Actor Akinola Akano Calls out Tolu Fagbure over Alleged Sidelining

Nollywood actor Akinola Akano, popularly known as Segbowe, has accused fellow actor and producer Tolu Fagbure of sidelining him in his acting career.

Tension built when Akinola alleged that Tolu removed him from his debut movie appearance, “Awon Aladun De”, prompting him to leave in search of greener pastures.

He shared a screenshot via his Instagram page on Thursday, claiming that Tolu removed him from a WhatsApp group chat named “Awon Aladun De GC” on August 6, 2022. The development sparked backlash against Tolu, who was serving as the line producer at the time.

Reacting to the claim, Tolu released a statement on his Facebook page on Saturday, explaining that he was contracted as the line producer by the show’s owners in June 2022.

He stated that Akinola had recurring remuneration disagreements with the producers, which often affected filming schedules.

Tolu added that the character ‘Segbowe’ originally appeared in about 40 episodes but said the executive producer, Adeleye Fabusoro, informed him that Akinola had again raised remuneration issues and refused to report on set.

He explained that, with the support of his team and the show’s director, Ade Idris Jerry, they adjusted the storyline and continued filming without interruption.

Tolu said that after about two weeks, the executive producer informed him that Akinola was ready to return, but by then the production had progressed significantly. He noted that they agreed to reduce the character’s appearances to eight episodes instead of the initial 40, stressing that no one is indispensable.

In his response, Akinola took to his Instagram page on Sunday to debunk Tolu’s claims, describing them as false. He reposted the screenshot showing his removal from the group chat and insisted he had no issues with the producers, stating that “Awon Aladun De” remains his “divine runway” in the acting profession.

He added that he had remained silent about his exit for four years out of respect for the show and its producers but was now ready to speak, promising to share details of his “sacrifices and battles” in due time.