A member of the family of popular actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, has defended him against allegations surrounding the eviction of his estranged wife, Omotayo Sanusi, popularly known as Iyan Aladuke, from a Lagos property.
The eviction, which recently sparked widespread reactions on social media, followed claims that the actor abandoned his former partner and left her homeless.
However, a family member, Mrs Taiwo Abdulmalik, dismissed the allegations, describing the development as a bank-driven recovery process rather than a deliberate action by Adebayo.
Abdulmalik explained that the property in question was acquired through a bank loan solely by the actor and that foreclosure proceedings were initiated after challenges arose in servicing the facility.
According to her, Sanusi was fully aware of the loan arrangement and had been informed months earlier that the bank would eventually take over the property.
“She knew the house was bought with a loan and that the bank was coming for recovery. The property belongs to Femi alone, and he is still paying heavy principal and interest,” Abdulmalik said.
She stated that immediately the bank took possession of the property, Adebayo ensured that Sanusi, members of her family living with her and her staff were relocated to a short-let apartment, which he reportedly paid for.
“He made sure she, her family members and staff were moved to a short-let apartment and settled all the expenses,” she said.
Abdulmalik added that the actor further encouraged his estranged wife to secure another apartment, assuring her of financial support regardless of the cost.
“He told her to look for a house to rent and promised to pay for it, no matter how expensive,” she said.
She also revealed that in 2022, Adebayo allegedly purchased a parcel of land beside Sanusi’s shop on Muritala Muhammed Way and registered it in her name as a form of financial backup.
According to Abdulmalik, the actor was surprised to later learn that the land had been sold shortly after the bank foreclosure.
“He bought that land to serve as her backup. It came as a shock to him when she later told him she had sold it and spent the money,” she said.
Addressing claims that Adebayo neglected his responsibilities, Abdulmalik maintained that the actor has continued to provide monthly upkeep for their son and remains actively involved in his welfare.
She further disclosed that Adebayo reportedly spent about $50,000 last year on medical treatment for his son in India.
“He spent close to $50,000 to take his son to India for medical treatment last year. He does not talk about these things because he is a private family man,” she said.
Abdulmalik appealed to the public to avoid hasty judgments, noting that the narrative circulating online did not reflect the full story.
“No one wishes for a broken marriage. It is unfortunate, but the story being told about him is not the complete truth,” she said.
When contacted for her reaction, Sanusi declined to comment, describing the issue as a private family matter.
“It’s personal. I have never granted an interview on it and I don’t intend to start now. People are free to say whatever they like,” she said.
