Nigerian skit maker and actor, Cute Abiola, has denied throwing shade at veteran filmmaker Kunle Afolayan following the controversy surrounding Afolayan’s recent remarks on cinema marketing and box office earnings.

The debate began after Kunle Afolayan, in a viral interview, explained why he stepped back from producing cinema films. According to the award-winning filmmaker, the marketing process for big-screen releases has become exhausting, adding that massive box office numbers do not always translate into significant personal income for producers.

“I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it… I can’t do it. I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema that I won’t be able to personally receive N10 million from,” Afolayan said.

His comments surfaced around the same time actresses Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham were celebrating major box office milestones, sparking heated reactions online. Funke Akindele responded in a series of Instagram posts, alleging that Afolayan’s stance reflected jealousy — a claim that further fueled public debate within the Nollywood community.

Amid the tension, Cute Abiola shared a motivational message on X, advising fans to “avoid anything that will make you become an old taker.” Many social media users interpreted the post as a subtle jab at Afolayan. However, addressing the backlash, the comedian insisted that his message was not directed at the filmmaker, whom he described as a respected leader in the industry. He explained that the tweet was simply personal motivation inspired by his own reflections.

A Conversation Bigger Than One Tweet

The situation highlights how quickly social media narratives can shift, especially when respected industry figures are involved. While fans often connect unrelated comments to ongoing controversies, such assumptions can sometimes deepen misunderstandings between artistes and their audiences.

At the heart of the debate lies a larger conversation about the economics of Nollywood — balancing creative passion, financial reward, and the evolving marketing strategies needed to succeed in modern cinema.

Opinion: Nollywood’s Growth Needs Dialogue, Not Division

Beyond the headlines, this moment reflects an industry in transition. Afolayan’s remarks, whether controversial or not, open an important discussion about sustainability for filmmakers, while the achievements of Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham show the commercial strength Nollywood has gained in recent years.

Rather than viewing differing opinions as rivalry, many observers believe the industry benefits when veterans and newer creators exchange honest perspectives. Cute Abiola’s clarification also serves as a reminder of how easily online posts can be misinterpreted, especially in a space where fans are quick to take sides.

Ultimately, Nollywood’s progress may depend less on who is “right” and more on how creators support each other while navigating change. Healthy debate can inspire innovation — but unity, respect, and understanding are what truly help an industry grow stronger.