Nigerian actress Wumi Toriola confronted social‑media influencer Enioluwa Ajao after the latter addressed her by name during a public event in Lagos on Saturday evening. The exchange, captured on video and widely shared online, has sparked a debate about etiquette and respect in the entertainment industry.
The incident occurred at a gathering in Lagos State where Toriola was chatting with fellow actress Ini Edo. As Ajao approached, he attempted to hug Toriola and said, “Wumi, how are you?” Toriola reacted sharply, pushing him back and asking, “Are you insane? Did you just call my name? How dare you call me by my name?” Ajao quickly clarified, “No, no, I didn’t say that. I said ‘Aunty Wumi, how are you?’”
Toriola replied, “You can’t greet me like that; you will have to prostrate to greet me. We are not mates.” The clip quickly went viral, eliciting mixed reactions from net users. Some defended Toriola’s response, while others commented that she was being overly sensitive.
In response to the online discourse, Toriola posted on her Instagram story, stating: “I saw people debating my age. Not everyone hears it. All my family have baby faces. I finished secondary school in 2003. Do the maths. 16‑year‑olds were not entering university then.” Her comment aimed to clarify the age gap between herself and Ajao.
Public records indicate that Ajao was born in July 1999, making him 24 at the time of the incident, whereas Toriola was born in July 1988, placing her at 35. The age difference has been a focal point of the discussion, with some observers suggesting it explains the tension over the use of the term “aunty.”
The episode underscores ongoing conversations in Nigeria’s entertainment circles about respect, hierarchical titles, and appropriate modes of address between senior and junior practitioners. While no formal complaints have been lodged, the viral video has drawn attention to the need for clearer social norms at industry events.
The video remains accessible on major platforms, and the dialogue continues across social media. Observers are watching to see whether the incident will influence future interactions among celebrities, influencers, and fans in Nigeria’s vibrant show business landscape.
