Nollywood actress, Funke Akinedele, has debunked the accusation that she did not offer to help her colleague and one of the cast of Jenifa’s Diary, Adejumoke Aderounmu, before her sudden death.
Aderounmu, popularly known for her feature in the hit series Jenifa’s Diary, reportedly died during the weekend over an undisclosed ailment.
Funke Akindele reacted to the demise, via the comment session on Instagram.
In response, Aderounmu’s brother, in a series of posts via his Instagram page, commended Nollywood stars, Rita Dominic and Sotayo Gaga for reaching out to his sister, unlike Funke.
The deceased’s brother further added that there was no point in showing love when Funke Akindele failed to do the same when his sister was alive.
During an Instagram live session, Funke expressed displeasure over a demeaning comment a netizen made on her page following Ajumoke Aderounmu’s death.
Funke mentioned that she asked about Jumoke’s whereabouts and was unaware that she had been sick until the news about her demise.
The actress noted that she also had her trying times, stressing that she got depressed after losing her mother.
“Someone made a comment on my page just now that I will bury my children. What have I done wrong? Jumoke was part of Jenifa’s crew. She acted her role in Jenifa’s dairy and industries and got paid, that was it. You know Jenifa’s Dairy is on a break and we are not working on the project, so most of the cast don’t see each other.
“So suddenly, I just messaged Jide and asked about Jumoke, and asked him to call her and ask about her wellbeing, and he said she is fine and we should be calling her for jobs. So Pascal called me that I should check online Jumoke’s brother said nobody checked on her, and I said he is grieving and it is not easy to lose someone.”
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele tearfully noted how she lost her mother, marriage, and politics and is trying to get her life back together.
“I lost my mom, nobody knows what I went through, I went through a lot, I was depressed losing my mom, I went through a lot. So I reached out to Jumoke’s brother, and nobody told me that your sister was sick. I said I don’t turn a deaf ear to people that are next to me, I give but don’t like making noise about it.
“I hate it. I don’t beef with any filmmaker or colleague, I do my things and face where I’m going. The records I have been able to break are by the grace of God. Do not forget I got my trying moments too, what do you want me to do? The issue I had during Covid, politics was backlash and marriage too. Somebody now said you will lose your children, I think that is too much. Yes, I’m very strict and focused; whoever works with me and wants to go can go, and those who want to stay can stay, too.”
Funke Akindele
Jide Awobona Defends Actress Amid Hot Backlash
Shortly after Funke Akindele was dragged online, Nollywood actor and fellow Jenifa’s Diary star, Jide Awobona, shared his two cents on the matter.
Earlier while reacting to Jumoke’s untimely death, Funke Akindele stated that she reached out to Jide Awobona to ask about the deceased before her death.
Confirming her claim, Jide Awobona shut down the late actress’ brother’s claims of Funke Akindele not being there for his sister.
According to Awobona, Funke Akindele called him to reach out to the late Jumoke on her behalf because she knew they were cool. He further added that she insisted he made the call and that he even criticized the late movie star for isolating herself.
“I really don’t feel like saying anything about this but I need to let the world know that Aunty Funke actually called me to ask of Jumoke because she knows we were cool. She insisted I call her to be sure she is fine. I did, we spoke at length and I complained about her isolating herself. May her soul Rest In Peace and May God forgive us all.”
Jide Awobona
Jide Awobona’s statement on how Funke Akindele checked up on the deceased raised mixed reactions from netizens.
“The way you all are blaming Sister Funke makes it look as if her call would have kept this lady alive today. Please stop. You don’t know anyone’s struggles, and you all know all that happened to her last year right?”
Cynthiachinny
“No one is to be blamed. May God rest her soul.”
arasignaturez
“I am really a lover of Funke Akindele but truth be told Nigerian celebrities have nothing to offer their fans. They act like Demi gods to their fans that’s why I don’t and I will never hype any of them.”
iamdejavoo_
“Everyone has something they are struggling with. You never know what Aunty was also battling with. Let’s not be too quick to accuse others.”
Millatu_12
“No one is having it easy we all have the battle we fighting low-key.”
Orekitan_
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