Nigerian actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has publicly dismissed claims that the Tanzanian government sponsored her daughter Priscilla Ojo’s recent lavish wedding to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, calling out controversial media personality Mange Kimambi for spreading misinformation and trying to intimidate her family.
The wedding, which became a trending topic across Nigerian and Tanzanian social media platforms, was a cultural spectacle celebrated in both countries. But in the midst of the celebration, online controversy flared when Mange Kimambi advised the new couple—particularly Priscilla—to halt their public displays of affection on social media until after Tanzania’s elections.
Reacting strongly to the unsolicited advice, Iyabo Ojo took to Instagram to issue a scathing rebuttal. She accused Kimambi of overstepping her bounds, spreading falsehoods, and attempting to shame her daughter and her new son-in-law into social silence.
In a fiery post, Iyabo defended Priscilla’s freedom of expression and her right to share her love life online without political restrictions.
“@mangekimambi80 I’m appalled by your audacity!” she began. “Referring to my daughter and her husband in such a manner, calling their content stupid, and trying to drum fear and intimidation is unacceptable.”
Iyabo added that as a parent, she raised her daughter to be confident, fearless, and authentic. “I don’t joke with my daughter,” she stated firmly.
The actress also clarified a viral claim that the Tanzanian government funded the opulent wedding. Setting the record straight, she said the ceremony was financed by the bride’s family—according to long-standing Yoruba cultural tradition.
“Regarding the wedding rumours, it’s not your government that gave us money; it’s a cultural tradition in my family. The wife’s family covers costs,” she emphasized.
Mange Kimambi, known for her outspoken political commentary and tabloid-style reporting on East African celebrities, had earlier warned Priscilla to keep her personal affairs off social media for the sake of national sentiment during a politically sensitive period.
However, Iyabo questioned Kimambi’s authority to impose such expectations, especially as someone residing in the United States and disconnected from the day-to-day life of the couple in Tanzania.
“It’s laughable that you, living in America, think you can dictate to my daughter and her husband, who are living their lives in Tanzania,” she wrote.
Ojo further emphasized her Nigerian identity and cultural pride, highlighting that the Lagos-leg of the wedding was entirely a Nigerian affair. “I wanted an elaborate wedding for my daughter in Nigeria, and we, the Nigerians, gave her one,” she stated.
She also reasserted her position as a passionate activist and mother who doesn’t tolerate injustice or intimidation.
“I stand by my principles and fight for what I believe in, without insulting anyone or targeting anyone,” she added.
Addressing the public directly, she said Priscilla would continue to post whatever content she deemed fit. “She’ll post what she likes, when, and how she likes. She doesn’t need you to love her. She is very loved and well-loved. We protect our own. Never forget that,” Ojo concluded.
The social media exchange has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions. While fans and colleagues of Iyabo Ojo praised her for defending her daughter, others expressed concerns about the politicization of celebrity relationships, especially when involving public figures from two different countries.
Meanwhile, supporters of Mange Kimambi argue that her concerns were rooted in caution, not malice, citing the heightened political climate in Tanzania ahead of national elections.
Still, the overriding sentiment among many fans is admiration for Ojo’s protective nature and her unapologetic commitment to her family.
In the age of social media where personal lives can quickly become public debates, Iyabo Ojo has made it clear—her family’s narrative will not be rewritten by outsiders. The drama between the actress and Mange Kimambi not only underscores cultural differences and digital boundaries but also reveals the fierce loyalty of a mother determined to protect her child at all costs.