•Iyabo Ojo
Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has officially tendered an unreserved apology to her co-reality stars, Laura Ikeji and Faith Morey.
The controversial mother of two, took to her Instagram page to clear the air with a heartfelt apology to her fans who also felt disappointed with her behaviour on the hit reality show, Real Housewives of Lagos.
Denouncing any form of bullying, Iyabo said she has remained the same person over the years and stands for justice and fairness.
She revealed that one of her main goals of starring on a reality TV show was to entertain everyone and give them a show worthy of their time and she achieved her aim.
However, in the midst of it all, she admitted that she offended some people with her behaviour, which connotes attributes of bullies.
She stated that her love and support for the late singer Mohbad is dear to her heart and has no regret fighting for him, but finds it hard that people likened her behaviour on the show to her support for him.
Iyabo penned a short note to her kids as well as her lover, Paulo Okoye for his unwavering support.
She wrote: “I Iyabo Ojo, I am the same person at my core that you have always known over the years. I stand for justice and fairness. One of my main goals of starring on a reality TV show was to entertain everyone and give you all a show worthy of your time. I made sure that drama was the centrepiece of the show. In the midst of that drama, I may have offended some people and displayed some behaviours that are certain attributes of bullies. For that, I am truly sorry to all that I have offended.
“I emphatically reject all forms of bullying. I have never bullied anyone in my day-to-day life nor condoned bullying in any form. For me to bully, is to continuously denigrate, hurt, and cause harm to others, and that is not me. Stepping on that dress on the show was a way to get talking points for the show for entertainment purposes, and we succeeded. No harm was meant.
“Justice for the fallen singer Mohbad is something very dear to me and dear to millions of people around the world. I have no regrets, about being in this fight for him and his family. With this, I find myself dragged and people capitalizing and even belittling the gravity of the situation by equating it to a show. This is real life!
“People who know me are aware that I give my all and last dime to people behind the scenes. I take care, nurture, and uplift others as much as I can. To read my daughter’s post, @its.priscy online broke my heart to even imagine the burden it must be for her and her brother to be dragged online just because of me. That moved me as a mother. I want them to know that I will give the world to them.
“To my man Obim @pauloo2104, I love and respect how solid you are. Thank you for your unwavering support for me and for reminding me of my core values. You and I are ONE.
“Finally, just as we can learn to live together in peace when we agree, we can also learn to be cordial in our differences towards each other”.
Recall that Iyabo had reacted to the heavy cry she received over her dispute with Faith Morey on Real Housewives of Lagos Season 2.
The movie star noted how many were comparing a reality show to real-life situations using Mohbad as an example, and revealed that she had apologised to Faith in private.
Defending her behaviour, Iyabo stated that reality shows are edited to suit a certain narrative, as she noted how everyone can’t play the victim, enabler, or peacemaker.
Her statement didn’t sit well with Faith Morey, who called her out for her lies and exposed the actress, and the two traded words online.
A heavily pregnant Laura Ikeji had also slammed the movie star, revealing that the respect she once had for Iyabo as an idol has been diminished.
She further called her out for her bullying behaviour.
Hitting back at her, Iyabo slammed Laura for playing the victim, pointed out how her blogger sister, Linda Ikeji is the Queen of Bullies, and recounted the lies the famous blogger wrote about her.
In a later post, Ojo lashed out at the producers of the reality show, stating that she had been trying to hold herself so that everyone could enjoy the show, but couldn’t hold it any longer
Calling out the production team, she slammed them for their cut and joined which she considers irritating, and questioned why they cut out a particular scene which led up to her outburst.