Funke Akindele faces backlash over birthday post during Ogogo's burial

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has faced social media backlash following her decision to celebrate her 49th birthday on Monday, August 24, 2026. The timing of her post drew criticism because it coincided with the burial of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Critics on platforms like X described the celebration as insensitive to the mourning within the Nigerian film industry. Akindele responded to the controversy by expressing gratitude to God for her life and, in some instances, maintaining a positive outlook despite the criticism.

Separately, actress Bunmi Nelson has publicly expressed regret for underestimating Akindele's potential in the past. Nelson admitted that she failed to take Akindele's early invitations to join the film industry seriously around 2006, an experience she says taught her the importance of humility.