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’.
You will also note that Juliana was absent at events and parties that held at Funke’s house in Lekki.
Funke and Juliana have also unfollowed each other on their social media accounts.
