“Heartless?” — Funke Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Dayo Amusa Attacked as Ogogo Is Buried

The Final Journey of a Legend

ValidViewNetwork can report that tears flowed freely in Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday as the remains of veteran Nollywood actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, were carried to his final resting place.

The 66-year-old actor, who died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. after a brave battle with stage-four cancer, was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown.

The burial prayer took place at 10:00 a.m. at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground in Ilaro. The body of the actor, wrapped in white clothing, was carried in adherence to Islamic burial rites, with mourners carrying his coffin around the streets for some kilometres before reaching the burial location. Fresh plantain leaves were used to cover the body before sand was poured to cover the grave.

Nollywood Stars, Politicians Gather

ValidViewNetwork can confirm that the burial was attended by a who’s who of the Yoruba film industry. Among those present were:·

Yinka Quadri — Ogogo’s best friend, who broke down in tears as his remains were carried away· Jide Kosoko — who announced the actor’s death on Instagram·

Femi Adebayo — who broke down in tears while paying tribute·

Mr Latin (Bolaji Amusan) — President of TAMPAN·

Faithia Balogun, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Ireti Osayemi, Toyosi Adesanya, Madam Saje, Dele Odule, Olaiya Igwe, Bisi Omo Logbalogba and other colleagues

ValidViewNetwork has also learned that President Bola Tinubu mourned Ogogo, describing his passing as a “major loss” to Nigeria’s creative industry and cultural heritage.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said the actor’s death had created a “painful void” in Nigeria’s creative community.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun also paid tribute.

KWAM 1 Breaks Down on Stage

ValidViewNetwork can report that Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, broke down in tears on stage while performing after receiving news of the actor’s death. A video of the emotional moment showed the music star stepping away from the microphone as tears ran down his face.

THE CONTROVERSY: When Celebrating Life Became a Crime

ValidViewNetwork AnalysisValidViewNetwork can report that while the Yoruba film industry gathered in Ilaro to bid farewell to one of its greatest icons, a different kind of storm was raging on social media, a storm that raises profound questions about grief, public performance, and the culture of cyberbullying that has come to define Nigeria’s online space.

Funke Akindele Under Fire for Birthday Post

ValidViewNetwork has learned that Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, who turned 49 on Monday, August 24, 2026, faced fierce backlash after sharing a birthday message and photos on Instagram on the same day Ogogo was buried.

Akindele wrote:

“Today is my birthday. My heart is full of gratitude to God for all He has done, all He is doing, and all that is still to come. May my life remain a testimony, and may the way I live inspire others to believe, to dream and to keep going. Thank You, Lord. Happy birthday to me”.

The post triggered a firestorm of criticism.

One X user, Adewale, wrote:

“Funke Akindele!!! Today of all days! Are you aware that Taiwo Hassan, your senior colleague in the film industry, is dead and will be buried today? Don’t you read the room?”.

Another user, Olayinka Mujeeb Adeniyi, wrote: “Aunty Funke.. shame on you! We are mourning the death of Ogogo…. And you Dey post about birthday. Omooo this is not fair oo”.

ValidViewNetwork notes that some users pointed out that Akindele had shared a condolence message the previous day, but still questioned her decision to celebrate publicly. Others defended Akindele, arguing that mourning and marking a birthday can coexist.

Dayo Amusa Faces Backlash for Movie Promotion

ValidViewNetwork has confirmed that actress Dayo Amusa also faced fierce backlash after sharing a movie promotion hours after Ogogo was laid to rest.

ValidViewNetwork understands that Amusa responded to the criticism by clarifying that the movie promotion had been scheduled and queued long before Ogogo’s death.

She also pointed out that she had already shared a personal tribute to the late actor prior to the promotional post going live.

Iyabo Ojo and Others Caught in the Crossfire

ValidViewNetwork can report that other celebrities, including Iyabo Ojo, also faced criticism from fans who accused them of celebrating while the industry was in mourning.

The backlash extended to anyone perceived as not sufficiently grieving in public.

A CALL FOR REASON: Since When Did We Become the Grief Police?

ValidViewNetwork has observed a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s social media culture, the tendency to police grief, to dictate how others should mourn, and to attack anyone who does not perform grief in a way that meets the approval of the online mob.

