Actress sparks debate online as some Nigerians accuse her of insensitivity, while others defend her right to celebrate her birthday
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 Ilaro, Ogun State.
Akindele, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, expressed gratitude to God for another year and prayed for good health, long life 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 added that she hoped her life would inspire others to believe, dream and persevere, while thanking God for His blessings.
The post, however, drew criticism from some social media users who questioned the timing of the birthday message amid the burial of Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66.
Some users accused Akindele of being insensitive to the mourning in the Yoruba film industry, arguing that she should have shown restraint on the day of her senior colleague’s burial.
However, other Nigerians defended the actress, saying her birthday celebration did not diminish the significance of Ogogo’s death or prevent others from mourning the veteran actor.
They argued that Akindele was entitled to mark her birthday and that both events could take place without undermining each other.
Ogogo was buried in Ilaro, his hometown, on Monday according to Islamic rites. His burial was attended by family members, friends and colleagues, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Faithia Balogun, Femi Adebayo, Mr Latin and Toyosi Adesanya.
The veteran actor, who was prominent in Yoruba-language cinema, died after battling stage-four cancer.