Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has come under criticism from some social media users following a birthday post she shared as the Yoruba film industry mourns the death of veteran actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

Akindele, who turned 49, shared glamorous photographs of herself online to mark her birthday and expressed gratitude to God for preserving her life through different seasons and challenges. Blueprint reports


In the post, the actress thanked God for remaining her strength and shield through her wins, mistakes, lessons and challenges.

However, the birthday post attracted criticism from some social media users who felt that the timing was insensitive, coming shortly after the death of Hassan, a veteran figure in the Yoruba movie industry.

Fans accuse actress of insensitivity

Some of the commenters questioned why Akindele proceeded with her birthday celebration while members of the entertainment industry and fans were mourning the death of Hassan.

One social media user, Ayofe, questioned whether the actress was aware of the mood surrounding the industry, asking why she chose to make a birthday post while the industry was mourning.

Another commenter, Olayinka Mujeeb Aden, criticised Akindele, saying it was inappropriate to celebrate her birthday at a time when the industry was mourning Ogogo.

Similarly, OAR Azeez questioned whether the actress could have postponed her birthday celebration, arguing that the death of a prominent figure in her industry should have provided an opportunity for sober reflection.

A social media user identified as Kanel, however, acknowledged Akindele’s right to celebrate her birthday while expressing the view that she would personally have avoided a public celebration because of Hassan’s death.

Critics question timing of celebration

Another commenter, Constantinople, also criticised the actress for sharing a birthday photoshoot while a fellow industry veteran had died.

Oriretan Honour described the post as insensitive and questioned the decision to conduct and publish a photoshoot while news of Hassan’s death was dominating discussions within the entertainment industry.

The criticisms centred largely on the timing of Akindele’s post rather than her birthday itself, with some users arguing that she should have toned down the celebration or postponed the public display.

However, the reactions came from individual social media users and do not necessarily represent the views of the wider Nollywood community.

Ogogo’s death sparks mourning

Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, died after a career spanning several decades in Yoruba theatre and Nollywood.

His death has generated widespread tributes from colleagues, fans and prominent Nigerians, with President Bola Tinubu describing him as a distinguished artiste who made significant contributions to Yoruba-language theatre and Nigerian cinema.

The President said Hassan used his talent to tell Nigerian stories, preserve cultural heritage and entertain audiences at home and abroad.

The veteran actor’s contribution to the development of Yoruba-language entertainment has also placed his death at the centre of discussions within the Nigerian creative industry.

Akindele yet to respond to backlash

The criticism directed at Akindele over her birthday post does not appear to have resulted in a public response from the actress in the material reviewed for this report.

The actress has previously faced criticism and online trolling over different aspects of her public life and career, but has also on several occasions responded to social media users.

The latest controversy has therefore triggered another debate over how public figures should navigate personal celebrations when major events are unfolding within their professional circles.

While some social media users believe Akindele should have postponed or toned down her birthday activities out of respect for Hassan, others may view the birthday post as a personal celebration that does not diminish the actress’s ability to mourn or honour a colleague.

For now, the controversy remains largely a social media debate, with no indication that Akindele intended to disrespect the late veteran actor or his family.

The debate has nevertheless highlighted the delicate balance public figures face when personal milestones coincide with significant events within their industries.