The controversy began when Biola Bayo shared a light-hearted post lamenting the soaring cost of Aso Ebi for weddings. Diiadem, however, dropped a comment that quickly went viral, saying:
“I remember how this lady made me clean her shoes one time. I followed my stepmum to a movie set those days. I wasn’t even an actress, but she made me do it.”
According to Diiadem, the incident occurred around 2009 or 2010, when she accompanied her stepmother to a film location. At the time, she said she was still an aspiring entertainer trying to find her footing in the industry and knew Biola Bayo then as Abisola Eyin Oka.
The Beauty by AD founder said the experience left her feeling humiliated, but she chose to speak about it publicly to highlight how upcoming talents were often treated on set in the past.
“I’m not sharing this for sympathy or to drag anyone,” she said. “It was just one of those moments that shaped how I see people and respect in this industry.”
Biola Bayo, on her part, responded to the revelation with humour, posting in Yoruba:
“Ema ma tun gba mi kee!!! Ewo tun ni shoe cleaner bayi,”
which translates as, “Help me oo, how did I get into a shoe cleaner conversation?”
Her playful comeback drew mixed reactions from fans — some praised her calm response, while others empathized with Diiadem for finally speaking out about an experience that made her feel demeaned.
The exchange has since dominated conversations on social media, reigniting discussions about respect, hierarchy, and the treatment of younger actors in Nollywood.
While neither party has made further comments, the episode offers a glimpse into the power dynamics that often exist behind the glamour of the Nigerian movie industry — and how memories from those early years can resurface long after fame and success.