Nollywood actor Ijoba Lande has issued a public apology to renowned filmmaker Funke Akindele following intense backlash over a viral video discussing his past earnings from one of her productions. The controversy erupted after a snippet of his interview circulated online, where he appeared to claim he was underpaid—a statement he now insists was misrepresented.
In an emotional Instagram video posted on Friday, the actor prostrated in a traditional Yoruba gesture of remorse, tearfully pleading for forgiveness and urging fans to intervene on his behalf.
"Please help me. Don’t let me end up in jail. Help me beg Funke Akindele," he implored, his voice trembling with distress.
The Misrepresentation Claim
Lande vehemently denied maligning Akindele’s reputation, asserting that the viral clip was selectively edited. He clarified that while he initially mentioned earning ₦90,000, he quickly corrected himself to ₦190,000—a crucial detail omitted in the circulated version.
"The video people are sharing was edited. That’s not how I originally recorded it. I never had any intention to tarnish her image. She didn’t wrong me," he explained.
Frustrated by the manipulation, he accused the editors of being *"wicked"* and begged Akindele not to pursue legal action, fearing it could devastate his career and personal life.
Context Behind the Payment Discussion
The actor revealed that his original interview was about transparency in Nollywood payments, emphasizing the need for actors to confirm fees before accepting roles. He cited his experience on Akindele’s "My Siblings and I" (2022), where he played a gateman, as an example.
"Many producers aren’t even aware of how much actors are being paid. Sometimes, production managers deduct money before paying actors," he stated.
Lande admitted signing a contract for ₦190,000 for a month’s work but stopped attending shoots when he felt the pay was insufficient. However, he claims Akindele intervened after discovering the issue.
"She asked how much I was being paid, and when I told her, she was surprised and adjusted my payment to ₦55,000–₦65,000 per day until filming ended," he recounted, portraying Akindele as supportive rather than exploitative.
A Plea for Mercy
Tearfully, Lande reiterated his apology, stressing that he harbors no resentment toward Akindele.
"Aunty Funke, I am so sorry. If you arrest me, it means you just want to send me to prison because I’m not fighting you. Please, I’m begging you."
Public Reaction
The incident has reignited debates about fair pay in Nollywood and the dangers of media manipulation. While some fans sympathize with Lande, others demand accountability for his initial statements.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on Akindele’s response—will she accept his apology or take legal action? For now, Lande’s fate hangs in the balance.
This saga underscores the power of social media in shaping narratives and the importance of verifying statements before vilifying public figures. Whether Lande’s apology suffices or further repercussions follow, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for both celebrities and content consumers.