“Funke Akindele’s Only Offence is being Successful,” Fans React to Cinema Controversy

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Summary: Fans have rallied behind filmmaker Funke Akindele after colleague Kunle Afolayan stated on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, that he was not interested in making N1 billion or N2 billion in cinema if he could not personally receive N10 million from such projects. Funke responded on Sunday, February 1, 2026, telling critics not to let jealousy burn them, while fans flooded social media, accusing Afolayan of attacking her success and insisting her only “offence” is being exceptionally successful.

Fans have rallied behind filmmaker Funke Akindele after colleague Kunle Afolayan questioned the value of record-breaking box office numbers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

While addressing his approach to filmmaking and profitability at the watch party for his Netflix series Anikulapo: The Ghoul Awakens held in Igbojaye, Afolyan stated, “I don’t just want N1 billion or N2 billion in the cinema that I won’t be able to personally receive N10 million from.” 

Although Afolayan did not mention names, the timing of his remarks drew attention. His statement came shortly after Funke’s film Behind The Scenes grossed N2.4 billion at the Nigerian box office, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time and the first to cross the N2 billion mark in Africa.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Lagos Business of Film Summit, Afolayan took another swipe at filmmakers who use dance skits to promote their work. “I want to make a film, if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell that film. I don’t know how Funke and the likes are doing it,” he said, explaining that such promotional methods drain him.

Funke responded on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with a series of posts on her Instagram story defending her approach and dismissing claims that her success was obstructing the progress of fellow filmmakers.

I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni,” Funke wrote. She urged colleagues who hold different views to carve out their own paths. “If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. Do not allow jealousy to burn you. The sky is so big that everybody to fly. Eyin Werey jojo!” she stated.

Afterwards, the issue became controversial, with fans defending the box-office queen’s success.

“Funke Akindele did not work so hard to become the best at what she does for you people to start throwing shades at her left and right,” @obeze_abba tweets. “ Her only offence was being the best at what she does.”

Another fan, @abb.ydek, stated, “Aunty Funke, a force, a vision, a standard. Not just successful, not just consistent, but impactful. You don’t just make films, you make moments. You don’t just entertain, you shift culture. Grace, grit, brilliance, and excellence wrapped in one woman. Africa’s finest, Nollywood’s backbone, and proof that hard work, discipline, and purpose still win. We see you. We celebrate you. We are proud of you, loudly and unapologetically” 

Fans have maintained that Funke Akindele is a trailblazer, and her promotional methods have proven their worth through consistent box-office dominance.

Editor’s Note: This story has been edited to include additional information, such as fans’ reactions.