Ijoba Lande apologises to Funke Akindele after falsely stating he was underpaid during a film project. The actor now admits his earlier statement was inaccurate.
Nollywood actor Ijoba Lande has publicly apologised to his senior colleague, Funke Akindele, following a viral video in which he claimed he was underpaid for a role on her movie set.
Earlier, Lande had shared that Funke paid him only ₦90,000 after a month-long shoot at Amen Estate. He advised aspiring actors not to idolize celebrities, stating he had learned to charge properly for roles. However, in a recent video circulating online, the actor reversed his claims, explaining that the video was edited and his statements were misunderstood.
He clarified that he was actually paid ₦190,000 and not ₦90,000, adding that after voicing his concerns about the amount, Funke adjusted the arrangement and began paying him ₦55,000 daily until the end of the project.
In a visibly emotional plea, Lande begged for forgiveness and asked the public to help him appeal to Funke, expressing fear of legal consequences.
“Please, everyone should help me beg Aunty Funke. I don’t want to go to prison. I didn’t mean to tarnish your image. The video was a cut and join. I made a mistake by saying 90k, I meant to say 190k. I was only trying to advise upcoming actors. We had an agreement before I was paid. After I complained about the 190k to her, she started paying me 55k per day till I left the location. If she sues me now, where will I get the money. Please forgive me.”
Online reactions have been swift and mixed. Some viewers believe the apology was forced due to pressure, while others think Lande should take accountability.
One user, Eddie Murphy, wrote: “This guy is obviously scared cos he has been threatened, and he doesn’t have the voice or money to fight that’s why he is changing story! Omo! It is well.”
Another, Mamachina_brand, quipped: “When did you turn to Portable?”
Wealth Closett added: “But you said you didn’t make a snap with her.”
Nimmy Homoh commented: “That was defamation of character. She should sue you; you weren’t blind before signing the agreement.”
This isn’t the first time Funke Akindele has been drawn into public drama. In 2023, a blog alleged that she influenced Mo Abudu to remove Toyin Abraham from Chief Daddy, replacing her with Kate Henshaw. Similar claims were made regarding actress Beverly Osu, reportedly saved from a similar fate by Joke Silva.
Last year, Faithia Williams also accused Funke of blocking her on Instagram, supposedly for showing support for Mercy Aigbe. Despite tensions, Funke and Iyabo Ojo reconciled after years of public disagreement, sharing a moment of peace at the 2022 AMVCA.
Also Read:Portable and Ijoba Lande Clash Over Song Highlighting Marital Troubles
