Toyosi Etim-Effiong has finally addressed the controversy surrounding her husband, Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, and his on-screen kiss with co-star Bolaji Ogunmola.
The kiss, which appeared in a promotional clip for their upcoming romantic movie Summer Rain, sparked widespread debate on social media. Many users criticized the scene, arguing that it was inappropriate given Daniel’s marriage to Toyosi.
As the conversation gained momentum, Toyosi found herself at the center of discussions, with some even questioning how she felt about her husband’s role. However, despite the intense public reaction, she remained silent—until now.
Speaking for the first time on the matter in March 2025, Toyosi addressed the controversy during the pilot episode of her talk show. She made it clear that she was unbothered by the situation, emphasizing that she sees her husband’s work as just that—work.
Recalling how she first learned about the social media outrage, she shared, “I didn’t even know there was a conversation going on because I don’t visit those spaces. Then I got a Google alert, and someone was saying, ‘Check on Toyosi’s mental health.’ I was like, ‘What is it now?’” Her reaction, she explained, was one of amusement rather than distress.
Toyosi further elaborated on her perspective, explaining that she does not view Daniel as her husband when watching his movies but rather as an actor performing a role.
“When you or Bolaji sent me the clip, it was like watching any other movie. That’s it. It wasn’t me watching my husband; it was just me watching a scene unfold on screen. And that’s what people don’t understand. When you’re acting, I don’t see Daniel—I just see the movie. I just want to have a good time.” She even admitted to critiquing some of his past performances, stating, “How many times have I told you, ‘This movie wasn’t sweet’?”
Dispelling the notion that she closely monitors her husband’s roles or tracks his co-stars, Toyosi made it clear that she has no interest in micromanaging his career. She addressed assumptions that she obsessively follows his filmography, saying, “I don’t even watch all your movies. There’s this assumption that I sit there, watching everything you do, marking the faces of your co-stars. No! That’s not me.”
She added that she has no issue with his professional relationships, revealing that she even joked with Bolaji about the controversy. “With Bolaji, I was like, ‘How much will you pay me to promote the movie?’”
Toyosi also reaffirmed her confidence in her marriage, stating that a scripted kiss changes nothing about their relationship. She expressed her unwavering belief in their bond, saying,
“Outside is outside, and you are my husband. My God-ordained husband. Any kiss you want to kiss on screen does not change that.” Her statement reflected a deep sense of security in her relationship, dismissing any insinuations of infidelity or personal offense.
With this response, Toyosi has set the record straight, putting an end to speculations about her feelings on the matter. Her candid and lighthearted approach to the situation reinforces her stance that acting is simply a job, separate from their real-life marriage.
While social media debates may continue, Toyosi’s perspective makes it clear that she remains unfazed, choosing to focus on what truly matters—her marriage, her career, and her personal happiness.
