Filmmaker and movie director Tunde Olaoye has come to the defence of Nollywood actress Funke Akindele following criticism directed at her after the death of veteran actor Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo.
Olaoye, in a Facebook post, highlighted the often-overlooked mental health pressures associated with celebrity status, noting that public figures are frequently subjected to relentless judgement, bullying and criticism over their personal choices.
According to him, celebrities are often pressured to conform to public expectations about how they should celebrate, mourn, support others or express their opinions.
He explained that Akindele had mourned Ogogo in two separate posts on her Instagram story on the day of his death, but faced criticism the following day when she shared a birthday message expressing gratitude to God for her life.
Olaoye said some critics questioned how she could celebrate her birthday when a fellow actor had died only a day earlier.
He, however, urged the public to understand that mourning and gratitude can coexist, stressing that life must continue after death.
“We will all die and life must continue,” Olaoye wrote, adding that Ogogo lived such an impactful life that his name and legacy would endure beyond his passing.
He further noted that the late actor understood the nature of life and entertainment, likening it to a stage where one performance may end while another continues.
Olaoye said colleagues and members of the public should acknowledge one another’s pain without denying themselves the opportunity to be grateful for life.
The filmmaker also used the opportunity to promote King Kòsọ́kọ́, a historical film featuring the late Ogogo, which premiered on the day of the actor’s death and is scheduled to open in cinemas nationwide on Friday.
He urged movie lovers to see the film, stressing that Ogogo would have wanted the entertainment industry and life itself to continue.
“Ogogo would want the show to go on. The show must go on!” Olaoye concluded.
