A previously shared tribute from Funke Akindele to late Nollywood veteran Taiwo Hassan, popularly called Ogogo, has resurfaced online amid the backlash surrounding the actress’s birthday celebration.
Akindele had honoured the late Yoruba movie star on August 23, 2026, through a post on her X account, where she expressed sadness over his death and recognised his contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
She wrote:
“Hmmmm sad!!! Rest in peace, sir T. Your impact on the film industry will never be forgotten. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind. 💔💔.”
See the post below:
hmmmmm sad!!! Rest in peace, sir T. Your impact on the film industry will never be forgotten. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind. 💔💔
— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) August 23, 2026
Ogogo, one of the respected names in Yoruba cinema, died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66.
Funke Akindele faces criticism over birthday celebration
The tribute has attracted renewed attention as Akindele continues to receive criticism over how she marked her 49th birthday.
The filmmaker had shared a collection of carefully styled photos from her birthday, reflecting on her experiences, achievements, setbacks and the lessons she had gathered over the years. She also expressed gratitude to God for sustaining her through different stages of her life.
However, her celebration became a subject of controversy among some social media users.
The reaction was largely linked to the timing of her birthday activities, which took place on August 24, a day after Ogogo’s death and the same day the veteran actor was reportedly buried in Ogun State.
Some Nigerians questioned whether the actress should have postponed or toned down her celebration out of respect for the deceased actor, particularly given her connection to the entertainment industry.
Akindele’s tribute to Ogogo resurfaces
Funke Akindele remains one of the biggest names in Nigeria’s film industry and has a strong connection to the Yoruba entertainment space that Ogogo contributed significantly to over the years.
Her tribute was posted on the same day news of Ogogo’s death emerged and highlighted the mark he left on the industry.
Despite this, some critics maintained that her subsequent birthday content overshadowed the tribute and questioned the timing of the festivities.
The resurfaced message has therefore sparked fresh conversations online, with some users revisiting both Akindele’s tribute and the criticism surrounding her birthday celebration.
