Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has responded to the reactions surrounding her 49th birthday celebration, expressing gratitude to fans and well-wishers who reached out to her with messages, prayers and calls.
The actress celebrated her birthday with glamorous photographs shared on social media alongside a prayer of thanksgiving. However, her post attracted criticism from some social media users because it came at a time when the Nigerian entertainment industry was mourning the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Some users questioned the timing of the birthday celebration, while others felt that the actress should have shown greater sensitivity because of the ongoing mourning within the Nollywood community.
Despite the criticism, Akindele has now addressed the situation indirectly through a message thanking those who remembered her special day.
In her message, the filmmaker acknowledged the numerous calls, messages, prayers and expressions of affection she received from fans, friends and supporters.
She explained that she noticed the love shown to her and expressed appreciation for everyone who took the time to celebrate with her.
Rather than responding directly to her critics, Akindele focused her message on gratitude and positivity. She prayed that those who celebrated her would also have many reasons to experience happiness and celebration in their own lives.
Her response comes after her birthday post generated mixed reactions online, with social media users divided over whether the actress had done anything wrong by celebrating her personal milestone during a period of mourning.
For some of her supporters, celebrating a birthday does not necessarily mean ignoring the grief surrounding the loss of another person. They argued that Akindele was entitled to acknowledge her birthday while still respecting those mourning Ogogo.
Others, however, maintained that public figures are often expected to be particularly mindful of the timing and tone of their social media posts, especially when the entertainment industry is dealing with the death of a respected colleague.
The controversy has nevertheless not stopped Akindele from appreciating those who stood by her.
The actress has enjoyed a remarkable career in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, establishing herself as one of Nollywood’s most recognisable performers and filmmakers. Her work in television, cinema and production has earned her a large following both in Nigeria and among African audiences around the world.
At 49, Akindele continues to remain one of the most visible personalities in the Nigerian film industry, balancing acting, filmmaking and other entertainment projects.
Her latest message appears to shift the focus away from the online criticism and back toward the people who supported her.
The episode also highlights how closely the personal lives of Nigerian celebrities are followed on social media. A simple birthday post can quickly become the subject of a wider public conversation, particularly when it coincides with a major event within the entertainment industry.
For now, Akindele appears to be choosing gratitude over confrontation, thanking her supporters for making her birthday memorable despite the controversy surrounding her celebration.
