FUNKE AKINDELE FACES ONLINE CRITICISM OVER BIRTHDAY POST ON OGOGO’S BURIAL DAY
FUNKE AKINDELE FACES ONLINE CRITICISM OVER BIRTHDAY POST ON OGOGO’S BURIAL DAY
By Olayinka Temilade
Popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, has faced criticism on social media after celebrating her 49th birthday on Monday, August 24, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State.
Akindele took to social media in the early hours of Monday to express gratitude to God for another year, while praying for good health, long life and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose.
In her birthday message, the actress reflected on her experiences, describing God as her strength and shield through different seasons of her life.
However, the post attracted mixed reactions from social media users, with some questioning the timing of the celebration because it coincided with Ogogo’s burial.
Some users criticised the actress for publicly celebrating her birthday on a day the veteran actor was being laid to rest, while others defended her right to celebrate her life despite the death of a colleague.
One social media user, @zbss75, described the timing as inappropriate, noting that Akindele had previously been associated with the late actor through the Odunfa Caucus.
Another user, @ola_kish, also criticised the actress, saying the celebration was insensitive given the timing of Ogogo’s burial.
However, other users disagreed with the criticism. @Ricky_jumbo congratulated Akindele and wished her greater opportunities and blessings in the new chapter of her life.
Another user, @SehindeOwoeye, questioned the expectation that people should suspend personal celebrations because a colleague had died.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after battling stage-four cancer. He was buried according to Islamic rites in Ilaro on Monday. His burial was attended by family members, friends and several colleagues in the Nigerian film industry, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Dele Odule, among others.h
