Controversial Nollywood actor Ganiyu Kehinde Morufu, widely known as Ijoba Lande, has come forward to set the record straight after sparking outrage with a previous claim about popular actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele.
The actor had initially alleged that he was paid a meager N90,000 for working on one of Akindele’s film projects for a full month—a statement that quickly drew attention and criticism from fans and industry watchers alike.
However, in a new video posted on Friday, Ijoba Lande clarified that the amount he received was actually N190,000, not N90,000, admitting there had been a significant mix-up in his earlier account of the events.
According to Lande, the confusion stemmed from a poorly edited video in which he made the original claim. He explained that the video, which circulated widely online, did not reflect the full context of his statement and failed to include the part where he corrected the amount.
Speaking in Yoruba, he addressed the situation with deep regret, stating, “Funke Akindele gave me N190,000, not N90,000. Please help me to beg aunty Funke.” He continued by explaining that the version of the video most people saw was not the complete footage, but rather a snippet that captured only his mistake, leaving out the important correction he later made.
Visibly remorseful, the actor used the opportunity to publicly apologize to Funke Akindele for any damage his earlier statement may have caused to her reputation. “Aunty Funke, there was a mix-up in my earlier video. The video was cut-and-join,” he pleaded.
“Please, forgive me. I don’t want to go to jail. I didn’t mean to defame you.” His apology seemed to come from a place of both fear and accountability, as he acknowledged the weight of his words and the unintended consequences that arose from the miscommunication.
The entire ordeal has underscored the importance of clarity and responsibility, especially in an age where digital content can be easily manipulated or misunderstood.
Ijoba Lande’s retraction has sparked mixed reactions online, with some applauding him for owning up to his mistake and others questioning the initial motive behind the misleading statement. The incident also serves as a cautionary tale for public figures who use social media platforms to voice grievances or share sensitive information without thoroughly fact-checking or considering the full impact.
As for Funke Akindele, the actress has yet to publicly respond to the apology. However, many hope that the situation will be resolved amicably and that lessons will be learned on all sides—particularly about the power of narrative, the responsibility of content creators, and the importance of seeking truth over clout.
