Kunle Afolayan Claims Funke Akindele Yelled at Him Over Interview Remarks

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has revealed he received an angry phone call from actress Funke Akindele, who allegedly instructed him to stop mentioning her name in interviews.

Recounting the incident on Arise News, Afolayan said the call came after media reports suggested he had criticised filmmakers who employ high-energy, dance-focused promotional campaigns. He described the exchange as abrupt and emotional. “She called and said, ‘I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews.’ She was angry, yelling, and then she dropped the phone,” he stated. Afolayan expressed confusion, noting their long-standing personal bond. “Funke is like a sister to me. We grew up together… I honestly didn’t understand where it was coming from.”

The director clarified that his original comments had been misconstrued. He explained that he was not criticising Akindele or others, but simply stating that intensive promotional tactics were not his preferred approach. “I only said it’s not something I personally want to do. It’s exhausting for me,” he explained, adding that the remarks were made during a business forum on cinema sustainability and profitability.

Afolayan expressed regret over the online backlash that ensued. “If she felt offended in any way, I’m sorry,” he said, while denouncing the coordinated social media attacks that followed. He emphasised that his stance was never personal and praised Akindele’s strategic career evolution. “I actually told young filmmakers that if they want a model that works now, they should study Funke Akindele’s journey from Jenifa to where her brand is today,” he remarked, concluding, “I have nothing against her at all. She’s my sister.”