Funke Akindele Faces Backlash Over Birthday Posts After Ogogo’s Death

August 25, 2026

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Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele is facing criticism online for celebrating her birthday hours after the burial of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.

NEWSCARTE reported that Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was buried yesterday, August 24, in line with Islamic rites.

Akindele has earlier mourned the late actor on her Instagram story on Sunday. However, on Monday, she shared new photos to mark her 49th birthday.

The timing drew immediate backlash in the comments section, with many Nigerians accusing her of being insensitive.

@ola_kish wrote, “Aunty Funke, shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo, and you dey post about your birthday. Omooo, this is not fair oo.”

@zbss75 said, “Wrong timing, Aunty Funke. Very wrong timing. And he was one of your bosses at the Odunfa Caucus. When they organised that public prayer for the late Mr. Ogogo the other day, I said there was so much fake love and pretence in the industry. This is just another example. It is well with us o.”

@OriretanHonour added, “Funke, celebrating your birthday amidst Ogogo’s death is unwise and insensitive. Even more unwise is that people on the internet are mourning, yet you are making joyful posts. You went to the studio, did your makeup, took pictures and posted them when Ogogo’s death is trending. Why drag trends with the dead? You have 48 hours to apologise and delete this. Fast. Be wise.”

@Princesayhed commented, “This is the wrong time for Funke Akindele to celebrate. You should’ve used the opportunity to honour your boss who just passed away. All of us will surely die one day, but honour is needed at this time.”

@ciscobuz also wrote, “Let’s be honest, you can’t be celebrating your birthday when your colleague is being buried. Even if you had to post, you could do it tomorrow. What is bad is bad.”

BY ABDULBAQI JIBREEL AJAO