Funke Akindele Faces Backlash Over Birthday Post on Day Ogogo Was Buried

Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has come under criticism on social media after sharing a birthday message on Monday, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Akindele, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for another year and prayed for good health, long life and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose.

“Today is my birthday. My heart is full of gratitude to God for all He has done, all He is doing, and all that is still to come,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

She also prayed that her life would continue to positively impact others.

“May my life remain a testimony, and may the way I live inspire others to believe, to dream and to keep going. Thank You, Lord. Happy birthday to me,” she added.

However, the post attracted criticism from some social media users, who questioned the timing of the birthday message amid the burial of Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66.

Some users accused the actress of being insensitive to the mood of the entertainment industry, arguing that she could have toned down her birthday celebrations in respect for her late colleague.

One X user, Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita), criticised Akindele for celebrating her birthday on the day of Ogogo’s burial.

Another user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish), described the post as inappropriate, while Victoria A (@iamzioraa) also urged the actress to be more sensitive to the mourning surrounding Ogogo’s death.

Similarly, omoiyanofi (@papiexploring) said Akindele had the right to celebrate her birthday but argued that the timing of the post appeared insensitive.

Another user, AMICABLU (@Gbalode_), said the actress should have shown more restraint given her status in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

However, other social media users defended Akindele, arguing that Ogogo’s death should not mean she had to suspend her personal celebration.

Joy Ikpefua (@joy_ciana) said it was unfair to criticise Akindele for celebrating her birthday simply because another person had died, noting that people could mourn Ogogo while still celebrating another person’s life.

Divya (@KunnujiC) also questioned why Akindele should be expected to put her birthday on hold, arguing that life continues despite the death of a colleague.

Other users similarly maintained that celebrating a birthday does not diminish the grief surrounding Ogogo’s death and that mourning and personal celebrations can coexist.

Ogogo was buried in his hometown, Ilaro, on Monday according to Islamic rites following his death on Sunday.

The burial was attended by family members, friends and colleagues, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya.

The veteran actor, who was prominent in Yoruba-language cinema, died at the age of 66 after reportedly battling stage-four cancer.