From Mentorship To Fallout: How Toyin Abraham And Former Protege Abike Shugaa Became Estranged

According to IReporter Online, a once-celebrated mentor–protégé relationship between Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham and influencer Abike Shugaa (Pelumi Olawuni) has deteriorated into a public dispute, with both parties presenting contrasting accounts of their professional association.

In a video shared on YouTube, Abike Shugaa recounted her journey from her early career struggles to what she described as the breakdown of her relationship with Abraham. She explained that she worked as a TV presenter, sold thrift clothing, and learned fashion design before gaining attention online after posting about purchasing a sewing machine. She noted that Abraham reached out after seeing the post and later offered financial assistance.

Abike clarified that she had already bought the sewing machine herself before receiving additional support. She said their first meeting occurred in March 2021 during an audition linked to Scene One TV, after which she was cast in the Yoruba film Ago Alago and later featured in other productions, including Jenifa’s Diary. She described the period as a major breakthrough in her career.

She further stated that she was paid ₦50,000 for her role in Ago Alago and another ₦50,000 for two scenes in Ijakumo, adding that she was unaware her scenes were later removed until the film was released. According to her, she had already promoted the project and invited friends to the premiere before discovering the edit.

Abike also claimed she earned between $600 and $800 from brand and promotional campaigns during her collaborations, noting that she was building financial independence at the time. However, she alleged that tensions began to rise as Abraham began questioning her interactions with other industry colleagues and social media engagements.

She further stated that the relationship worsened during the promotion of Malaika, where she reportedly received ₦500,000 and participated in extensive promotional content. According to her, the final breakdown occurred after she accepted a PR package related to A Tribe Called Judah, which Abraham allegedly interpreted as disloyalty.

Abike said attempts were later made to reconcile through intermediaries, including skit maker Kamo State, but she declined, insisting she preferred peace.

Reacting on X, Toyin Abraham addressed the matter briefly, stating she would not engage in a prolonged public exchange, describing Abike as someone she still regards as a daughter. She, however, disputed claims regarding payment, insisting Abike was paid ₦500,000 for Malaika and describing such remuneration as significant for an emerging actress.

In a separate statement from her management, Abraham maintained that all professional obligations were met and dismissed parts of the allegations as misleading. The statement also clarified that Abike’s scenes in Ijakumo were removed as part of standard post-production decisions and not due to any personal conflict.

From what began as a support-driven mentorship to a professional collaboration in Nollywood, both parties now appear divided, with Abike asserting her decision to share her experience publicly while Abraham maintains she will not be drawn into controversy.