Popular comedian and skit maker, Ganiyu Morufu, better known as Ijoba Lande, has spoken out about his marital troubles, alleging that his estranged wife was unfaithful.
In an interview with AYOOLA OLASUPO with Punch News, he details how their relationship deteriorated and the events leading to their separation.
From Vulcanizer to Skit Maker
Ganiyu Kehinde Morufu, originally from Osogbo in Osun State, grew up in Ilesha. Before venturing into entertainment, he worked as a vulcanizer and later moved to Port Harcourt, where he became a lottery agent. In 2010, he relocated to Mowe-Ibafo in Ogun State to pursue acting.
Breaking into Nollywood was tough, as many filmmakers overlooked him. To survive, he joined a vigilante group, leveraging his experience as a security guard. The money he earned helped him produce his first movie, Ijoba Lande, inspired by his nickname from his security work.
Marriage and Early Red Flags
Lande married his wife in November 2022 after a brief courtship of about six to seven months. They welcomed a son on November 5, 2023. Reflecting on their early days, he said he believed she was a good person but later realised she had been pretending.
“I should have been more observant. By June or July 2024, we had stopped being intimate. She always claimed hormonal issues were affecting her libido, and I believed her. I even bought supplements to help, but she always dismissed it,” he said.
Discovering the Infidelity
The skit maker claimed he remained unaware of any unfaithfulness until December 2024. “People had tried to warn me, but I refused to believe them. Eventually, I used technology to monitor her phone and discovered the truth,” he revealed.
By January 2, 2025, his wife had left their home, taking their son with her. According to Lande, she had been handling a contribution scheme and had conflicts over payments. He believes she deliberately created issues to justify leaving.
“When I went to her mother’s house, she didn’t even ask about our fight—she just handed me my son. That same day, my wife went to meet another man,” he alleged.
Threats and Confrontations
Lande also claimed he received threats from the man he accused his wife of being with. “He sent a message warning me to stay out of it, saying, ‘Your wife fell in love with a big boy, go and find money instead of talking about me.’”
Despite his accusations, he admitted he still needed a DNA test to confirm his son’s paternity, though he strongly believed the boy resembled him.
No Going Back
Though both families attempted to mediate, Lande said his wife showed no remorse. “Even in front of a DPO who called us for reconciliation, she claimed we were never married.”
While he has forgiven her, he made it clear there is no chance of reconciliation. “God forgives all sins, and I have left everything to Him. But as for taking her back, that will never happen,” he stated.
Now focusing on his career, the skit maker believes the separation is a blessing in disguise. “Since she left, things have started improving again. It hurt, but I’m glad I found out early.”
Credit: Punch News