Nigerian filmmaker and actress Funke Akindele has faced criticism on social media after celebrating her 49th birthday just hours after the death and burial of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was buried on Monday, August 24, according to Islamic burial rites.
Akindele had earlier expressed condolences following the veteran actor’s death. However, on Monday, she shared new photographs on social media to mark her 49th birthday.
Nigerians React
The birthday posts sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians criticising the timing of the celebration and arguing that Akindele should have postponed her public birthday activities out of respect for the late actor.
Some commenters also referenced Ogogo’s contribution to Akindele’s career and his longstanding role in the Yoruba film industry.
One social media user wrote: “Wrong timing, Aunty Funke. Very wrong timing.”
Another questioned why the actress could not postpone her birthday celebration, given that a prominent colleague had died and was being buried the same day.
Others, however, wished Akindele a happy birthday and good health while acknowledging that people grieve and respond to loss differently.
Ogogo’s Legacy in Nollywood
Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo, was one of the respected figures in the Nigerian Yoruba film industry.
Over several decades, he built a reputation as an actor, filmmaker and influential figure whose work contributed to the development of Yoruba-language cinema.
His death has generated widespread tributes from colleagues, fans and other members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Debate Over Birthday Celebrations During Mourning
The controversy surrounding Akindele’s birthday has also sparked a broader debate about how public figures should balance personal milestones with moments of mourning within their professional communities.
While some critics believe the celebration should have been postponed, others argue that a person’s birthday remains a personal occasion and that mourning does not necessarily require everyone to suspend their normal activities.
Akindele had already publicly mourned Ogogo before sharing her birthday photographs. The criticism therefore largely centres on the timing and public nature of her celebration rather than an absence of condolences.
The reactions continue to generate discussion among Nollywood fans and social media users as the industry mourns the loss of one of its veteran actors.
