Funke Akindele Faces Criticism Over Birthday Post On Ogogo’s Burial Day

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has sparked mixed reactions 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 marked 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 have a positive impact on 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.

Her post, however, 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.

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

“Funke Akindele!!! Today of all days! Are you aware that Taiwo Hassan, your senior colleague in the film industry, is dead and will be buried today? Don’t you read the room? Everyone will die. It is Ogogo today; no one knows who is next tomorrow. What you guys in Nollywood are doing is not humane. You show no sense of humanity. Well, Ogogo did not die a sudden death even though how it happened is sad. He would have been 67 years old in October. Everyone will reap all they sow,” he wrote.

Another X user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish), described the birthday post as inappropriate.

“Aunty Funke… shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthdays. Omooo, this is not fair, oo,” he wrote.

Victoria A (@iamzioraa) also criticized the actress, saying she should have been more sensitive to the mourning surrounding Ogogo’s death.

“Aunty Funke should at least read the room; Nigerians are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And she is posting about her birthday. Omooo, this is not fair, oo,” Victoria wrote.

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

“Mrs. Funke Akindele, I understand that life goes on and everyone has the right to celebrate their birthday, but posting a birthday celebration so soon after the passing of Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) feels insensitive. Sometimes, it’s not about whether you’re right or wrong to celebrate. It’s about knowing when to tone things down out of respect for someone who has just passed away,” the user wrote.

Another X user, AMICABLU (@Gbalode_), said Akindele’s decision to celebrate her birthday on the same day as Ogogo’s burial did not sit well with them.

“Funke Akindele celebrating her birthday the same day people are mourning her colleague late Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ is being held doesn’t sit well with me. For someone of her stature and influence in the Nigerian entertainment industry, I expected a little more sympathy and sensitivity. At times like this, some situations call for restraint and respect,” the user wrote.

ÀDÌGÚN the Bald Agbẹjọ́rò (@adigunagbejoro) also described the birthday post as insensitive.

“Hmm, to be honest, this birthday post seems insensitive. Today is the day Ogogo is being laid to rest, and it is not like he passed away long ago; he had just died yesterday. Humanity should come first. The movie industry is mourning. If Funke Akindele did not post about her birthday, people would understand why. But posting about her birthday on the day he is being laid to rest? I don’t think it demonstrates emotional intelligence,” the user wrote.

KAN’EL (@i_am_Abiodun_) said Akindele could have postponed her birthday celebration.

“If I were you, Aunty Funke, I would have forgoed the celebration of my birth for the year. Today should be all about the passing of Ogogo. But we are not the same person. Happy birthday to you, and I wish you a long life in good health. I wish for you to continue to prosper,” the user wrote.

Similarly, OLA OF IBADAN (@h0llaOla) said Akindele could have postponed the celebration.