Popular Nigerian actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has made a shocking revelation about his experience working on the set of Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele. The actor, known for his humorous skits and social media presence, recently disclosed that he spent an entire month working on a project for the award-winning filmmaker but was paid a sum he deemed unworthy of his efforts.

Ijoba Lande, whose real name is Ganiyu Kehinde, took to social media to express his disappointment, stating that despite dedicating a whole month to the production, he was only paid N90,000. This revelation has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and industry stakeholders, with many debating the fairness of his payment in relation to the time and effort invested.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Ijoba Lande lamented about the treatment he received while working under Funke Akindele’s production. According to him, he had initially expected a better remuneration considering the reputation of the filmmaker and the level of work he put in. However, his expectations were dashed when he received a payment that was significantly lower than he anticipated.

“I worked on Funke Akindele’s set for a whole month, and she didn’t even pay me up to N150,000. I was paid N90,000. It’s really heartbreaking because I put in my best and dedicated my time to the work,” he said.

His statement has since ignited a debate among Nollywood enthusiasts, with many questioning the compensation system within the industry. Some argue that actors should negotiate their pay before agreeing to work on a project, while others believe that established filmmakers should be more considerate in their payment structures, especially for actors who are not yet at the peak of their careers.

Funke Akindele, one of Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers, is known for her blockbuster movies and hit television series. She has built a reputation for delivering quality content and creating opportunities for upcoming actors. However, Ijoba Lande’s claim has put her in the spotlight, raising concerns about the treatment of actors and crew members working under her.

Reactions to Ijoba Lande’s revelation have been mixed. While some fans expressed sympathy for him, others criticized him for publicly calling out a filmmaker of Funke Akindele’s stature. Some believe that he should have addressed the issue privately instead of taking it to social media.

“You should have discussed this with her directly instead of bringing it online. This could affect your chances of getting more jobs in the industry,” one social media user commented.

However, others defended Ijoba Lande, stating that it is important to speak out against unfair treatment in the industry. They argued that low pay has been a major issue in Nollywood, with many actors and crew members allegedly receiving poor compensation despite the success of the films they work on.

“This is exactly why people are leaving Nollywood for social media content creation. The industry needs to do better in paying actors what they deserve,” another user wrote.

Some also pointed out that without knowing the full details of the contract between Ijoba Lande and Funke Akindele’s production team, it is difficult to judge the situation fairly. They argued that if he had agreed to the terms before taking the job, then he should not complain after the work was done.

As the discussion continues to gain traction online, industry insiders have weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements before any project begins. A Nollywood producer, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that actors must ensure they negotiate properly before accepting any role.

“In Nollywood, there is always a need for proper negotiation. Many times, actors accept roles without asking about payment details, and when they eventually get paid, they become dissatisfied. It is crucial to have everything documented to avoid conflicts like this,” the producer said.

Meanwhile, Funke Akindele has not publicly responded to Ijoba Lande’s claims. The filmmaker, who has a track record of mentoring and supporting upcoming talents in the industry, is yet to address the controversy, leaving many wondering what her side of the story might be.

This is not the first time a Nollywood actor has come forward with complaints about payment issues. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of actors and crew members being underpaid or even unpaid after working on movie sets. The issue has remained a contentious one, with calls for better financial structures to ensure fair compensation for all involved in film productions.

Ijoba Lande’s revelation has once again brought the topic to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges many actors face in the industry. While some believe that actors should accept whatever pay they are offered to gain experience and exposure, others insist that fair compensation should be a priority, especially for productions led by high-profile filmmakers.

As Nollywood continues to grow and gain international recognition, conversations about fair pay, contracts, and the welfare of actors and crew members will remain relevant. Whether or not this controversy will lead to changes in the industry is yet to be seen, but it has certainly sparked an important dialogue about payment structures and treatment in Nollywood.

For now, Ijoba Lande’s outcry has drawn attention to a recurring issue, and many will be watching to see if Funke Akindele or her team will issue a response. Until then, the debate continues, with differing opinions on whether the actor was right to publicly call out the filmmaker or if he should have handled the matter differently.