Funke Akindele under fire over 49th birthday celebration after Ogogo’s death

Nigerian filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has come under criticism for celebrating her 49th birthday just hours after the death of veteran actor Olalekan Olatunbosun, popularly known as Ogogo.

Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a prolonged battle with cancer.

The timing of Akindele’s birthday celebration has sparked reactions on social media, with some Nigerians questioning the decision to hold the celebration so soon after the actor’s death.

While some critics described the celebration as insensitive given the recent loss in the Yoruba film industry, others argued that Akindele’s birthday and Ogogo’s death were separate events and that she was not necessarily expected to cancel her plans.

Ogogo was buried on Monday, August 24, according to Islamic burial rites.

Akindele, who had earlier mourned Ogogo’s passing on her Instagram story on Sunday, however, shared new pictures of herself on Monday to celebrate her 49th birthday.

Reacting to the celebration in the comments section, many Nigerians blasted her for being insensitive.

While many reminded her of Ogogo’s impact on her career, some criticised her for not postponing the celebration.

@ola_kish wrote, “Aunty Funke, shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo, and you dey post about your birthday. Omooo, this is not fair oo.”

@zbss75 wrote, “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 the 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.”

@FemiOla63 wrote, “A colleague of yours just died. Even though you sent your condolences yesterday, and so?

“A colleague and a legend, but here you are posting a photoshoot because you’re too eager to post on your birthday. What a good human being you are. Congratulations, HBD! Hurrrrraaayy, yeye.”

@i_am_Abiodun wrote, “If I were you, Aunty Funke, I would have forgone the celebration of my birthday for the year. Today should be all about the passing of Ogogo. But we are not the same person. Happy birthday to you, and I wish you long life in good health. I wish for you to continue to prosper.”

@TundeOjedokun wrote, “Why don’t you shift your birthday celebration to another day? You just lost a prominent person in your industry, which calls for sober reflection. Remember that death is inevitable; all of us will go one day.”

@Godisable4me wrote, “Is Ogogo not part of your success story?

“Hmmm, anyway, happy birthday. Long life and sound health to you.”

@OriretanHonour wrote, “Funke, celebrating your birthday amidst Ogogo’s death is unwise and insensitive. Even more unwise is that people on the internet are mourning, yet you are making joyful posts. You went to the studio, did your makeup, took pictures and posted them when Ogogo’s death is trending. Why drag trends with the dead? You have 48 hours to apologise and delete this. Fast. Be wise.”

@Princesayhed wrote, “This is the wrong time for Funke Akindele to celebrate. You should’ve used the opportunity to honour your boss who just passed away. All of us will surely die one day, but honour is needed at this time.”

@ciscobuz wrote, “Let’s be honest, you can’t be celebrating your birthday when your colleague is being buried. Even if you had to post, you could do it tomorrow. What is bad is bad.”

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