Nollywood actress Uche Jombo has responded to a controversy surrounding Femi Adebayo accepting Chioma Akpotha’s Best Lead Actress award at the AMVCA 2025, held on May 10, 2025, in Lagos. In a post on X, Uche Jombo clarified that Femi, as Chioma’s producer and director for the film Seven Doors, was the right person to accept the award on her behalf. The discussion, sparked by a user’s comment, has ignited a broader conversation about Chioma’s absence and the dynamics within the Nollywood industry, with fans expressing both support and curiosity.
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He is her producer and Director. The right person to pick it for her. https://t.co/LTjYthw5Rw
— Uche Jombo (@uchejombo) May 10, 2025
The controversy began with a post by @Timiigrey on May 10, 2025, suggesting that Uche Jombo, a close friend of Chioma Akpotha, should have accepted Chioma’s Best Lead Actress award instead of Femi Adebayo. Chioma won the award for her role in Seven Doors, beating out strong contenders like Gbubemi Ejeye, Uzoamaka Onuoha, and Bimbo Ademoye. However, Chioma was absent from the ceremony, and Femi Adebayo, along with other Seven Doors cast members, accepted the award on her behalf, leading to mixed reactions online.
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Uche Jombo addressed the criticism directly in her X post, stating, “He is her producer and Director. The right person to pick it for her.” Her response highlights the professional relationship between Femi Adebayo and Chioma Akpotha within the Seven Doors project, where Femi not only acted alongside Chioma but also played a key role in the film’s production and direction. Uche’s clarification aimed to dispel the notion that her absence from the stage was a sign of lack of support for her friend, emphasizing instead the appropriateness of Femi’s role in the moment.
Seven Doors, the film that earned Chioma her award, was a standout at the AMVCA 2025, with Femi Adebayo also winning Best Lead Actor for his role. Directed by Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, and Tope Adebayo, the movie explores the story of a king, his lineage, and his complex marital life, featuring a talented cast including Chioma Akpotha, Dele Odule, and Wumi Toriola. The film’s success underscores the collaborative effort behind its production, with Femi’s role as both a co-star and director making him a fitting representative to accept Chioma’s award. Related web content highlights Femi’s past praise for Chioma, describing her talent as “pure magic” and her energy as “unmatched.”
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The debate surrounding Chioma’s award acceptance sheds light on the dynamics of Nollywood, particularly the expectations placed on friendships and professional roles during high-profile events like the AMVCA. Uche Jombo’s response counters narratives of rivalry or lack of support, as noted in a Kemi Filani article, which reported on an X user slamming Uche for not supporting Chioma. Instead, Uche’s clarification emphasizes the importance of recognizing professional hierarchies and contributions within a project, offering a more nuanced perspective on the situation.
Uche Jombo’s defense of Femi Adebayo accepting Chioma Akpotha’s AMVCA 2025 award clarifies the professional context behind the decision, highlighting Femi’s role as her producer and director in Seven Doors. The discussion, while sparking curiosity about Chioma’s absence, ultimately underscores the collaborative spirit of Nollywood and the importance of recognizing contributions behind the scenes. As the AMVCA continues to celebrate African talent, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and camaraderie within the industry.
