Funke Akindele faces backlash for celebrating her birthday on the day Ogogo was buried

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has come under fire from some Nigerians after publicly celebrating her birthday on the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried.

Ogogo, 66, died on Sunday after battling stage-four cancer and was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday according to Islamic rites.

Akindele, who also marked her birthday on Monday, shared a message of gratitude to God on Instagram, thanking Him for another year and praying for a meaningful life.

“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,” she wrote.

She added, “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.”

Critics question timing of celebration

The post triggered a debate on X, with some users accusing the actress of failing to show sensitivity towards the death of her colleague.

Adewale questioned why Akindele chose to celebrate publicly on the day of Ogogo’s burial.

“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? Everyone will die o. It is Ogogo today, no one knows who is next tomorrow.

What you guys in the Nollywood are doing is not humane. You show no sense of humanity. Well, Ogogo did not die a sudden death even though how it happened is sad. He would have been 67 years old in October. Everyone will reap all they sow,” he wrote.

Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi also condemned the post.

“Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo,” he wrote.

Victoria A similarly accused the actress of being insensitive.

“Aunty Funke should at least read the room, Nigerians are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And she is posting about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo,” Victoria wrote.

Omoiyanofi said Akindele was entitled to celebrate her birthday but believed the timing was inappropriate.

“Mrs Funke Akindele, I understand that life goes on and everyone has the right to celebrate their birthday, but posting a birthday celebration so soon after the passing of Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) feels insensitive.

Sometimes, it’s not about whether you’re right or wrong to celebrate. It’s about knowing when to tone things down out of respect for someone who has just passed away,” the user wrote.

Watch the video here…

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.
Through every season, every lesson, every win, every mistake and every challenge, God has remained my strength and my shield. Even in moments when I… pic.twitter.com/JhHHchqGUQ

— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) August 24, 2026