Wailing Loudly Does Not Translate to Being Sad

ValidViewNetwork can state unequivocally that wailing loudly does not translate to being sad, and not showing expressive grief does not mean that one isn’t sad.

Human nature is complex. People process loss differently. Some weep openly; others grieve in silence. Some find solace in private reflection; others cope by maintaining routines and celebrating life.

Neither approach is wrong. Neither approach is more valid than the other.

ValidViewNetwork asks; since when did we become the judges of who is grieving correctly? Since when did we appoint ourselves the grief police?

Scheduled Posts Are a Reality of the Digital Age

ValidViewNetwork notes that Dayo Amusa’s explanation, that her post was scheduled before Ogogo’s death highlights an important reality of the digital age.

Social media posts are often planned days, weeks, or even months in advance. Brands schedule campaigns. Influencers schedule content. Actors promote their work through automated tools.

To attack someone for a post that was scheduled before a tragedy occurred is not only unfair, it is deeply unreasonable.

You Cannot Teach People How to Grieve

ValidViewNetwork can assert with conviction: you cannot teach people how to grieve their loved ones.

Grief is deeply personal. It is shaped by culture, personality, faith, and individual experience. Some people find comfort in public displays of emotion.

Others find it in private reflection. Some celebrate the life of the departed. Others mourn the loss in silence.

ValidViewNetwork asks; who gave anyone the right to dictate how Funke Akindele should mark her birthday?

Who gave anyone the right to tell Dayo Amusa when she should promote her work?

Funke Akindele did not kill Ogogo. She did not mock his death. She did not diminish his legacy. She simply celebrated her own birthday, a day that comes once a year, a day that has no connection to Ogogo’s passing.

Dayo Amusa did not disrespect Ogogo. She promoted her movie, a scheduled post that had nothing to do with the tragedy unfolding in Ilaro.

Yet they were attacked. Vilified. Insulted. Called shameless. Told to be ashamed.

The Culture of Cyberbullying Must Stop

ValidViewNetwork can report that this is not an isolated incident. It is part of a troubling pattern, the Nigerian social media culture of attacking anyone who does not conform to the mob’s expectations.

ValidViewNetwork has documented numerous instances where celebrities, politicians, and ordinary citizens have been hounded off social media for perceived slights.

This culture of cyberbullying, where people are attacked for expressing themselves, for celebrating life, for simply existing, must stop.

ValidViewNetwork asks; how is attacking Funke Akindele honouring Ogogo?

How is insulting Dayo Amusa paying respect to the deceased?

It is not. It is simply bullying dressed up as moral outrage.

Ogogo Would Not Have Wanted This

ValidViewNetwork can state with confidence; Ogogo, the man who entertained millions, who brought laughter into countless homes, who was known for his warmth and humanity, would not have wanted this.

ValidViewNetwork remembers the man behind “Action po bi Ogogo.” The man who comforted his crying daughter with the words “Don’t cry, my princess.”

The man who was described by colleagues as an epitome of simplicity and integrity. The man who spent his life bringing joy to others.

Would that man have wanted his colleagues to be attacked on his burial day?

Would he have wanted his industry to be torn apart by online mobs?

ValidViewNetwork believes the answer is no.

THE VERDICT: Let Us Honour Ogogo With Dignity, Not Division

ValidViewNetwork can conclude that Ogogo’s burial was a moment for the Yoruba film industry and the nation to come together in grief and gratitude.

It was a moment to celebrate a life well-lived, a legacy well-built, and a man well-loved. Instead, it became a moment of division. A moment of attack.

A moment where social media mobs appointed themselves judges of who was grieving correctly.

ValidViewNetwork calls for reflection. For reason. For humanity. Let us honour Ogogo with dignity. Let us remember his legacy with respect. Let us treat his colleagues, his friends, his family, his industry, with the same grace and compassion that he showed to others.

And let us, for once, resist the urge to attack.

To condemn.

To judge.

Ogogo has gone, but the action lives on. Let the action be one of kindness, not cruelty.-

ValidViewNetwork will continue to follow developments in the entertainment industry and bring you thoughtful, balanced coverage.