Actor Ijoba Lande has found himself at the center of a Nollywood controversy that culminated in a dramatic public apology to filmmaker Funke Akindele. The emotional scene played out on Instagram Friday, where a visibly distraught Lande prostrated himself—a significant gesture of respect and remorse in Yoruba culture—while pleading for forgiveness over a viral video that allegedly misrepresented his comments about payment for his work on Akindele’s production.
“Please help me. I don’t want to end up in jail. Help me beg Funke Akindele,” Lande implored tearfully in his Instagram post, which quickly garnered attention across Nigerian social media platforms. His emotional appeal suggested fears of potential legal consequences from the influential producer and director.
At the heart of the controversy is a video that circulated widely showing Lande apparently criticizing the payment he received for his role in “My Siblings and I,” a popular Nigerian series produced by Akindele’s production company. According to Lande, the viral clip had been maliciously edited to misrepresent his original statements, creating a narrative that portrayed Akindele in a negative light.
In his clarification, the actor explained that he had initially mentioned earning ₦190,000 for a month-long role on the show in 2022, but a verbal slip made it sound like ₦90,000—the version that subsequently went viral and sparked outrage among fans and industry insiders. This edited clip reportedly omitted crucial context and corrections that Lande claims he made immediately after his verbal error.
“The version going around is not the original. It was manipulated,” he stated emphatically in his apology video. “I never intended to damage her reputation. She’s never wronged me.”
Lande’s emotional plea highlighted the power dynamics at play in Nollywood, where established producers like Akindele wield significant influence. His prostration—a traditional gesture reserved for showing utmost respect to elders or authority figures in Yoruba culture—underscored the severity with which he viewed the situation and his desperation to make amends.
The actor also revealed previously unknown details about Akindele’s response when she discovered his original payment arrangement. According to Lande, far from exploiting him, Akindele actually intervened to increase his compensation once she became aware of his pay rate.
“She asked what I was earning and was shocked. She said, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’ Then she arranged for my daily pay to be increased to ₦55,000 or ₦65,000,” he recounted, adding another layer to the narrative that contrasted sharply with the impression created by the edited video.
This controversy comes at a time when discussions about fair compensation in Nollywood have gained traction, with many actors and crew members advocating for more transparent payment structures and better working conditions. Lande clarified that his original intention was to contribute to this broader conversation about industry standards rather than targeting Akindele specifically.
“Aunty Funke, please forgive me. I never meant harm. If you have me arrested, it would mean you just want to punish me because I’m not against you. I’m begging from the bottom of my heart,” he concluded, using the respectful term “Aunty” commonly employed in Nigerian culture when addressing an older or more established colleague.
The incident sheds light on the growing impact of social media on celebrities’ reputations and careers in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Edited or misleading content can rapidly spread across platforms, potentially damaging relationships and professional standing before individuals have an opportunity to provide context or clarification.
Funke Akindele, who rose to prominence through her role in the sitcom “Jenifa” and has since become one of Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers, had not publicly responded to Lande’s apology at the time of reporting. Known for her business acumen and professional approach to filmmaking, Akindele has built a reputation for running structured productions that have launched or elevated the careers of numerous actors.
Industry observers note that this public controversy illustrates the complex relationships between established producers and actors in Nollywood. While the industry continues to grow in global recognition and production quality, issues surrounding contracts, payment structures, and professional communication remain areas for potential improvement.
The viral nature of the controversy also highlights how easily information can be manipulated in the digital age. What began as a discussion about industry compensation quickly transformed into a personal conflict that threatened Lande’s relationship with one of the industry’s most powerful figures.
Fellow Nollywood practitioners have weighed in on the situation, with many emphasizing the importance of private conversations rather than public discussions when it comes to sensitive matters like compensation. Some have suggested that Lande’s original comments, even if misrepresented, might have been better addressed through established channels rather than in public forums where context can be lost.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Nollywood’s evolution into a more structured industry. As productions grow in scale and budget, the sector has seen increased calls for standardized contracts, transparent payment structures, and clearer communication between producers and talent.
For now, Ijoba Lande’s public prostration and emotional plea have placed the ball firmly in Akindele’s court. Whether this public apology will be sufficient to resolve the situation remains to be seen, but it has certainly captured the attention of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and highlighted ongoing conversations about communication, compensation, and professional relationships in Nollywood.
As the industry continues to mature, many hope that clearer standards and more robust professional practices will help prevent similar misunderstandings in the future, allowing Nigeria’s vibrant film industry to focus on its creative output rather than internal controversies.
