Nigerian screen goddess and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has fired back at a netizen who advised her to stop wearing a ring on her marriage finger.
A social media user, @OriretanHonour, took to X to share his unsolicited opinion:
“Funke, it’s unwise to still wear a ring on your marriage finger knowing you’re divorced. Even worse, it might chase away your future husband. Little things count now that you’re still famous, hot, and rich. Mind your public acts. Remove the ring now. You need a man in your life ASAP. Act fast. Be wise.”
In response, the Jenifa’s Diary star wasted no time shutting down the remark, stating that financial stability, not marriage, is her priority. She simply wrote:
“I need money! That’s the koko.”
Her blunt response sparked widespread discussions about societal expectations placed on divorced women, particularly public figures, and the scrutiny they face over personal choices.
Akindele, whose films have shattered box office records, has been married twice. She tied the knot with her first husband, Mr. Oloyede, on May 26, 2012, but their marriage ended in July 2013 due to irreconcilable differences. Her second marriage, to music producer JJC Skillz, ended in 2022 after the couple welcomed a set of twins.
In a 2024 interview with Wazobia FM, FUNke, popularly known as Jenifa, addressed her divorces, emphasizing that they do not define her as a failure. She highlighted the importance of resilience and personal growth, stating that life’s challenges should not determine one’s self-worth.
The incident has divided public opinion. While many applauded Akindele’s candor and career-driven mindset, others argued that celebrities should be mindful of the messages they send through personal choices. The debate emphasizes the ongoing tension between personal autonomy and societal expectations—a balance many public figures must navigate in the age of social media.
Born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Akindele gained early recognition with her role in the sitcom I Need to Know (1998–2002). However, her breakthrough came with the 2008 film Jenifa, which earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009.
Building on Jenifa’s success, she expanded the franchise with The Return of Jenifa and the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, which launched in 2015. Her stellar performances in the series won her multiple Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022.
FUnke is known as one of the most talented persons in the Nollywood movie industry. Beyond acting, Akindele is a record-breaking producer. Her films Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020) and Battle on Buka Street (2022) remain some of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films of all time.
Outside of entertainment, Akindele is known for her philanthropic efforts. In December 2024, during the World AIDS Day commemoration, UNAIDS appointed her as Nigeria’s National Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, she is expected to drive progress in HIV prevention and awareness across the country.
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