Ijoba Lande Clarifies Payment Discrepancy with Funke Akindele, Apologizes for Earlier Statement

Controversial Nollywood actor, Ganiyu Kehinde Morufu, popularly known as Ijoba Lande, has issued an apology and clarification regarding his earlier claim about actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele. In a video message released on Friday, Lande retracted his statement that Akindele paid him only N90,000 for his work on her movie set.

The actor now asserts that he was actually paid N190,000, and the confusion stemmed from a poorly edited video in which he had mentioned the lower amount. Lande admitted that his earlier video, where he claimed the payment was only N90,000, was "cut-and-join," which led to the misunderstanding.

Speaking in Yoruba, Lande offered an emotional apology to Akindele, saying, "Funke Akindele gave me N190,000, not N90,000. Please help me to beg aunty Funke. Aunty Funke, there was a mix up in my earlier video. The video was cut-and-join. I meant to say N190,000, not N90,000."

He further explained that people shared the part of the video where he made the error, but did not post the full version where he corrected himself. Lande pleaded for forgiveness, emphasizing that he did not intend to defame Akindele and was simply trying to clear the air. He concluded with, “Please forgive me. I don’t want to go to jail. I didn’t mean to defame you.”

🧐 Opinion: A Reminder of the Power of Media and Apologies

In a world where social media and viral videos can make or break reputations, Ijoba Lande's retraction sheds light on how a seemingly innocent mistake can spiral out of control. While the actor’s clarification was necessary, it raises important questions about the responsibility of both content creators and consumers of online media.

Editing and selective sharing can distort messages, making it critical for individuals, especially those in the limelight, to be cautious about how they present information. Lande’s apology is commendable, but it also serves as a reminder that intentions and context matter, particularly when accusations or statements could tarnish someone’s reputation.

💡 Why This Matters

This incident also highlights the importance of responsibility in media consumption. It's easy to jump to conclusions based on a short clip or a misrepresentation. Before sharing or reacting to any online content, it's crucial to verify the details and consider the full context, just as Lande urges the public to do.

It’s easy to forget that public figures like Funke Akindele are often targets of distorted narratives. Lande’s heartfelt apology underscores the need for accountability when such mistakes happen, and it serves as an example of how important it is to correct errors quickly to avoid long-term damage.

What do you think? Should celebrities be more careful with how they communicate in public? Or does the public hold too much power in shaping narratives? Let’s continue the conversation.