Nigeria for the longest time has battled with the idea of inclusion. In almost any industry, there is an imbalance in female representation, raising issues of inclusion. Thankfully we are witnessing a shift in this paradigm across certain industries, no one more prevalent than the Nigerian movie industry; Nollywood.

Funke Akindele remains a prime example of Nollywood ingenuity. Having started her career in the 1990s, Funke as an actress who took on small roles moved her career to the peak in 2008, after taking on the role of Jenifa, in the movie Jenifa.

Jenifa was a huge success, and the actress had the idea to ride that wave. She created a TV series based off the movie, titled Jenifa’s Diary. This in turn was an even bigger success, as she has since then, gone on to star in multiple blockbuster movies like Chief Daddy and Moms at War. She would make her director’s debut in the movie Your Excellency in 2019.

Another decorated actress is the Nigerian Movie industry is Toyin Abraham, who began her acting career around 2003, and has since then been on the cast of a number of block buster movies, including; Okafor’s Law, Elevator Baby, Bling Lagosians, amongst others.

Toyin Abraham has been on our screen since 2003 and she is still here
She is underrated…she is better than some A list so called actress
She is a queen in her league??? pic.twitter.com/i9ZV3cGi7t

— OLAYINKA OF LAGOS????❤ (@prettyyinkah) July 8, 2020

These two talented ladies began their acting career in the Yoruba movie industry and have in recent times, taken on comedic roles, which explains perhaps why people took to Twitter to compare them.

It began earlier in the day when Toyin Abraham was the subject of discussion. Majorly, people spoke about how talented she is, and her contributions to the movie industry thus far.

What made me fall in love with Toyin Abraham was her role in The Ghost and Tout movie.
I absolutely love that woman's energy >>>>>>

— Queen vee?? (@Mar_vee1) July 8, 2020

Let’s not forget that Toyin Abraham acted Elevator baby while she was HEAVILY pregnant.
Put some respect on her name biko!!

— MOTARA?????? (@motaraaaa) July 8, 2020

Not too long after, Funke Akindele’s fans decided to bring her into the mix, and it became a question of who is better.

Jenifa movie became the subject of "Ayetoro town" series on YouTube

Every Toyin Abraham's move has been a copy of each and every step of Funke Akindele

Jenifa was a village/gheto girl trying to form big girl in the city

Yetunde (Alakada) daughter of a Poor man trying

— solarababacsp (@solarababacsp) July 8, 2020

Argue with your keyboard

Funke Akindele >>>>>>>> Toyin Abraham pic.twitter.com/7a5C1fX7vT

— YOUR STeP DADDY (@Akmon10) July 8, 2020

Some people however are not for the idea of comparing them.

You people will just come online and open your mouth waaaaah and start unnecessary comparison between Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham.
See for yourselves. pic.twitter.com/VtfaAjmJWx

— Hidden Fact (@HiddenFact3) July 8, 2020

Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele are both good ?

Y’all better don’t start this stupid argument. pic.twitter.com/4HdslaprFE

— Betty Butter?? (@roseslayers) July 8, 2020

Can't y'all just enjoy two greatness without comparing?

What's it with the Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham comparison again?

— Original Tivboy? (@iamlampson) July 8, 2020

I watched both Jennifer and Alakada and i loved the two movies, so why should i ve comparing Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham?

O wrong nau.

— Bayo (@mr_adebayo5) July 8, 2020

It is also important to note that later on, Funke Akindele trended for something more different and a bit more heartwarming.

Actress Funke Akindele has offered veteran actor, Pa James (Ajirebi) a new home after the viral story of his current house. Awesome move??❤️ pic.twitter.com/nXd5BndSnn

— Nollywood Circle (@nollycircle) July 8, 2020

The talent of both actresses speaks for itself, and as one quote says, strength invites competition. This is why star footballers, Ronaldo and Messi are always been compared to one another, and perhaps this is reason why both actresses were debated today.

However, these industry queens should be celebrated rather than compared, as both actresses have made their mark on the silver screen.