A family member of filmmaker Femi Adebayo has addressed social media criticism surrounding the eviction of his estranged wife, Omotayo Sanusi, popularly known as Iyan Aladuke.
Mrs Taiwo Abdulmalik, who is related to Femi, explained that the eviction from a Lagos property was due to a bank foreclosure and not an act of abandonment. She said Femi had purchased the property with a bank loan, and when repayment problems arose, the bank began recovery proceedings. “She knew Femi bought those properties with a loan and that the bank was coming for recovery. Those properties belong to him alone, and he is still paying heavy principal with interest,” Abdulmalik stated.
Abdulmalik added that once the bank took over, Femi made sure Sanusi, her family members living with her, and her staff were relocated to a short-let apartment, covering all expenses. “He immediately arranged for their move and paid for everything,” she said. She also noted that Femi encouraged Sanusi to find another rental home and promised to pay, regardless of the cost.
She further revealed that in 2022, Femi bought a parcel of land near Sanusi’s business on Muritala Muhammed Way and registered it in her name as financial support, but was later surprised when she sold the land and spent the proceeds.
Responding to claims that Femi had neglected his family, Abdulmalik emphasized that he continues to support their son, including spending about $50,000 on a medical procedure in India last year. “He has never stopped taking care of his son. He loves his children dearly and is very involved in their lives,” she said.
Sanusi, however, has disputed parts of the family’s account on social media, alleging that men with firearms came to her business during the eviction and that her elderly mother was also forced out. She said she had avoided taking the matter online but felt compelled to respond to what she described as “false information” circulating about her.
