By Prosper Mene
A devastating fire razed through the Lagos office of renowned Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Iyabo Ojo on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, causing major damage to the property and destroying valuable items. The fire, which erupted around 7 p.m., left parts of the office in ruins, with smoke-stained walls, charred furniture, and scattered debris, as seen in a video shared by the actress on her Instagram page.
Ojo, popularly known as the Queen Mother, confirmed the incident in an emotional post, expressing gratitude that no lives were lost. “This just happened today, the 8th of July 2025, around 7pm. My office building caught fire,” she wrote. “Thank you to the Nigerian Fire Service and my staff for salvaging what was left. Thankfully, no lives were lost. The devil tested us today, but God said no. With God on my side, we will bounce back bigger and better.”
The swift response of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside Ojo’s staff, was instrumental in containing the blaze and preventing further destruction. Footage from the scene showed a fire truck on-site, with water on the ground, indicating firefighting efforts persisted despite rainy conditions.
The cause of the fire remains undisclosed, though Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla Ojo-Mkambala, alleged it was a targeted attack linked to a threat letter the family received weeks earlier during her wedding celebrations in Tanzania. In an Instagram story, Priscilla revealed that a handwritten letter, delivered to her mother’s office on May 24, 2025, threatened Ojo’s life and aimed to disrupt her daughter’s wedding. “Sadly, this letter was clearly a threat to her life and an attempt to ruin JP2025,” Priscilla wrote, adding that the family is reviewing CCTV footage to identify the culprit and has bolstered security measures.
The incident follows a high-profile year for Ojo, marked by her daughter Priscilla’s wedding to Tanzanian music star Juma Jux, celebrated in both Nigeria and Tanzania.
Fans and celebrities have flooded Ojo’s social media with messages of support, praising her resilience. A prophecy by Bright the Seer, which surfaced online after the incident, had previously warned Ojo to pray against emergencies, fueling speculation among fans about the fire’s origins.
Despite the setback, Ojo remains defiant, vowing to rebuild. “The news is so sad, but the devil is a liar,” wrote one supporter on X, signaling the sentiment of many. As investigations continue, the actress’s optimism and the outpouring of solidarity from fans signal her determination to overcome this tragedy.
