A number of Nollywood actors made the headlines in the outgoing year for reasons not related to acting.
Death rumours, defamation, break-up, child molestation and sex scandals were some of the issues that dominated the industry.
A list released by Google shows that five males and five females make the top 10 Nollywood actors in 2021.
10 Alexx Ekubo
Alexx Ekubo proposed to his girlfriend Fancy Acholonu in May after years of dating.
The proposal took place in Los Angeles, USA in the presence of select friends.
In a bizarre twist, Fancy unfollowed the 35-year-old on Instagram in August and rumours of their break-up started spreading like wildfire.
Fancy, thereafter, confirmed the split in an Instagram post, saying everybody should live in their truth.
9 Nancy Isime
Nancy Isime has become one of the most sought-after TV hosts and actors in Nigeria.
The 29-year-old became a subject of controversy after some fans suggested that she should replace Ebuka Obi-Uchendu as host of Big Brother Naija.
She was also one of the suggested anchors for The Gulder Ultimate Search.
8 Jim Iyke
The Nollywood ‘bad boy’ made headlines in August after beating up his colleague Uche Maduagwu who questioned his source of wealth and alleged that he was wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The 45-year-old also trended for the release of his directorial debut Bad Comments.
7 Nafisat Abdullahi
Nafisat Abdullahi is an actress, producer, photographer and content creator.
The 30-year-old is also the founder and chief executive of NAF Cosmetics.
Like fellow Kannywooder, Rahama Sadau, Nafisat regularly shares glam pictures of herself on social media.
6 Olu Jacobs
The 79-year-old was the victim of constant death rumours on social media because of his age and health challenges.
His wife, Joke Jacobs in an interview with Chude Jideonwo confirmed the actor was suffering from dementia.
The revelation came days after Olu Jacobs was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
5 Iyabo Ojo
Iyabo Ojo made headlines for supporting comedian Princess who alleged that actor Baba Ijesha sexually molested her teenage foster child.
In a series of videos posted on Instagram. Iyabo vowed among other things, to sell all she has to ensure that Baba Ijesha is punished.
The 43-year-old mother of two also had another moment in the spotlight after accusing her colleague Funke Akindele of sponsoring negative reviews on Toyin Abraham’s movie The Ghost and the Tout Too.
Tonto Dikeh, the queen of controversy, is at number 4.
Tonto Dikeh made headlines in September and October over her messy break-up with Prince Kpokpogri.
The 36-year-old actress accused Kpokpogri of cheating on her and being a scammer. Tonto also claimed that her ex-lover had sex tapes with the women he slept with including that of dancer Janemena.
Unimpressed by the manner her name was dragged into the controversy, Janemena threatened to sue Tonto for defamation, demanding the sum of N500 million as compensation for the damages done to her name. Tonto’s former friend Bobrisky also shaded her on several occasions.
3 Pere
Pere was one of the contestants in Big Brother Naija 2021. During his time on the show, he had several fights with season six winner Whitemoney.
The 39-year-old was nicknamed The General due to his bossy nature.
After the show ended, Pere was cast as Aminu Garba on the TV series The Men’s Club, replacing actor Ayoola Ayolola who played the role.
At number 2 is Zubby Michael
Zubby Michael made headlines in July after he claimed to be the biggest and richest actor in Nigeria.
The 36-year-old made the claim in an interview with Broadway TV.
Zubby is known for displaying his assets on social media.
The actor was among those who attended socialite Obi Cubana mother’s funeral in Oba, Anambra State in July.
The number one spot belongs to self-acclaimed drama doll Destiny Etiko
Destiny Etiko made headlines in November after another actress Luchy Donalds accused her of lying to her fans and followers that her tummy and backside are natural.
According to Luchy, Destiny went under the knife to enhance her figure.
This came after Destiny shaded Luchy on Instagram calling her designer bags ’empty’.
In August, Destiny acquired a new house to celebrate her birthday.
The 32-year-old also acquired an SUV, which some critics claim was paid for by a sugar daddy.
