Dara, the estranged wife of popular comedian and skit maker Kehinde Ganiyu, better known as Ijoba Lande, has made serious allegations against her ex-husband, accusing him of being a compulsive gambler and physically abusive throughout their marriage.
In an interview with Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo on Friday, Dara also dismissed claims that she had been unfaithful, challenging Ijoba Lande to provide evidence for his allegations that she had been involved with multiple men.
Allegations of Gambling and Neglect
Recounting her experiences, Dara revealed that her relationship with Ijoba Lande was plagued by financial struggles, largely due to his addiction to online betting.
“He plays Aviator (online betting) a lot, and that habit has cost him millions. He even sold his car just to place bets. He was always glued to his phone, and I later discovered that he spent most of his time on those betting platforms rather than paying attention to me,” she stated.
According to her, this financial irresponsibility often left her struggling to make ends meet, to the extent that she had to buy food on credit while living with him. Despite her sacrifices, she claimed that Ijoba Lande failed to provide for her and regularly subjected her to physical abuse due to his short temper.
Marygold’s Role in the Separation
Dara also pointed fingers at Marygold, Ijoba Lande’s manager and her former friend, as a major factor in the breakdown of their marriage.
“Our problems worsened when Marygold refused to pay her contribution in a monthly savings scheme. The plan was for each person to contribute ₦100,000 to a total pool of ₦1 million. When it was her turn, she collected the money, but when it came to my turn, she defaulted. Anytime I confronted her, Ijoba Lande would take her side and ask me to leave her alone because she was broke,” Dara alleged.
Feeling betrayed and unsupported, she eventually decided to walk away from the marriage, adding that she left all her belongings, including her clothes, behind.
Truth or Dare Scandal and Baba Tee’s Involvement
Addressing the controversial “Truth or Dare” game that took place at the residence of Yoruba Nollywood actor Babatunde Tayo, popularly known as Baba Tee, Dara admitted she was intoxicated and unaware of some of the events that transpired.
“I regret participating in the game. Marygold was the one who initiated it for reasons best known to her. I was drunk at the time, and while I don’t recall everything that happened, I do remember sitting on Baba Tee’s legs,” she explained.
However, she denied the allegations that she had engaged in any inappropriate activities during the game and challenged Ijoba Lande to release any evidence he claimed to have.
The controversy surrounding Ijoba Lande and Dara’s marriage continues to unfold, with both parties making counter-accusations. While Dara has accused her ex-husband of neglect, gambling addiction, and domestic violence, Ijoba Lande has yet to respond publicly to her latest claims.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether either party will provide further evidence to substantiate their allegations.
