Iyabo Ojo Says FAAN Video Was Not Political and Done for Free
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has clarified that her recent video praising improvements at the airport was not politically motivated and that she was not paid for it. The video, which went viral online, showed her highlighting changes made by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), especially at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In the clip shared on her Instagram page, Ojo praised the renovation of Terminal 1 and the comfort and beauty of Terminal 2 at the airport. She also commended the professionalism of FAAN’s protocol team, saying she was proud of the progress being made in Nigeria. However, the post quickly sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users questioning her intentions.
The reactions were influenced by Ojo’s previous political stance. During the 2020 #EndSARS protests, she was openly critical of the government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC). She also publicly supported Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election. Because of this history, some social media users suggested that her latest video appeared to support the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Amid the controversy, FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, addressed the claims directly. In a post on her verified X account, Kuku stated that Iyabo Ojo was not appointed as a brand ambassador and was not awarded any contract by FAAN. She explained that the actress was only asked to help raise awareness about recent improvements at the airport while filming a movie scene there, and that no financial incentive was involved.
Responding to the backlash, Ojo also took to Instagram to explain her position. She said she acted out of patriotism and not politics. According to her, when she sees positive development in the country, such as upgraded airports, improved roads, and better systems, she feels proud and wants to speak about it.
She further revealed that she had received approval to shoot her movie project at the airport when FAAN requested that she help amplify the visible changes. Ojo insisted that she agreed to do so without payment, stressing that there was no contract and no hidden agenda behind her action.
The actress emphasised that she supports progress, not political parties. She said she would praise any government if it delivers good results, adding that her loyalty remains with Nigeria rather than with any political group. Ojo also noted that she is open to working with any political party if the goal is to build a better future for the country.
The incident has once again highlighted how closely celebrities’ actions are watched in Nigeria’s politically sensitive environment. While some critics remain sceptical, Ojo maintains that her decision was based purely on national pride and a desire to encourage visible improvements in public institutions.
