Renowned Nollywood actress, filmmaker, and box office powerhouse, Funke Akindele, has addressed recent allegations that she underpaid a fellow actor on one of her productions. Speaking during an in-depth conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the actress didn’t just respond to the controversy but also opened up about a series of personal hardships she has faced in recent times.
Funke, who is known for her resilience and groundbreaking achievements in the Nigerian film industry, clarified that she had no personal relationship or prior dealings with the individual making the claim. She expressed surprise at the allegation and maintained that she strives to treat everyone on her team fairly and professionally.
Beyond the public controversy, the actress took a vulnerable turn during the interview, sharing how the past year has been one of the most emotionally challenging periods of her life. She reflected on the pain of going through a failed marriage, losing her beloved mother, experiencing defeat in the Lagos State gubernatorial elections, and juggling the responsibilities of single motherhood.
“These past few months have tested me in ways I never expected,” she admitted. “I broke down completely — I was down for weeks. It just felt like everything came crashing down at once.”
Opening up about how she copes with grief and emotional pain, Funke shared, “I don’t like to stay in that space for long. When my mom passed, I just wanted to escape the pain and get back on my feet quickly.”
Despite the personal storms, Funke Akindele remains focused on her work, her children, and finding strength in moving forward. Her openness served as a powerful reminder that behind the fame and success, there are real human struggles — and healing takes time.
