Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has found herself at the centre of a heated social media storm after posting a birthday message on the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State. The actress, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, August 24, 2026, shared a glamorous photo of herself and her husband, rapper JJC Skillz, with a caption thanking God for another year. However, the timing of the post, which coincided with the final farewell to one of Nollywood's most beloved icons, has drawn sharp criticism from fans and colleagues who viewed it as insensitive and tone-deaf.
Ogogo was buried on Monday, August 24, 2026, following a Laying-in-State Ceremony held earlier in the day. The late actor, who passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after a battle with stage-four cancer, was given a heartfelt send-off by family, friends, and colleagues in the Nigerian film industry. The sombre occasion was marked by tributes and prayers, as the industry mourned the loss of a legend whose career spanned over four decades. However, the mood of collective grief was punctured by Funke Akindele's celebratory post, which many perceived as a disregard for the gravity of the moment.
Critics were quick to take to social media to express their displeasure. One user wrote, "Ogogo's burial is today, and you're posting birthday glamour shots? This is not the time. Show some respect". Another user commented, "There are 364 other days in the year to celebrate. Why today of all days? This is so insensitive". Some critics also accused Funke Akindele of being out of touch with the emotions of her colleagues and fans, questioning her priorities and emotional intelligence. The backlash was not limited to fans; some industry insiders also expressed disappointment, though many remained silent, choosing not to add fuel to the fire.
However, Funke Akindele's supporters have rallied to her defence, arguing that everyone has the right to celebrate their birthday regardless of what else is happening in the world. "It's her birthday, and she has every right to celebrate it. The world doesn't stop for anyone's death," one supporter wrote. Another added, "People are just looking for reasons to attack her. She wasn't disrespecting Ogogo; she was just acknowledging her own special day". The divided reactions highlight the delicate balance public figures must strike between personal celebrations and public sentiment, particularly in an era of heightened social media scrutiny.
Funke Akindele has not publicly responded to the criticism, and it remains unclear whether she was aware of the timing of Ogogo's burial when she made the post. The actress, who is one of Nollywood's most successful and influential figures, has faced similar backlash in the past for her social media activity, but she has generally maintained a positive and resilient public persona. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the expectations placed on celebrities and the tension between personal joy and collective grief in Nigeria's close-knit entertainment industry. As the debate continues to rage online, one thing is clear: the death of Ogogo and the controversy surrounding Funke Akindele's post have once again highlighted the powerful and often unforgiving nature of social media in shaping public discourse.
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