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 his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State.
Akindele, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for another year and prayed for good health, longevity 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 continue to positively impact 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.
However, the timing of the post drew criticism from some social media users, who argued that Akindele should have shown greater sensitivity given that Ogogo, her senior colleague in the industry, was being buried the same day.
Some critics described the birthday post as insensitive, while others said the actress could have toned down or postponed her public celebration out of respect for the late actor.
One X user, Adewale, questioned whether Akindele was aware of Ogogo’s burial and urged members of the entertainment industry to show more sympathy during times of bereavement.
Another user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi, described the post as inappropriate, while Victoria A said Akindele should have been more mindful of the mood surrounding Ogogo’s burial.
However, other social media users defended the actress, arguing that the death of another person should not require her to suspend her own birthday or personal life.
They maintained that people can mourn Ogogo while Akindele celebrates her birthday, noting that grief and personal milestones can coexist.
One user, Joy Ikpefua, argued that it was unfair to criticise Akindele for celebrating her birthday, stressing that people continue with their daily lives even while mourning the loss of others.
The debate has consequently divided social media users, with some calling for greater sensitivity and others insisting that Akindele had every right to acknowledge her birthday.
Meanwhile, Ogogo was buried in Ilaro on Monday according to Islamic rites, following his death on Sunday at the age of 66.
The veteran actor’s burial was attended by family members, friends and several colleagues, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya.
Ogogo was a prominent figure in Yoruba-language cinema and reportedly died after battling stage-four cancer.
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