Home✔Naija HB SpecialTen interesting facts about Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele

Ten interesting facts about Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele

Published on

Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde professional known as Funke Akindele /Jenifa is a Nigerian actress and producer. In this article, You are going to discover ten interesting facts about her.

credit: Funke Akindele

Jenifa who is known for her skilful comedy roles in movies has done excellently well for herself.

Ten interesting facts about Funke Akindele

In this article, we will be bringing you interesting facts you never knew about your favourite actress, Jenifa.

1. Her Birth

Funke Akindele was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the second out of three children (a boy and two girls). Funke’s father is a retired School Principal and her mother a Medical Doctor.

2. Is Jenifa educated?

Many people think the thespian is not educated because of her poor use of English Language in her popular series, ” Jenifa’s diary.

Well, contrary to what you see her portray in Jenifa’s diary, The real Jenifa is educated and fluent in English.

As a matter of fact, she studied Mass communication and went on to study Law in The university.

For a start, Funke attended Grace Children Schools, Gbagada and Lagos State Model College, Igbo-Kuta for her primary and secondary education. 

She obtained her OND in Mass Communication from the Ogun State Polytechnic now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

With the zeal to further her education, she went to the University of Lagos to pursue a law degree.

Jenifa is educated
Credit: Funke Akindele

3. Birthday & age; What is her real age?

The mother of two was born on 24th August 1977. Hence, she is currently 46 years old.

4. Who is Funke Akindele’s Husband?

On the 26th of May 2012, Akindele got married to Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. However, the couple went their separate ways in July 2013, with rumours that Mr Adeola was having extramarital affairs.

Nevertheless the actress found love again with Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in London in May 2016. 

In August 2017 Rumours about her being pregnant was all over the net, however, in December 2018, she gave birth.

5. FUnke Akindele has a set of twin children

On the 22nd of December 2018, the celebrity couple welcomed their first issue, a set of twin boys.

Funke Akindele, her husband and their twin boys
Merry Christmas from Funke Akindele and her family

6. Her journey to stardom

Funke Akindele came into the spotlight after starring in popular (UNFPA) United Nations Population Fund sponsored sitcom ‘I Need to Know’ which starred from 1998 to 2002.

Funke played Bisi, the role of a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student.

The thespian gained more popularity in 2008 when she featured as Jenifa in her series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’.

She started a new web series, ‘Aiyetoro Town,’ a production from her popular TV series, ‘Jenifa’s Diary in July 2019.

Funke is the CEO of Scene One Film Production.

7. She was suppose to feature in Marvel’s Avengers

In January 2018, there was a dispute when a report came that Akindele would get her Hollywood debut in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War as she was among the listed members of the cast on IMDb. 

Mainstream Nigerian press reported that she was prepared to star in Infinity War as the “guard Dora Milaje”.

However, some weeks later her name was replaced with that of Co-actress Genevieve Nnaji, the reason for that was not clear.

In February 2018, Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki has urged Marvel Studios to feature Akindele in Infinity War.

Jenifa made her directorial debut in 2019 political drama film titled “Your Excellency”.

Funke Akindele is the founder of Jenifa's foundation

8. Funke Akindele is the founder of Jenifa’s foundation and has many endorsement deals

She is the founder of Jenifa’s Foundation, a non-governmental organisation which empowers and help young people discover their talents in acting, music and dance.

She has lots of endorsement deals with different brands. Some of those brands include Vitafoam, Iroko TV, Lagos State Inland Revenue Service, estern Lotto, Sports betting company 1960 Bet to mention but a few.

In August 2018, she signed a new endorsement deal with Keystone Bank, a financial Institution in Nigeria.

In November 2019, she signed an endorsement deal with Waw Nigeria, a manufacturing company that produces detergent and bar soaps.

9. Funke Akindele is an ex-Convict

In April 2020, she was arrested for holding a birthday party for her husband amidst the lockdown order imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19.

The actress and her husband were sentenced to 14-day community service following the violation of the lockdown order.

Funke was dispatched as dettol ambassador as a result of breaking the lockdown order.

Funke Akindele is an ex- convict
credit:Funke Akindele

10. Alleged abuse of workers

The actress was dragged recently on social media by one of her former employee named Cassandra.

Cassandra claimed that Funke doesn’t treat her staff as humans, as they worked under fear and duress.

However, Tobi Makinde, popularly known as “Timini” in the popular sitcom, Jenifa’s diary, has come to the defence of his boss, Funke Akindele, following the accusation levied against her.

Also, actor, Nosa Rex lashed out at Cassandra. He talked about being grateful to anyone who has in one way or the other helped you.

He further noted that Funke is kind, hardworking and jovial. But she is always under pressure to deliver therefore, she pushes her workers to their limit when necessary.

Funke Akindele alleged abuse of workers
Credit:Funke Akindele

Here’s a summary of Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde’s profile:

  • Full name: Akindele-Bello Olufunke Ayotunde
  • Date of birth: 24th August 1977
  • Age: 46.
  • State of Origin: Lagos state
  • Marital status: married
  • Years active: 1998 till present
  • Nationality: Nigerian

Latest articles

Who is The Tenge Tenge Kid?

Videos of the Tenge Tenge kid have garnered hundreds of millions of views on...

List of Nigerian States with APC Governors

Discover the list of Nigerian States being governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)...

See the Names and States of PDP Governors in Nigeria in 2023

Get to know the governors leading their states under the People's Democratic Party (PDP)...

Present Governors of All 36 States in Nigeria, Deputies & Parties (2023)

This post provides information on the present governors for all 36 states in Nigeria....

More like this

Who is The Tenge Tenge Kid?

Videos of the Tenge Tenge kid have garnered hundreds of millions of views on...

List of Nigerian States with APC Governors

Discover the list of Nigerian States being governed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)...

See the Names and States of PDP Governors in Nigeria in 2023

Get to know the governors leading their states under the People's Democratic Party (PDP)...