A recent uproar in Nigeria’s bustling entertainment industry has spotlighted the delicate balance between media narratives and the truth, as actor and skit maker Ijoba Lande found himself at the center of a heated controversy with Nollywood heavyweight Funke Akindele.

The drama began when Lande, whose real name is Ganiyu Kehinde Morufu, publicly stated that he received a mere ₦90,000 for a month-long role on one of Akindele’s projects back in 2022.

This claim, made during a podcast, quickly gained traction online, igniting discussions about fair compensation in Nollywood and raising eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike.

Funke Akindele, a celebrated actress and filmmaker renowned for blockbuster hits like Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Jenifa’s Diary, reportedly did not take the accusation lightly.

Known for her professionalism and contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Akindele allegedly considered legal action against Lande for defamation, as the statement painted her in a negative light, suggesting she underpaid her crew.

The threat of a lawsuit sent shockwaves through social media, with many speculating about the potential fallout for Lande’s career.

Faced with the looming possibility of legal consequences, Ijoba Lande swiftly backtracked on his initial statement. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the actor clarified that he was actually paid ₦190,000 for his role, not the ₦90,000 he had mentioned earlier.

Lande blamed the discrepancy on a “cut and join” edit of the podcast video, which he claimed misrepresented his words.

Visibly emotional, he pleaded for forgiveness from Akindele, whom he referred to as “Aunty Funke,” and urged the public to help him appeal to her mercy. “Please, I don’t want to go to jail. I didn’t mean to defame her,” Lande said, prostrating before the camera in a traditional gesture of remorse.

This incident sheds light on deeper issues within Nigeria’s entertainment industry, particularly the challenges of media accuracy and the power dynamics between established stars and up-and-coming talents.

Nollywood, often hailed as the world’s second most prolific film industry, has long grappled with issues like fair pay, contract disputes, and the impact of social media on public perception.

Lande’s situation underscores how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age, especially when fueled by edited content that distorts the truth.

Moreover, the controversy highlights the vulnerability of emerging actors who may feel pressured to speak out about their experiences but risk backlash from industry giants.

For Funke Akindele, this episode serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that comes with being a public figure in Nollywood, where every action is magnified.

As the dust settles, this saga may prompt a broader conversation about transparency, accountability, and the need for better communication between Nollywood’s veterans and its rising stars.

Watch the video via the link below:

https://x.com/Olamide0fficial/status/1908185883200700506?t=rjSJlBggGmkBlu28vgIT9g&s=19