Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has faced mixed reactions online 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 that day, thanked God for another year and prayed for good health, long life and the grace to fulfil 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 on Instagram.
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.”
The post drew criticism from some X users, who felt the timing was insensitive given Ogogo’s burial and his death on Sunday at 66.
Some users said Akindele should have shown more respect for her late colleague, with one saying she should have “read the room”. Others argued that she could have postponed her celebration until the following day.
However, several users defended the actress, saying she had every right to celebrate her birthday and should not be expected to stop living because someone had died. They argued that people could mourn Ogogo while Akindele celebrated another year of her life.
Ogogo was buried in his hometown, Ilaro, on Monday according to Islamic rites. Family, friends and colleagues, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya, attended the burial.
The veteran Yoruba-language actor died at 66 after battling stage-four cancer.
