Popular Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has faced criticism online after celebrating her 49th birthday on Monday, August 24, 2026, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was laid to rest in Ilaro, Ogun State.
Funke Akindele Celebrates 49th Birthday
Akindele took to social media in the early hours of Monday to mark her birthday and express gratitude to God for another year of life.
In a lengthy message, the actress reflected on her journey, acknowledging the challenges, lessons and achievements she had experienced while praying for good health, long life and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose.
She wrote:
“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.
“Through every season, every lesson, every win, every mistake and every challenge, God has remained my strength and my shield. Even in moments when I have fallen short, He has given me the grace to rise, learn, keep going and become better.”
Actress Shares Birthday Prayers
Akindele also used the occasion to pray for peace, good health and the opportunity to make a greater impact on people’s lives.
“Today, my prayer is simple. That God blesses me with good health, long life, peace and the grace to keep walking in purpose.
“I pray that my life continues to mean something beyond me. That I can touch more lives, open more doors, nurture more talents, raise more stars and give others the opportunity to become everything God has called me to be.”
She concluded her message by thanking God and celebrating herself.
“May I never stop giving back. May I never stop growing. 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.”
See the post below:
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Fans React to Birthday Post
However, the actress’ birthday celebration drew criticism from some social media users because it coincided with the burial of Ogogo, who died on August 23.
Some commenters questioned the timing of her public birthday celebration, particularly given Ogogo’s longstanding connection to the Yoruba film industry.
The reactions have since generated discussions online, with social media users expressing different views about whether Akindele’s birthday celebration was inappropriate or simply a personal occasion that should be treated separately from the actor’s burial.
See comments below:
@zbss75 asserted: “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 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.”
@ola_kish wrote: “Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo.”
@ciscobuz wrote: “Let’s be honest you can’t be doing birthday when you colleague is been buried, even if you had to post you can do it tomorrow, what is bad is bad.”
@Ricky_jumbo wrote: “Happy birthday to a truly talented soul!!! May this new chapter bring you greater opportunities, endless blessings, and even more beautiful reasons to shine. Keep being amazing Ma! ❤️💕.”
