Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has come under heavy criticism after sharing a birthday message on the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was laid to rest.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after a battle with stage-four cancer. He was buried the following day, Monday, August 24, in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites. Colleagues including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo and Mr Latin attended the emotional ceremony.
Read Tears Flood Ilaro As Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan Is Finally Laid to Rest
On the same Monday, Akindele, who turned 49, posted a heartfelt message of gratitude on her social media platforms.
“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. 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,” she wrote.
The timing of the post sparked immediate backlash from some social media users who felt it showed a lack of sensitivity while the industry mourned a senior colleague.
One user, Adewale, wrote:
“Funke Akindele!!! Today of all days! Are you aware that Taiwo Hassan, your senior colleague in the film industry, is dead and will be buried today? Don’t you read the room? What you guys in the Nollywood are doing is not humane. You show no sense of humanity.”
Another commenter stated:
“Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you are posting about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo.”
Several others argued that someone of Akindele’s stature should have shown more restraint, with one noting:
“For someone of her stature and influence in the Nigerian entertainment industry, I expected a little more sympathy and sensitivity. At times like this, some situations call for restraint and respect.”
Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some defenders pointed out that life continues and that celebrating a birthday does not erase mourning.
One user responded:
“Anyone mocking Funke Akindele for celebrating her birthday today because Ogogo died yesterday is being very silly and, frankly, insensitive. Grief is personal. Birthday celebrations are personal too. We need to stop policing how other people respond to death.”
Another added that people still go to work and eat on days of mourning, so canceling a personal milestone was unnecessary.
The mixed reactions have fueled a wider conversation about how public figures should navigate personal celebrations during periods of collective industry grief. As of the time of this report, Akindele has not publicly responded to the criticism.