Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has drawn 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, longevity 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 also prayed that her life would continue to positively impact others.
“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,” she added.
However, the post drew criticism from some social media users who considered the timing insensitive, given that Ogogo, who died on Sunday at the age of 66, was being laid to rest the same day.
One X user, Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita), criticised Akindele for celebrating her birthday while the veteran actor was being buried, urging her to be more sensitive to the situation.
Another user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish), described the post as inappropriate, while Victoria A (@iamzioraa) similarly accused the actress of failing to “read the room” amid the mourning surrounding Ogogo’s death.
A user identified as omoiyanofi (@papiexploring) acknowledged Akindele’s right to celebrate her birthday but said the timing appeared insensitive.
“Sometimes, it’s not about whether you’re right or wrong to celebrate. It’s about knowing when to tone things down out of respect for someone who has just passed away,” the user wrote.
Similarly, AMICABLU (@Gbalode_) said Akindele’s decision to celebrate her birthday on the day of Ogogo’s burial did not sit well with them, arguing that someone of her stature and influence in the Nigerian entertainment industry should have shown greater restraint.
Another user, ÀDÌGÚN the Bald Agbẹjọ́rò (@adigunagbejoro), also described the birthday post as insensitive, saying the entertainment industry was still mourning Ogogo and that Akindele could have avoided publicly celebrating on the day of his burial.
KAN’EL (@i_am_Abiodun_) and OLA OF IBADAN (@h0llaOla) similarly suggested that Akindele could have postponed her public birthday celebration out of respect for her late colleague.
Others Defend Akindele
Despite the criticism, other social media users defended Akindele, arguing that Ogogo’s death should not require others to suspend their personal lives or celebrations.
Joy Ikpefua (@joy_ciana) said it was unfair to criticise Akindele for celebrating her birthday simply because another person had died.
She argued that people continued to work, eat and attend to their daily responsibilities despite the tragedy and that life does not stop because someone has died.
According to her, people can mourn the death of a loved one or colleague while also recognising and celebrating another person’s life.
“Grief is personal. Birthday celebrations are personal too. We need to stop policing how other people respond to death,” she wrote.
Another X user, Divya (@KunnujiC), also questioned why Akindele should be expected to suspend her birthday celebration because of Ogogo’s death.
The user argued that society generally continues functioning after the death of an individual and that people should be allowed to carry on with their lives while mourning.
The contrasting reactions have since sparked a broader debate on social media over whether public figures should tone down personal celebrations during periods of mourning, particularly when the deceased is a colleague or member of the same professional community.
