Femi Adebayo's ex-wife, Iyanaladuke, has firmly declined a fan's request to publicly clear Funke Akindele's name, drawing a clear distinction between supporting truth and playing favorites. In a pointed response, she recalled how she once knelt out of respect for the actress and personally ensured her meals were specially prepared on set, demonstrating that she prioritised her husband's career over personal grudges, even after allegations that Akindele contributed to the breakdown of her marriage.
Fan Pressure Sparks Firm Response
The controversy erupted after Iyanaladuke issued a statement clearing actress Toyin Abraham's name regarding a specific allegation. A fan then challenged her to extend the same courtesy to Funke Akindele. Iyanaladuke reacted with disbelief: "I should clear her name because she was the one accused of assaulting someone? How do some of you think?" she wrote. "She should have been the one to clear my name, but No, she didn't."
Rather than engage in insults, Iyanaladuke highlighted her past actions. She revealed that she actively supported a professional collaboration between her then-husband, Femi Adebayo, and Funke Akindele, despite rumours that Akindele was involved in the collapse of Adebayo's first marriage. Iyanaladuke stated that she knelt as a sign of respect for Akindele on set and ensured she was served meals in a special cooler for comfort.
A Personal Reflection on Maturity
"If you were in my shoes, would you willingly allow your husband to maintain a cordial relationship with his ex?" she asked rhetorically. "Most people wouldn't. But I did, I chose maturity over resentment and put his career above my personal feelings." Iyanaladuke made clear that her post was not about defending anyone's reputation but about speaking her own truth. "We don't play favorites or blindly support anyone here. This post is not about clearing anyone's name; it's simply about stating the truth," she concluded.
Social Media Reactions Divided
The statement ignited a firestorm of reactions online, with opinions sharply divided. User @sonia_glow_haven wrote: "I didn't even know they dated and also even know she ended any relationship..... Some information isn't needed, honestly." Another user, @sucrepinky1, commented: "The audacity from her seriously, u claim u will tarnish FA name because they work together......to clear your name from what exactly."
However, some supporters rallied behind Iyanaladuke. @olubukolaelesin shared: "Speak your truth, if it will bring healing to your soul, don't let them shut you up because it involves their favorite. Speak as long as you want till you heal and move on, you are owed that much." Others were more critical: @annydebbystore observed, "Ewooooooo! Aunty you're delaying your healing oooooo? plenty Salaye no deh full basket o," while @success_omopariola_1 remarked, "This woman sef, I think she don go back home, abi which one is this internet validation."
Background of the Feud
The drama adds to a long-running saga involving the estranged couple. Iyanaladuke previously made headlines when she celebrated Femi Adebayo's birthday with a loving post, sparking reconciliation rumours. Weeks earlier, she had accused a woman of causing the breakdown of her marriage, though she later clarified that she was not the one handling her phone at the time. This latest chapter underscores the persistent tension and public scrutiny surrounding the personal lives of Nollywood stars.
