The Nigerian entertainment and social media space is buzzing again, and this time, it’s a clash between Nollywood and the culinary world. Popular actress Wumi Toriola has openly called out celebrity food blogger Chef T, the face behind Diary of a Kitchen Lover, for allegedly ignoring her request for a collaboration.
The drama unfolded on social media, where Toriola shared receipts of her attempts to reach out to Chef T, but instead of a response, she claims she was met with silence. Fans have since taken sides in the ongoing debate, with many questioning whether influencers and celebrities should be obligated to support one another or if they have the right to be selective with collaborations.
Toriola Confronts Chef T on Instagram
In a now-viral Instagram post, Toriola did not hold back her feelings. She posted a screenshot of a private chat from August 2024, where she had reached out to Chef T for a potential collaboration. However, the actress claims that her message was deliberately ignored by the famous food influencer.
Expressing her disappointment, Toriola wrote:
“@diaryofakitchenlover feels like she does not need anyone again, na only she grow her grow. Shey na December me sef come out?”
This statement appears to suggest that Chef T has become less inclined to collaborate with others as her brand grows, which many in the industry see as an unfair approach.
Toriola’s post has since sparked major conversations across social media platforms, with fans, fellow celebrities, and influencers weighing in on the situation.
Did Funke Akindele Just Unfollow Chef T?
Interestingly, this controversy comes just hours after award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele unfollowed Chef T on Instagram. Reports suggest that Akindele’s decision may be linked to a similar issue—allegedly, Chef T failed to promote Funke’s latest movie, which led to speculations about the food blogger’s unwillingness to support others in the entertainment space.
Although Akindele has not publicly addressed her decision, eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed the move, further fueling the conversation. This raises questions about whether Chef T is intentionally distancing herself from certain figures in the entertainment industry or simply choosing not to engage in collaborations outside her niche.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Celebrities
As expected, social media users are divided over the situation. Some argue that Chef T, as a successful influencer, has the right to be selective about whom she collaborates with, while others believe that once someone reaches a certain level of influence, they should actively support and uplift others in their industry.
Here’s what some fans had to say:
🔥 “Chef T doesn’t owe anyone collaboration. If she doesn’t want to work with someone, that’s her choice. Why must people feel entitled?” – @NaijaGistLover
🔥 “If someone reaches out for a collab, the least you can do is respond. Ignoring messages is just rude, period!” – @LagosTrends
🔥 “Funke unfollowing her and now this drama with Wumi? Something is not right here. Chef T, talk your side abeg!” – @MovieGistHub
While many are demanding a response from Chef T, the food blogger has remained silent on the issue, leaving fans to speculate about her reasons for not engaging with Toriola’s request.
Is This a Pattern or Just a Coincidence?
With both Wumi Toriola and Funke Akindele making moves that suggest Chef T may not be as collaborative as she once was, some social media users are starting to wonder if this is a one-off situation or a growing trend among influencers who reach a certain level of fame.
In the Nigerian entertainment industry, collaboration has always played a key role in growing brands, building communities, and promoting projects. However, as some influencers and celebrities gain more recognition, they may choose to be more exclusive about their partnerships.
But should this exclusivity come at the cost of ignoring colleagues? Or is it simply a case of personal preference?
What’s Next? Will Chef T Respond?
So far, Chef T has not issued any public response regarding the accusations from Wumi Toriola or the unfollowing incident with Funke Akindele. However, fans are eager to see if she will eventually break her silence and clarify her stance on collaborations and social media engagement.
Until then, the debate rages on: Should influencers and celebrities be expected to collaborate and support each other, or do they have the right to be selective?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s discuss.
