Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has sparked mixed reactions on X, after sharing birthday posts on Monday, August 24, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State.
Key Highlights
- Funke Akindele faces mixed reactions on X after sharing birthday posts on the same day Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried.
- Critics questioned the timing of her birthday celebration, arguing that the day should have been dedicated to mourning the veteran actor.
- Some users highlighted Akindele’s history with Ogogo, noting that she trained under him and Yinka Quadri at the Odunfa Caucus.
- Critics argued that Akindele could have limited or postponed her public celebration out of respect for her former mentor.
- Other X users defended the actress, saying Ogogo’s death should not mean everyone must suspend personal celebrations.
In the birthday posts, Akindele expressed gratitude to God for her journey, good health and the opportunity to nurture talents.
She also appreciated her team for their support and contribution to her career.
While the posts were intended to mark her personal milestone, their timing attracted criticism from some X users, who felt the actress should have maintained a more sombre mood because of Ogogo’s burial.
The criticism was heightened by Akindele’s history with the late actor. Some users recalled that she trained under Ogogo and veteran actor Yinka Quadri at the Odunfa Caucus, arguing that she could have chosen to limit her public celebration for the day in honour of her former mentor.
One X user, @Ola_kish, criticised the actress, writing: “Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo.”
Another user, @zbss75, described the timing as “very wrong,” stressing that Ogogo was one of Akindele’s bosses at the Odunfa Caucus.
“Anyone else could have done this, but not her. Not today, of all days. She trained under the late Mr. Ogogo and Mr. Yinka Quadri at the Odunfa Caucus. She could have simply chosen to honour and respect him for just one day. Just one day.”
Similarly, @TundeOjodokun questioned why Akindele could not postpone her birthday celebration, arguing that the death of a prominent figure in the industry should have been a moment for sober reflection.
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism, as some X users defended Akindele, arguing that the death of Ogogo should not require other people to suspend their personal milestones or celebrations.
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@SehindeOwoeye wrote: “Since Ogogo is dead, the world is apparently expected to stand still, and nobody is permitted to thank God for being alive anymore.”
@Davidoghe also defended the actress, saying her birthday was a personal occasion and that she had the right to celebrate it.
Another X user, @Twinkle_Joy4X, compared the situation to childbirth and death occurring at the same time, arguing that celebrities are human beings and should not be portrayed as insensitive simply because they continue with their personal lives.
The controversy comes despite Akindele having previously paid tribute to Ogogo following his death, writing: “Rest in peace Sir T!”
The debate has since divided opinions on X, with some questioning the timing of Akindele’s birthday posts, while others maintain that mourning a colleague and celebrating another person’s life milestone can coexist.
