Funke Akindele faces backlash over alleged underpayment scandal

DDM News

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared insights on what it takes to achieve lasting success in the entertainment industry.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), She made these revelations during a recent appearance on the WithChude podcast hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo.

During the conversation, Akindele stressed that hard work and sacrifice are essential for any individual aiming for genuine, long-term success.

She emphasized the need to be willing to take on tasks others may consider too difficult or beneath them.

The actress noted that many people desire her kind of success but are unwilling to embrace the challenges it involves.

According to her, success requires intentionality, persistence, and readiness to get involved in every level of work.

She said, “A lot of people want to do what I’m doing, but I keep telling them: for you to be successful, you need to work hard. Do the dirty work.”

Akindele explained that she remains motivated by focusing on future goals rather than dwelling on her past achievements.

She added that she constantly seeks ways to improve and does not let personal grief derail her professional goals.

“I don’t allow myself to break down because of personal issues,” she said, referring to the emotional strength she relies on.

Funke Akindele is one of Nollywood’s most successful and influential personalities, with a career spanning over two decades.

She began her acting journey in the late 1990s, gaining early fame through the family television series I Need to Know.

Her breakthrough came with the comedic role of Jenifa, a character that became a cultural phenomenon and household name.

The success of Jenifa led to the development of Jenifa’s Diary, a long-running TV series loved by fans nationwide.

She has since transitioned into producing and directing, creating blockbuster films that have broken records at the Nigerian box office.

In 2020, her film Omo Ghetto: The Saga became the highest-grossing Nollywood movie at the time.

In 2022, she surpassed her own record with Battle on Buka Street, which grossed over ₦640 million in cinemas.

Both films cemented her status as a box office powerhouse and a master of commercial storytelling.

Despite her remarkable success, Akindele recently faced criticism from skitmaker Ganiyu Kehinde Morufu, popularly known as Ijoba Lande.

Lande took to social media last Friday, accusing Akindele of underpaying him for a role in one of her film projects.

He alleged that he was paid a meagre ₦90,000 after working on her set for an entire month.

Lande claimed that Akindele contacted him via social media after enjoying one of his comedy skits.

Overwhelmed by the opportunity to work with a major figure like Akindele, he accepted the role without discussing payment terms.

He said he saw the role as a big break and didn’t consider financial negotiations necessary at the time.

However, he later expressed disappointment, saying the amount paid did not reflect the level of work and time invested.

In his viral video, Lande said he had learned his lesson and would always charge going forward.

He also stated that he would bill anyone now, “even Michael Jackson,” in future engagements.

Lande described Akindele as unapproachable during the project, claiming there was little personal interaction or mentorship.

His accusations sparked widespread debate online about fairness and professionalism in Nigeria’s creative industry.

While some supported Lande’s complaint, others questioned his decision to work without a clear financial agreement.

Not long after, Lande returned to social media with a follow-up video.

He clarified that he had been paid ₦190,000 and not ₦90,000 as he initially claimed.

He publicly apologized to Akindele, admitting he misrepresented the situation and did not intend to damage her image.

So far, Akindele has not issued a public response to either the accusation or the apology.

The incident has reignited conversations around fair compensation, especially for skitmakers and upcoming creators transitioning into mainstream entertainment.

Many observers argue that established producers must offer better support and transparent agreements to rising talents.

On the other hand, some believe new creatives must also understand their value and be bold in setting expectations.

Funke Akindele remains an influential figure in Nollywood and a role model to many aspiring creatives.

Her story reflects the importance of vision, sacrifice, and adaptability in building a sustainable career in entertainment.

She has proven that success is not accidental but a result of strategy, long hours, and tough decisions.

Her message about “doing the dirty work” is a reminder that nothing great comes without effort behind the scenes.

As Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues growing on a global scale, professionalism and mutual respect will be increasingly important.

The controversy may fade, but the lessons it raises around collaboration, negotiation, and accountability will linger.

Through her body of work and public image, Akindele continues to inspire others to pursue their goals with resilience.

She exemplifies that success is earned with consistency, not handed out based on talent alone.

Despite public scrutiny, Funke Akindele continues to set a standard in Nollywood with her unrelenting drive and creative output.

Her career remains a masterclass in hard work, strategic growth, and navigating fame with professionalism.

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