Nollywood actor Ijoba Lande accused actress Funke Akindele of underpaying him for a movie role, sparking controversy across social media.
In a now-viral video, Lande claimed he was paid a mere ₦90,000 for a full month’s work—a statement that shocked many and sparked a wave of criticism online.
A new video, a different story
On Friday, Lande released a new video, retracting his earlier claim. He admitted he was actually paid ₦190,000, not ₦90,000 as he initially stated. The actor blamed the confusion on poor video editing and claimed the original clip had been altered in a way that made him appear dishonest.
“Please help me beg Aunty Funke”
Speaking emotionally in Yoruba, Lande appealed to both Akindele and the public for forgiveness.
“Funke Akindele gave me ₦190,000, not ₦90,000,” he said. “Please help me to beg Aunty Funke. The video was a mix-up. It was cut and joined badly. The full part where I corrected myself was not shown.”
He added, “I don’t want to go to jail. I didn’t mean to defame her. I respect her a lot. I made a mistake, and I want to make it right.”
Backlash and defense
The actor’s initial claim had triggered outrage, especially from fans of Akindele. Known for her dedication to helping rising actors and promoting fair work practices, many found the accusation hard to believe. Social media users rushed to her defense, demanding evidence and questioning the timing of Lande’s comments.
Now, with the retraction out, the tide has shifted. Some are calling for more responsible content creation and urging bloggers to stop spreading unverified claims.
Misinformation and the role of editing
Lande’s clarification sheds light on the growing issue of misinformation in digital media. With videos easily edited and shared in fragments, even small mistakes can snowball into major controversies.
“This shows how dangerous half-truths can be,” one online commenter noted. “The internet runs with the first story. Nobody waits for context.”
Funke Akindele yet to respond
As of Saturday morning, Funke Akindele had not made any public comments about the retraction. Known for her calm and collected approach, many fans believe she will handle the situation with grace.
Others are encouraging her to accept the apology and move on, especially since Lande has shown clear remorse.
A cautionary tale for the industry
This incident serves as a warning for everyone in the entertainment industry. With the power of social media comes the responsibility to speak carefully and truthfully. One video, one quote, or one edited clip can damage reputations and cause unnecessary tension.
Ijoba Lande’s story reminds both creators and audiences that while it’s easy to jump to conclusions, the full truth often takes a bit longer to come out.
Conclusion: Will apology mend the rift?
Whether or not Funke Akindele chooses to forgive Ijoba Lande publicly, the actor’s apology has already shifted public opinion. It has also started a broader conversation about fairness, professionalism, and the power of apology in the age of instant information.
For now, all eyes remain on Akindele’s next move—and on how Lande handles his words going forward.
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Read Also: How Funke Akindele paid me just N90,000 after one month on set – Ijoba Lande reveals
