Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has given fans an unfiltered look into her leadership style and personal boundaries in a candid interview on The Morayo Show hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown. The actress and producer described herself as someone who is both loving and extremely strict, stressing that success at the top demands discipline, focus and the courage to surround oneself with honest voices rather than constant praise.
Funke made it clear that she values authenticity and excellence in every aspect of her work.
“As sweet as I am, I am very strict. I am me and I’m real; I believe if you want to do something, you do it well. Give it your all, no distractions and when the distractions come, you must have people around to tell you you’re messing up and you must listen because I listen too.”
She added that she has no tolerance for people who affirm everything mindlessly to stay in her circle.
“I don’t like the ‘yes ma’ people around me, I want people that will challenge me.”
She highlighted young talents who have thrived under her guidance precisely because they came with humility and openness.
“I have a lot of young talents like that. Scarlet Gomez and Tobi Bakre came empty, with no airs around them—especially Tobi. I said this is how I want it to be done and they listened.”
The actress also acknowledged the dual nature of her personality.
“I’m an extremist, I love so hard and I am open. I’m not perfect and I can be troublesome and tough.”
She pointed out that her late mother often reminded her of this trait.
“When my mom was alive, she’d remind me that not everyone could be as smart or fast as I am.”
Funke emphasised that while human relationships matter deeply to her, her mental health remains non-negotiable.
“Human relationship is very important to me but note that no matter what happens, my mental health is paramount.”
She further explained the personal cost of staying at the summit of the industry.
“It’s really lonely at the top and if you want to remain at the top, you have to be guarded and disciplined, it’s going to be very boring because you won’t have friends.”
On her own level of discipline, she admitted,
“Personally, I’m very disciplined to the extent that sometimes I’m afraid of myself.”