Funke Akindele’s birthday post has sparked mixed reactions on X following the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, Ogogo, at 66
Funke Akindele’s Birthday Post Sparks Reactions After Ogogo’s Death
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has sparked a debate on social media after sharing a birthday message on X, hours after the death of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Akindele’s birthday post on Monday generated mixed reactions among netizens, with some questioning the timing of the celebration while others defended the actress, arguing that she had every right to mark her birthday despite the death of a fellow actor.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, sending shockwaves across the Yoruba film industry and prompting an outpouring of tributes from actors, filmmakers and fans.
While some social media users expected Akindele to tone down her birthday-related posts in view of Ogogo’s death, others pointed out that she had already paid tribute to the late actor on her social media page following the announcement of his death.
The controversy began after Akindele posted a series of birthday-related photographs and a lengthy message on her X page celebrating another year of her life.
“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. Through every season, every lesson, every win, every mistake and every challenge, God has remained my strength and my shield.
“Even in moments when I have fallen short, He has given me the grace to rise, learn, keep going and become better.
“Today, my prayer is simple. That God blesses me with good health, long life, peace and the grace to keep walking in purpose. I pray that my life continues to mean something beyond me.
“That I can touch more lives, open more doors, nurture more talents, raise more stars and give others the opportunity to become everything God has called them to be.
“May I never stop giving back. May I never stop growing. 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 quickly divided opinion, with some X users describing it as insensitive given that the entertainment industry was still mourning Ogogo.
One user, @ola_kish, wrote, “Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo.”
Another user, @OriretanHonour, criticised the timing of the post, writing, “Funke,celebrating birthday amidst Ogogo’s d£ath is unwise, insensitive.More unw!se internet,ppl are m0urning yet making joyful post.U went to studio,makeup,snap &post when Ogogo’s d£ath is trending.Why dragging trend with the d£ad? U’ve 48hrs to apologize,delete this.Fàst.Bé wise.”
However, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some users said Akindele had already acknowledged Ogogo’s death and offered her condolences, arguing that mourning the late actor should not prevent another person from celebrating life.
@Desired_mee said, “Before comment I had to read through and when I didn’t anything on the late legend Ogogo I felt bad,but I had to go further on her posts and there i found she already said her condolences. God bless you on this day and may your light continue to shine bright. Happy birthday to you.”
Another user, @Dupsy80x, defended the actress, saying, “Some people are just f—— to precise Yes our actor is gone yesterday and my big mummy funke birthday is today So u are trying to to say she shouldn’t post , moreover is her day So think before you type sometimes respectfully ma or sir.”
Similarly, @MrSamAgain questioned whether celebrating a birthday should be interpreted as disrespecting the deceased.
“Is she throwing a party ? So the pictures wey she snap , she should delete it or not celebrate herself for being alive . Because youre mourning, dont do anything today, dont eat, dont make money . You can even d*e with him if that’s the only way to show that you’re not an hypocrite She paid her tribute, so what else do you want,” the user wrote.
Another X user, @Fanaccount, however, argued that Akindele should have been more sensitive to the prevailing mood, saying, “You people are hypocrites…. I be LA funky day 1 supporter, if it was another celeb you guys will wreck his life like she doesn’t read the room is she not suppose to know it’s Ogogos burial today.”
Some others adopted a middle ground, suggesting that Akindele could have incorporated a brief reference to Ogogo into her birthday message.
@whalefrosh501 wrote, “Wait ooo make we no lie she suppose add ogogo stuff like (RIP to the dead ones) or words concerning ogogo to show respect not just only her birthday wishes if she is a truly Yoruba woman.”
But @Timmynuel1 dismissed the criticism, writing, “make she no post her birthday bla bla bla,fools ranting bullshit,if na her papa,she go fit post??? that wasn’t just anybody ooo,e never even reach 24hours.”
Others simply chose to celebrate Akindele without engaging in the controversy.
@oluwabamideleeo wrote, “Happy birthday aunty.”
Another user, @funkeakindele, wrote, “may you live long because you deserve it. Btw did you know you inspire people to come their kid Jenifer after you made that movie ?”
@AfricanElon001 also struck a balance between mourning Ogogo and celebrating Akindele, writing, “As we dey mourn the death of Mr Taiwo Hassan Ogogo naso, we dey celebrate a living legend, happy birthday ma, more years to celebrate in A1 condition.”
The debate highlights the often-complicated expectations placed on public figures when personal milestones coincide with the death of another prominent personality. While some fans expect celebrities to observe a period of restraint out of respect for the deceased, others argue that grief does not require everyone to suspend their own lives or milestones.
For Akindele, the controversy has added an unexpected layer to what would ordinarily have been a personal celebration, as fans continue to mourn Ogogo, whose death has left a major void in the Yoruba film industry.
