By George Omagbemi
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has come under criticism on social media after sharing a birthday message and photographs on Monday, August 24, 2026, the same day veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State.
Akindele, who turned 49, expressed gratitude to God for another year and prayed for good health, long life and the grace to continue fulfilling her purpose.
However, the timing of the post triggered mixed reactions, with some social media users describing it as insensitive given that Ogogo, a senior figure in the Yoruba film industry, was being laid to rest that same day.
Some critics argued that Akindele could have chosen to keep the celebration private or postpone her public birthday post out of respect for the late actor and the grieving entertainment community.
Others, however, defended the actress, arguing that a person’s death does not require everyone else to suspend their lives or personal milestones. They noted that Akindele had previously acknowledged Ogogo’s death and that celebrating her birthday did not necessarily mean she was disrespecting the deceased.
Ogogo died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66, after reportedly battling stage-four cancer. He was buried in his hometown, Ilaro, on Monday, with family members, friends and several Nollywood colleagues attending the funeral.
The controversy has consequently sparked a wider debate about social-media etiquette, grief, timing and personal freedom, particularly concerning how public figures should conduct themselves when personal celebrations coincide with the death or burial of a colleague.
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