Iyanaladuke, the popular restaurant in Yaba, Lagos, owned by Omotayo Aduke Memunat Adebayo, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo, has been sealed by authorities following an alleged bank repossession over loan nonpayment. The closure has left employees and loyal customers shocked, prompting widespread discussion on social media about the fate of the business.

On its official Instagram page, the restaurant posted a message to patrons:

“Dear customers, due to circumstances beyond us, IYANALADUKE will be closed for now till further notice! Thank you for your love and support over the years.”

The statement confirms the temporary closure and expresses gratitude to customers, but does not provide details on the alleged loan dispute. According to reports, the business space was used as collateral for a bank loan, and the bank moved to reclaim the property after repayment issues.

Footage shared online shows uniformed officers and security personnel outside the property, warning employees and visitors to evacuate the premises as the seal was put in place. According to online posts, the closure was linked to a loan default, with the business space reportedly used as collateral for a bank facility that the restaurant was unable to service in full. 

Iyanaladuke, known for its traditional and contemporary Nigerian cuisine, has been a notable dining destination in the Yaba area, attracting customers with its upscale menu and ambiance. The restaurant is managed by Omotayo, who is also known on social media by her handle @iyanaladuke and identified as the actor’s wife and a restaurateur. 

The recent closure comes amid ongoing public interest in the personal life of Femi Adebayo and his family. The actor and the woman reportedly parted ways in 2025, a development that drew attention because of their high profiles and frequent social media engagements. In the months following their separation, Omotayo had shared posts about her business challenges and the emotional toll of recent events, prompting fans to express concern and support. 

Though official statements from the bank or the armed forces have not been released at the time of this report, online narratives suggest that the property was taken over by the lender as part of debt recovery measures after the loan was not repaid as agreed. In such situations, banks may exercise rights over pledged collateral, including commercial real estate, to recoup outstanding amounts under Nigerian banking regulations.

The closure of Iyanaladuke has generated both sympathy and debate on social media, with many followers expressing sadness that a beloved local restaurant might be forced to shut its doors. Supporters posted messages of encouragement to Omotayo, urging her to stay resilient in the face of setbacks and thanking her for the business she’d built. Others questioned whether the publicity around the closure was tied to her personal life or the broader challenges small business owners face in Lagos.  

The closure of Iyanaladuke highlights the broader challenges faced by independent businesses in Lagos, including high operating costs, loan obligations, and urban pressures. Many restaurants in the city struggle to sustain operations amid competition, inflation, and occasional disruptions.

Employees and former patrons have expressed concern for the restaurant staff, who are now temporarily out of work. Some shared memories of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and praised Omotayo for building a recognizable brand in Lagos’s competitive culinary scene.

Observers are waiting to see whether the closure will be temporary, if negotiations with the bank will resume, or if the property will be permanently taken over.

Omotayo Aduke, known professionally as Iyanaladuke, has built a reputation not just as a restaurateur but as a social media personality, frequently engaging fans online and sharing insights about her culinary and business ventures.