|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
In a viral Facebook post, a user falsely claimed that Funke Akindele, the renowned, multi-award-winning actress and filmmaker, has been married to four different men. Although women have the right to marry as many partners as they deem fit, NFM uncovers the truth behind the claim to mitigate sexist attacks and gender disinformation. The investigation reveals that Funke only had two, not four, husbands.
Claim:
On June 13, 2025, Ekene Dili Chukwu posted a picture collage on Facebook of Funke Akindele with four different men, insinuating that she was married to four men. The post currently has 1k views, 269 comments, and seven reposts.
In many societies, especially in parts of Africa, there’s intense pressure on women to maintain a “respectable” public image, often defined by marital status, motherhood, and modesty. However, sexist claims are often a tactic to suppress powerful women like Funke Akindele and open them to targeted harassment.
Also, when prominent women like Funke are attacked with gendered misinformation, it sends a message to younger women that success comes at the cost of public shaming. Correcting false narratives targeted at public figures like Funke helps safeguard their credibility and legacy, especially when those narratives are designed to tear them down.
NFM Checks
Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa, is a Nigerian filmmaker, actress, politician, and realtor. Funke Akindele has consistently mastered her craft and is the best at it. Although many perceive the Nollywood actress as having a tough skin, Funke has had her fair share of heartbreak and happy moments.
Her first marriage was to Adeola Oloyede, a popular Oshodi entrepreneur, on May 26, 2012, which ended in 2013.
Her second marriage was to AbdulRasheed Bello, also known as JJC Skillz, a Nigerian rapper, singer, and producer. They married in May 2016 and had twin boys together, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2022 in London.
In a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, a media personality, she admitted that she wanted to marry early, and her first marriage ended badly. In another interview with Theresa Media, Funke Akindele discusses her failed marriage to JJC.
“Our visions of marriage are no longer aligning, our efforts to make it work fell on deaf ears, so why hang around?”
Those are the two marriages Funke had. The other two, pictures made by the claimant, Funke Akindele, with Joseph Benjamin and Femi Adebayo, are photo covers for their different movies.
However, the false claim reduces Funke Akindele, a highly accomplished woman, to her marital history, not intellect, talent, or achievements. This reflects a long-standing patriarchal tendency to judge women by their relationships while men in similar positions face little scrutiny. Male celebrities with multiple marriages or public scandals are often celebrated as “playboys” or “strong men,” but women are shamed for similar life choices.
Expert Reaction
Reacting to the claim, Naija Feminists Founder and Women’s Rights Advocate, Simbiat Bakare, noted that women have the right to divorce and remarry as many times as they deem fit. She also clarified that they should not be judged based on their choices.
Social media users’ reactions
This post also generated responses from users, with many disagreeing with it.
“This is just a cover pic for movies. Haba, you guys should stop all these, see finish,” Sarah Ishaya commented.
“She didn’t marry Joseph Benjamin and Femi Adebayo; it’s just a movie,” Sakirat Soga countered.
“One day hand will go touch one blogger so that others go learn,” Bessan Surcvess explained with disdain.
Conclusion
The false claim about Funke Akindele marrying four men is more than gossip; it’s a reflection of deeply rooted misogyny that punishes women for visibility, power, and independence. This shows how misinformation becomes a tool of social control and gender inequality.
Naija Feminists Media is committed to fighting gendered disinformation and misinformation that concerns women.Â
