding ₦500 million in damages. The lawsuit accused Anjorin of making false statements about Iyabo Ojo online allegations involving being behind gossip blogs like Gistlover, claims about relationships with mainstream figures, and suggestions of discreditable behavior.
Lizzy had reportedly made references to Iyabo Ojo in her posts regarding the late singer Mohbad, accusing some people of exploiting his death; while she did not always name Iyabo directly, some media believe pseudonyms or indirect references (e.g. “Sepeteri”) were interpreted as implicating Iyabo.
Public Battles: Lawsuits, Social Media, Attempts at Peace
After the defamation suit in late 2023, things heated up. In December 2023, Paulo Okoye (Iyabo Ojo’s partner) even suggested settling the feud by a celebrity boxing match, promising ₦10 million to the winner. It was a dramatic gesture, arguably designed to mock as much as settle.
In early 2024, the legal process showed signs of motion. Lizzy Anjorin reportedly missed some court hearings, leading to court notices being pasted at her house. The tension was high. By June 7, 2024, there was a public moment of reconciliation. The two women exited a courtroom together, reportedly smiling, as a judge acting as mediator encouraged them to stop fighting publicly. Both confirmed they were putting their differences aside, at least for a moment.
Relapse: Renewed Accusations, Spiritual Alerts, and Legal Hurdles
Peace did not last long. By January 17, 2025, Iyabo Ojo publicly accused Lizzy Anjorin of ongoing harassment, cyberstalking, and directing curses and threats toward her family, including her children and partner. Ojo warned authorities to take note.
In July 2025, the feud took a dangerous turn (or so Iyabo claims). Her Lagos office caught fire. Shortly afterward she accused Lizzy of having taken her (Iyabo’s) name and those of her children to a herbalist, alleging spiritual or diabolic attacks. These are serious cultural claims in Nigeria, invoking fears beyond mere rumors.
Also in July, the ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit that Iyabo had filed (up from the earlier ₦500 million in some versions) was dismissed by the Lagos High Court on procedural grounds specifically, because of flaws in how the originating process was handled (unsigned documents, non‑compliance with pre‑action protocols, etc.). The defense won a preliminary objection.
The feud between Iyabo Ojo and Lizzy Anjorin is more than just celebrity gossip. It has become a microcosm of modern Nigerian star culture where identity, reputation, spiritual belief, media influence, and legal systems all collide. As of now, the legal door is closed on one chapter, but many believe the story is far from over. For the casual fan, it’s soap‑opera spectacle; for the actors, it seems like a life‑or‑image struggle. And for everyone watching, it’s a story that underscores how fragile celebrity peace can be and how loud it becomes when it cracks.
