Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has sparked mixed reactions on social media after sharing a birthday message on Monday, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State.
Akindele, who marked her birthday on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for another year and prayed for good health, long life and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose.
“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 in an Instagram post.
She also prayed that her life would have a positive impact on others.
“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 added.
Her post, however, attracted criticism from some social media users, who questioned the timing of the birthday message amid the burial of Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66.
One X user, Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita), criticised Akindele for celebrating her birthday 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.
Another X user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish), described the birthday post as inappropriate.
“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 (@iamzioraa) also criticised the actress, saying she should have been more sensitive to the mourning surrounding Ogogo’s death.
“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.
Similarly, omoiyanofi (@papiexploring) said while Akindele had the right to celebrate her birthday, the timing of the post appeared insensitive.
“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.
Another X user, AMICABLU (@Gbalode_), said Akindele’s decision to celebrate her birthday on the same day as Ogogo’s burial did not sit well with them.
“Funke Akindele celebrating her birthday the same day people are mourning her colleague late Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ is being held doesn’t sit well with me. 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,” the user wrote.
ÀDÌGÚN the Bald Agbẹjọ́rò (@adigunagbejoro) also described the birthday post as insensitive.
“Hmm To be honest, this birthday post seems insensitive. Today is the day Ogogo is being laid to rest, and it is not like he passed away long ago, he had just died yesterday. Humanity should come first. The movie industry is mourning. If Funke Akindele did not post about her birthday, people would understand why. But posting about her birthday on the day he is being laid to rest? I don’t think it demonstrates emotional intelligence,” the user wrote.
KAN’EL (@i_am_Abiodun_) said Akindele could have postponed her birthday celebration.
“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,” the user wrote.
Similarly, OLA OF IBADAN (@h0llaOla) said Akindele could have postponed the celebration.
“Funke Akindele is celebrating her birthday the same day people are mourning her colleague late Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) who d!ed yesterday. Aunty Funke could have shifted it till tomorrow out of respect but we all know what we are doing,” the user wrote.
However, other social media users defended Akindele, arguing that her birthday celebration should not be linked to Ogogo’s death.
Joy Ikpefua (@joy_ciana) said it was unfair to criticise the actress for celebrating her birthday because another person had died.
“Anyone mocking Funke Akindele for celebrating her birthday today because Ogogo died yesterday is being very silly and, frankly, insensitive. Please, ask them if they have eaten today. Ask them if they went to work today. Have they paused their own lives today to mourn someone who died? Most people have continued with their lives because, as painful as death is, life does not simply stop because someone has died,” she wrote.
She added, “Someone dying yesterday does not mean everyone who has a birthday today should cancel their own life, especially when they had no personal relationship with the deceased. You can mourn someone’s death and still acknowledge that another person’s life deserves to be celebrated. Grief is personal. Birthday celebrations are personal too. We need to stop policing how other people respond to death.”
Another X user, Divya (@KunnujiC), questioned why Akindele should be expected to suspend her birthday celebration because of Ogogo’s death.
“If someone dies at the office, they immediately appoint someone to fill into the position. They won’t do it tomorrow or next, they won’t stop work because someone died, they won’t tell all staff to close for the day cos someone died. They move on immediately, so why should Funke Akindele not post her birthday pictures and wish herself ‘Happy Birthday’???? Accept it or not…..life will move on,” the user wrote.
Mhiz Zee (@mamazee_diva) also defended the actress, saying, “She should not celebrate her birthday because someone died, is it only FA that is celebrating her birthday today. You that are talking what impact have you made since the man died. Tori isokuso yin po ma.”
Similarly, Walking My Path (@TheClintonMind) wrote, “Funny, so she should not celebrate adding another year to her years on earth. Please let her celebrate herself So many people slept last night and didn’t make it today.”
iRoyal (@theonlyiroyal) also defended Akindele, saying, “So she should not celebrate her birthday because of someone’s death? A day thay doesn’t come twice in a year. Nigerians should please stop being inconsiderate and allow her to celebrate her birthday. It doesn’t invalidate the ongoing mourning of Ogogo.”
Another user, Jah-Bless (@JahBlesssaint21), said, “Nigerians are doing too much sometimes. So because her fellow actor died, she shouldn’t wish herself a happy birthday or thank God for adding another year to her life? People can mourn Ogogo and Funke can celebrate her birthday. Both things can exist at the same time.”
Adedamola (@ThatGirlDML_) also defended the actress, writing, “We are so entitled that we even get entitled on behalf of the dead. They should suspend a movie premiere they’ve started planning since when? Funke Akindele should not post her birthday pictures a day after someone died. It is not well with you people oh.”
Alberto (@TerungwaAdo) said Nigerians were being hypocritical by asking Akindele to cancel her birthday celebration.
“Nigerians will demand Aunty Funke Akindele cancel her own birthday because an actor died, while they themselves are currently in comment sections arguing, eating, and living life normally. Hypocrisy at an all-time high as usual,” the user wrote.
Ogogo was buried in Ilaro, his hometown, on Monday according to Islamic rites, following his death on Sunday.
The veteran actor’s burial was attended by family members, friends and colleagues, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya.
Ogogo, who was prominent in Yoruba-language cinema, died at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
