Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has faced criticism from some Nigerians over her birthday post on Monday, with some social media users accusing her of showing a lack of empathy as veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was being buried in Ilaro, Ogun State.
The backlash followed birthday photos and messages shared by Akindele on social media on the same day Ogogo was laid to rest.
Some critics questioned why she publicly celebrated her birthday while the entertainment industry was mourning the death of the veteran actor.
Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi directly called out the actress, writing, “Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo.”
Another X user, Constantinople, questioned the timing of the post while acknowledging that Akindele had condoled with the deceased’s family the previous day.
The user wrote, “A colleague of yours just died even though you sent your condolences yesterday and so? A colleague and a legend but here u are posting photo shot coz you’re too hungry to post on ur birthday. What a good human being you are. Congratulations hbd! Hurrrrraaayy yeye”
Similarly, ZBSS described the timing as inappropriate, while pointing to Ogogo’s relationship with Akindele within the Odunfa Caucus.
The user 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 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.”
Another critic, Haywhy04, accused Akindele of lacking empathy over the timing of the birthday photoshoot.
The user said, “U ppl deserve ur govermt . I ve kept saying dis,what a life!Zero empathy. Ogogo died yesterday n 2day she posted a bday photoshoot. Nobody is saying she killed him, but common sense n empathy should tell u that maybe this isn’t the right time. No be only Una love aunty funke oh”
KAN’EL also questioned whether Akindele should have gone ahead with the public celebration, although the user still wished her well.
The user wrote, “If I were you Aunty Funke, I woulda forgo the celebration of my birth 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.”
Isac_Mac also criticised Akindele, accusing her of seeking attention and comparing the reaction to how Nigerians might have responded if another actress had made a similar post.
The user wrote, “You really love attention it is well I know if it was @toyin who did these y’all would have judge her You are noting but the she character you played.”
The criticism became more heated as another user, Supreme Tips, wrote, “Shame on you, they buried one of the legend in nollywood industry and you are here posting rubbish Idiot Fake love in that ur fucking industry”
Despite the backlash, some Nigerians defended Akindele, arguing that Ogogo’s death should not prevent her from celebrating her birthday and that she had already acknowledged his death.
One user wrote, “Since Ogogo is dead, the world is apparently expected to stand still, and nobody is permitted to thank God for being alive anymore. Grief, it seems, must now come with compulsory rules for everyone. Shior!!!”
Another supporter said, “I know say one werey go find fault with this post Life goes on irrespective of the person God decides to call 💯💯 And besides she post about ogogo demise yesterday, so make she no celebrate her birthday cos someone died. May God give the dead external rest 🙏”
Others also sent birthday wishes to Akindele, with Glory Greatness Amah writing, “Happy birthday queen 💃🏽”
Sola Mathew wrote, “Happy birthday, Aunty Funke. Please send me your account number, let me tap from your grace 😁🙌”, while Jerry said, “Happy birthday lafunke.”
Let’s Go Fashionista wrote, “God’s protection upon you ma’am.🎉”, while Peterkin77 prayed, “Happy Birthday to you, Madam Funke. May your days be long on earth. May this new season brings you abundance of God’s goodness and blessing, good health and sound mind. Amen 🙏”
Boboye.eth also wrote, “Happy Birthday 🎈🎂🎉 Ma May you live long and continue to prosper,” while J A B said, “Happy birthday ma Enjoy your day 💯🍀.”
Another user wrote, “happy birthdayyy aunty jennifer! ✨❤️”, while Oma simply said, “Happy birthday ma.”
Meanwhile, the reactions came as mourners gathered in Ilaro on Monday for the burial of Ogogo, who died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
His remains were taken to his hometown, Ilaro, where he was buried on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Several Nollywood actors and colleagues attended the burial to pay their final respects, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Ireti Osayemi, Toyosi Adesanya and Bisi Omo Logbalogba.
