Shining a light on Africa’s rise 💹
Actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has recorded a major box office milestone with her latest film, Return of Arinzo, which grossed ₦104.8 million during its opening weekend. The film emerged as the top-performing title over the Easter period, setting new records for both the highest-grossing Easter weekend release and the biggest debut for a Nollywood …
Actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has recorded a major box office milestone with her latest film, Return of Arinzo, which grossed ₦104.8 million during its opening weekend.
The film emerged as the top-performing title over the Easter period, setting new records for both the highest-grossing Easter weekend release and the biggest debut for a Nollywood sequel.
Ojo announced the achievement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), thanking audiences for their support and highlighting the film’s record-breaking performance.
According to the distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, the strong showing reflects a deep connection between the story and audiences across West Africa. The company noted that beyond the impressive earnings, the film’s success underscores the power of storytelling that resonates with viewers.
Return of Arinzo continues the story of the 2013 Yoruba hit Arinzo, exploring themes of crime and redemption. The sequel features a high-profile cast, including Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe, and William Benson.
The film’s performance is particularly significant given the competitive nature of the Easter release window, which typically sees multiple high-profile titles vying for audience attention.
Its Lagos premiere also generated considerable buzz online, with moments from the event—particularly involving Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham—drawing widespread social media reactions.
With its strong debut, Return of Arinzo has set a new pace for Nollywood releases in 2026, positioning itself as one of the year’s early box office successes.