Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has sparked debate on social media after she was absent from the premiere of her protégé, popular skit maker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State.
Akindele’s absence from Sunday’s Lagos premiere of Kamo’s debut cinema film, Star Lomo, drew questions from some social media users, particularly because of the close relationship the pair have publicly shared in recent years.
Kamo’s association with Akindele became more prominent during the production and promotion of Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024. The skit maker subsequently became a regular presence in content shared by the actress, particularly on Snapchat.
Akindele has also hosted Kamo and his wife and supported and promoted some of his projects.
Through his association with the actress, Kamo featured in projects including Aiyetoro Town Season 2, Behind The Scenes and Everybody Loves Jenifa.
The pair were also frequently seen together at events, with Akindele publicly showing support for Kamo on several occasions.
However, their appearances together appeared to become less frequent earlier this year, with Kamo no longer featuring as regularly in Akindele’s social media content.
The change, coupled with Akindele’s absence from the Star Lomo premiere, has led some social media users to speculate about a possible disagreement between the two.
Some users also drew comparisons between Kamo’s relationship with Akindele and the actress’ previous associations with other protégés, including Juliana Oloyede, popularly known as Toyo Baby, and Tobi Makinde.
Akindele’s absence attracted further attention because Kamo held the premiere in Lagos while the actress was in Ghana on a staycation with singer Waje, who is part of the cast of her forthcoming film, The Four.
Depegan of Lagos (@Mautiin01) questioned Akindele’s absence, writing: “WHERE IS FUNKE AKINDELE? Kamo supported Funke heavily during her own movie season, but now it’s his turn and we hardly see her anywhere. Why isn’t Funke showing Kamo the same support?”
The post generated mixed reactions, with some users questioning the actress’ decision not to attend while others defended her.
Fúnmilọ́lá A. (@funmilo_la) wrote: “If not for Funke Akindele, would you have known Kamo? You lots just like to farm engagements on nonsense. Did Kamo come to complain to you? Why is a fully grown adult invested in people’s private lives.”
Also defending Akindele, Vgooduc (@Vgoodll) said the actress had supported Kamo on several occasions.
“Funke Akindele attended Kamo wedding in Ibadan, sponsored the child naming ceremony, she even featured him in her movies even when the scene are not needed! Because she didn’t attend the premiere she’s now a bad person,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, First Man (@AdeAjay07519752) highlighted Akindele’s whereabouts, writing: “While Kamo State is premiering his movie STAR LOMO in Nigeria, his screen mother, Funke Akindele is in Ghana hiking.”
Another user, royalbestie (@Royalbesti), questioned whether Akindele’s absence should be interpreted as a lack of support, noting that she had previously promoted Kamo’s work.
Other users also defended the actress, arguing that her absence from the premiere did not necessarily indicate a falling-out.
Prisca (@Priscy5_) wrote: “People want Funke Akindele to have problem with everybody she has ever worked with. Funke is in Ghana and you don’t know the kind support she would have given to Kamo for that movie and its premiere but Twitter people like dragging her.”
Similarly, adeloisade (@awoman_engineer) listed several ways she said Akindele had supported Kamo, including featuring him in her films, promoting his content, attending his wedding and supporting his family events.
However, some social media users interpreted the reduced public interaction between the two as evidence that they may no longer be on good terms.
S@RioLa (@SariolaHahremu) wrote: “It’s now evident that they are not in good terms at the moment because Funke is like a godmother for Kamo and in all the promotions for the movie sef I didn’t see any from Funke.”
Another user, The Graced Olabisi (@OlabisiZoey), criticised what they described as excessive familiarity between Akindele and people who work with her, arguing that it could create expectations beyond professional relationships.
However, the online reactions and speculation do not establish that Akindele and Kamo have fallen out.
The pair have previously shared a close public relationship, with Akindele featuring Kamo in her productions and supporting his career and personal milestones.
