August 24, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Nollywood star Funke Akindele has come under fire on social media for marking her birthday on Monday — the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was laid to rest in Ilaro, Ogun State.In an Instagram post, Akindele thanked God for another year and prayed for good health, longevity and grace to fulfill 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. “May my life remain a testimony, and may the way I live inspire others to believe, to dream and to keep going.”The post drew criticism from some users who felt the timing was insensitive given that Ogogo, 66, died on Sunday after a battle with stage-four cancer and was buried on Monday according to Islamic rites.X user @SoEdunOkanESita asked,
“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?” Others like @ola_kish and @adigunagbejoro described the post as lacking emotional intelligence, with @papiexploring noting: “It’s not about whether you’re right or wrong to celebrate. It’s about knowing when to tone things down out of respect.”Some also suggested Akindele could have postponed the celebration. @i_am_Abiodun_ 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.”However, other fans defended her. @joy_ciana argued: “Someone dying yesterday does not mean everyone who has a birthday today should cancel their own life…
You can mourn someone’s death and still acknowledge that another person’s life deserves to be celebrated.” @KunnujiC and @JahBlesssaint21 also said life goes on, and both mourning and celebration can coexist.The burial of Ogogo, a prominent figure in Yoruba cinema, was attended by colleagues including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Faithia Balogun and Mr Latin.
