Backlash Trails Funke Akindele’s 49th Birthday Celebration After Ogogo’s Death

Nigerian filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has come under criticism on social media after celebrating her 49th birthday just hours after the death and burial of veteran actor Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Ogogo.

Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a prolonged battle with cancer and was buried on Monday, August 24, in accordance with Islamic burial traditions.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Akindele had earlier expressed her condolences following the actor’s death through her Instagram story. However, she later shared new photographs of herself on Monday to mark her 49th birthday.

The birthday posts sparked a wave of reactions, with some Nigerians accusing the filmmaker of being insensitive given the timing of the celebration.

Several commenters pointed to Ogogo’s influence within the Yoruba film industry and his connection to Akindele’s career, arguing that she should have postponed her public birthday celebration out of respect for the late actor.

Some social media users, however, acknowledged that Akindele had mourned Ogogo before her birthday posts, while wishing her well despite their criticism of the timing.

The controversy has continued to generate debate online, with users expressing differing views on whether a personal milestone should be suspended following the death of a colleague and industry veteran.

The backlash largely centred on the proximity between Ogogo’s burial and Akindele’s birthday celebration, rather than on the actress’s earlier expression of grief over his passing.