Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has faced criticism on social media for posting a birthday message on Monday, the day that renowned actor Taiwo Hassan, aka Ogogo, was laid to rest.
On Instagram, Akindele, who turned one year older on Monday, thanked God.
“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.
“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,” she added.
However, other people criticised the post’s timing, saying it was callous considering that Ogogo was buried in Ilaro, Ogun State, on the same day.
After fighting stage-four cancer, the 66-year-old actor passed away on Sunday.
ALSO READ: Late Ogogo’s Daughter Reveals Last Message From Dad
Others stood up for the actress, saying that it is unreasonable to ask individuals to stop living because of the loss of a coworker.
Ogogo passed away on Sunday and was buried in his hometown of Ilaro on Monday in accordance with Islamic customs.
One of the children of the late Ogogo, Kira Taiwo, had released the messages she sent her father prior to his passing. On Monday, she shared some of their conversations on her Instagram Story.
During the July 26 chat, Ogogo encouraged Kira Taiwo to maintain her strength.
He wrote, “How are you? I heard you are crying. Seeing you and your sisters smile is making me strong. If you cry, it will make me sad, and I will start to think.”
The late actor said, ‘Be strong. I am strong. Nothing is going to happen to me, insha Allah. If you do, then don’t cry, my princess.”
In response, Kira insisted that she was not crying and assured Ogogo of her faith.
