Popular Nollywood actor and award-winning filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has finally broken silence on the swirling rumours of a supposed cold war between himself and box-office queen, Funke Akindele. According to him, there is no battle, only bruised egos and blown-out interpretations.
Trouble started after Afolayan spoke candidly at a recent Film Summit, where he lamented over the exhausting pressure on filmmakers to constantly dance, create skits, and stay hyper-visible online just to sell their movies.
He said; “It is draining, I want to make a film if you can guarantee me that I don’t have to dance to sell that film.”
Though he never mentioned names, the comment ignited speculation online, many interpreting it as a subtle jab at Funke Akindele, whose energetic social-media promotions have become a winning formula for her record-breaking cinema releases.
The reaction was swift and taking to Instagram, Akindele fired back with unmistakable sarcasm.
She wrote; “I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye ni n ye ni, Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for your business, or hire a company to handle it.”
“The opportunities are endless. I’m focused on mine, and I trust God’s plan for me.”
But speaking during an interview on ARISE TV, Afolayan set the record straight, revealing that the actress had actually called him directly.
He said; “She called me, and she was yelling. She said, ‘Mr Afolayan, I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews.’”
When asked if Akindele sounded angry, his response was blunt: “Yes, she was yelling.”
“I have absolutely nothing against Funke, Just last week in Kaduna, during a masterclass with young creatives, I told them clearly, if you’re looking for a model that works today, follow Funke Akindele’s model.”
According to Afolayan, his comments were never meant as an attack, but as a broader conversation about the evolving demands of film promotion in the digital age.
