It has been revealed that the relationship between Funke Akindele and her TV series
co-star, Toyo Baby has gone sour following a difference over money.
It is confirmed that Funke Akindele and Juliana Olayode, who plays Toyo Baby on
Jenifa’s Diary, have parted ways.
According to TNS sources, Funke Akindele removed Toyo Baby from the series over what the latter termed ‘bad pay’. The source
revealed that Toyo Baby was cut off from the popular TV series for requesting an increment in pay which didn’t go well with
Funke Akindele who feels she’s an ingrate being that Olayode rose to stardom through her appearances on the show.
Sources close to sceneOneProductions,
producers of Jenifa’s Diary, further revealed to TNS that the producer of the show, Funke Akinkele via her production manager and
younger sister – Abimbola – pays actors between N3,000 and N150,000 (per episode/season of the show) depending on the role.
An actress, who spoke to TNS under the condition of anonymity via text message, narrated how she was paid what she
termed ‘peanuts’ by Akindele’s team after being part of an all-night party scene on Jenifa’s Diary.
‘I got a text message from Sceneone Productions that I had been selected to act on Jenifa’s Diary and I will be part of a party
scene. I was so excited that I told my entire family about it.
‘Mind you, it wasn’t my 1st time acting but the feeling of being on Jenifa’s diary was a big deal for me. I was asked to come with
five different party costumes.
‘Location was Amen Estate, Eleko. After filming with over 30 girls the whole night, Funke came to address us and advice that
money shouldn’t be our priorities at this stage; that was when it occurred to me that something awkward was about to
happen….just then, the Production Manager, Mr Osmond whispered something to Funke’s sister, Abimbola and she started
paying us each 3K. Can u imagine? 3K for all night shoot!…on Jenifa’s Diary!…
‘I was so mad, some of us had to turn down the money shaa….couldn’t face my mom to
explain to her what happened the next morning.’
According to our findings, actors Lota Chukwu, Omotunde Lolo 1, Falz (who has also left the show) and Olayode are the
highest paid actors who take home N150,000 per season. The rest take home much lesser money.
Stars like Tiwa Savage, Toke Makinwa and others who have had cameo appearances
on the show reportedly got between N100,000 and N300,000 for ‘showing face’.
