Reactions have begun to trail Nollywood actress Funke Akindele’s birthday post after she shared new photos to mark her birthday on Monday, August 24, the same day veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was laid to rest.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, at the age of 66, with his death triggering an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry.
His burial followed on Monday, as colleagues, friends, family members and fans gathered to pay their final respects.
However, Akindele’s birthday post attracted criticism from some social media users, who questioned the timing of the post amid the mourning over Ogogo’s death.
Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi 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, OAT~AZEEZ, questioned why the actress did not postpone her birthday post, writing:
“Why you don’t shift your birthday to another day, you just lost prominent person in your industry which it come for sober reflection. Remember that death is inevitable, all of us will go one day oo.”
ZBSS also criticised the timing of the post, saying, “Wrong timing, Aunty Funke. Very wrong timing. And he was one of your bosses at the Odunfa Caucus. When they organised that public prayer for late Mr. Ogogo the other day, I said there was so much fake love and pretence in the industry. This is just another example. It is well with us o.”
Constantinople also questioned the decision to share the birthday photos, despite acknowledging Akindele’s earlier condolence message.
“A colleague of yours just died even though you sent your condolences yesterday and so? A colleague and a legend but here u are posting photo shot coz you’re too hungry to post on ur birthday. What a good human being you are. Congratulations hbd! Hurrrrraaayy yeye.”
Another commenter, KAN’EL, said Akindele could have chosen not to celebrate publicly for the year, although the user still wished her well.
“If I were you Aunty Funke, I woulda forgo the celebration of my birth for the year. Today should be all about the passing of Ogogo. But we are not the same person. Happy birthday to you and I wish you long life in good health. I wish for you to continue to prosper.”
Another commenter also questioned the decision to share the birthday photos, arguing that Akindele should have considered the timing given Ogogo’s death and burial. The user wrote, “Since you are not throwing a party for the birthday, why not pause on this post? Y’all, before you rant like foolish fans, let me ask you, if that was her dad yesterday, will she post about her birthday today? It is well.”
The comments have since fueled an online debate over whether celebrities should suspend public celebrations when a colleague or notable figure in their industry passes away.
