Nigerian comic actor and content creator, Ijoba Lande, has issued a formal apology to Nollywood star Funke Akindele, following a viral video where he allegedly claimed he was paid just ₦90,000 for his role in one of her movies. The video, which sparked outrage among fans and stirred controversy across social media, was later confirmed by Lande to be “edited out of context.”
In a new Instagram live session, Ijoba Lande addressed the public directly, stating that he never intended to tarnish Funke Akindele’s reputation. He explained that his comment was misconstrued and misrepresented by certain bloggers looking to generate clickbait content. According to him, the original video was longer and included a detailed explanation, which was deliberately cropped to mislead the public.
Understanding the Context Behind Ijoba Lande’s Viral Video
The original footage that triggered the controversy came from a comedy skit-turned-interview format, where Lande was discussing the challenges of acting and content creation in Nigeria. During the conversation, he mentioned being paid ₦90,000 for a movie role, without initially naming the project or the producer involved.
However, once edited, the video appeared to directly implicate Funke Akindele, one of Nollywood’s most influential filmmakers, suggesting she underpaid Lande for his efforts. This misrepresentation quickly gained traction, drawing harsh criticism towards Akindele and triggering debates on fair remuneration for actors in the Nigerian film industry.
Funke Akindele’s Track Record of Supporting Emerging Talents
Funke Akindele, known for blockbuster productions like Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Battle on Buka Street, has long held a reputation for mentoring and uplifting up-and-coming talents in Nollywood. Many actors, including Toyin Abraham and Lateef Adedimeji, have publicly praised her professionalism and generosity in past collaborations.
Ijoba Lande’s insinuated claims sparked disbelief among her fans, with several industry colleagues stepping up to defend her integrity. Veteran actors called out the dangers of misinformation, particularly how viral clips can distort reality and ruin reputations in seconds.
Ijoba Lande Speaks Out: “That’s Not What I Meant”
In his latest apology, Ijoba Lande took full responsibility for not addressing the viral clip sooner. He stated, “The video was edited out of context. That’s not what I meant. I never intended to call out Funke Akindele or disrespect her. She’s a good person who has supported many of us in this industry.”
He further emphasized that the ₦90,000 figure was part of a larger context discussing passion over profit in the early stages of an actor’s career. Lande admitted he was overwhelmed by the backlash and decided to come forward to clear the air and protect Akindele’s name from further defamation.
The Dangerous Power of Misinformation in the Digital Age
This incident highlights the growing issue of content manipulation in Nigeria’s digital landscape. Viral videos can easily be edited and taken out of context, leading to misinterpretations that damage reputations and sow unnecessary discord. For celebrities like Funke Akindele, whose public image plays a critical role in her brand, such misinformation can lead to major setbacks.
Social media analysts and digital rights activists are now calling for increased accountability among content creators and bloggers who profit from misleading headlines and edited clips. The push for ethical journalism and content integrity is gaining momentum as more individuals fall victim to viral misinformation.
A Lesson for the Entertainment Industry: Communication is Key
Ijoba Lande’s quick apology and transparent explanation have been praised by many as a step in the right direction. Fans believe his actions highlight the importance of taking responsibility and clarifying misunderstandings, especially in an industry where public perception can make or break a career.
As the dust settles, this incident serves as a reminder for actors and creators to be mindful of their words and how easily their messages can be misinterpreted. It also reiterates the role of media consumers in fact-checking and seeking full context before jumping to conclusions.
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