By Deborah Nnamdi
Toyin Abraham’s latest comedy, Oversabi Aunty, has recorded an impressive opening at the Nigerian box office, emerging as the second-highest-grossing film of the weekend and posting Nollywood’s second-biggest opening of 2025 so far.
According to Nigerian box office records, the film grossed N87.8 million during its opening weekend, with an additional N12.7 million generated from preview screenings. This brought its total opening earnings to N100.5 million, placing it behind only the top-performing Nollywood release of the year to date.
Industry observers say the strong debut reflects sustained audience appetite for locally produced commercial comedies, particularly those headlined by established box office stars. Distributors attributed the performance to strong turnout across cinemas in Nigeria and Ghana, effective pre-release marketing, and positive early audience reactions.
Oversabi Aunty centres on the character of Toun, played by Toyin Abraham, a well-meaning but overbearing church usher who believes it is her duty to “fix” everyone around her. Her constant interference gradually plunges her household into chaos, driving the humour and conflict that define the film’s storyline.
The production features a supporting cast that includes Mike Ezuruonye, Efe Irele, Queen Nwokoye, Jemima Osunde, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tana Adelana, and Toyin Afolayan. The film premiered in Lagos on November 14, with cast members and other industry stakeholders in attendance, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The latest box office showing further cements Abraham’s reputation as one of Nollywood’s most bankable stars. Analysts note that strong opening weekends are becoming increasingly critical for filmmakers as rising production and distribution costs intensify pressure to secure early returns.
Abraham’s box office appeal was also evident in her 2024 release, Alakada: Bad & Boujee, which grossed N500.3 million to become the fifth highest-grossing Nollywood film unadjusted for inflation. Released on December 20, 2024, the comedy-drama enjoyed a 13-week theatrical run, opening to N134 million in its debut week and crossing the N100 million mark within days.
Beyond acting, Abraham owns Toyin Abraham Productions and fronts the reality television show Keeping Up With Toyin Aimakhu. In 2020, she was named an ambassador for Revolution Plus Properties, underscoring her growing influence across Nigeria’s entertainment and business landscapes.
