On Monday, the same day that veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, better known by his stage name Ogogo, was laid to rest in Ilaro, Ogun State, Nollywood actress and director Funke Akindele shared a birthday message on social media, provoking conflicting responses.
On Monday, Akindele celebrated her birthday. She thanked God for another year and prayed for health, longevity, and the grace to carry out her mission.
“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 on Instagram post.
“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.”
However, some social media users criticized her post, questioning the birthday message’s timing in light of Ogogo’s burial. Ogogo passed away on Sunday at the age of 66.
One X user, Adewale (@SoEdunOkanESita), criticised Akindele for celebrating her birthday on the day of Ogogo’s burial.
“Funke Akindele!!! Today of all days! Are you aware that Taiwo Hassan, your senior colleague in the film industry, is dead and will be buried today? Don’t you read the room? Everyone will die o. It is Ogogo today, no one knows who is next tomorrow. What you guys in the Nollywood are doing is not humane. You show no sense of humanity. Well, Ogogo did not die a sudden death even though how it happened is sad. He would have been 67 years old in October. Everyone will reap all they sow,” he wrote.
Another X user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi (@ola_kish), described the birthday post as inappropriate.
“Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo,” he wrote.
Victoria A (@iamzioraa) also criticised the actress, saying she should have been more sensitive to the mourning surrounding Ogogo’s death.
“Aunty Funke should at least read the room, Nigerians are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And she is posting about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo,” Victoria wrote.
Similarly, omoiyanofi (@papiexploring) said while Akindele had the right to celebrate her birthday, the timing of the post appeared insensitive.
“Mrs Funke Akindele, I understand that life goes on and everyone has the right to celebrate their birthday, but posting a birthday celebration so soon after the passing of Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo) feels 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.
“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,” the user wrote.
Similarly, OLA OF IBADAN (@h0llaOla) said Akindele could have postponed the celebration.
The celebration of Funke Akindele’s birthday amidst the somber occasion of Ogogo’s burial has sparked widespread controversy and public scrutiny. Many viewers feel that such festivities are inappropriate during a time of mourning, leading to debates about respect and propriety. As the public discourse continues, it highlights the importance of sensitivity and awareness of cultural and social sentiments during periods of grief. The incident serves as a reminder for celebrities and public figures to consider the impact of their actions on their fans and the broader community, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior in times of collective mourning.
