Nollywood actor Monsuru Ayanfe has shared his personal experience with Funke Akindele, giving fans a glimpse of what it’s like working with the award-winning filmmaker.
In an interview with media personality Jeff Owolewa on YouTube, Monsuru recounted how he once damaged Funke’s brand-new car while trying to pack it after a movie shoot. According to him, the incident sparked a moment of anger from Funke, but she later calmed down and apologised.
“I was the one who spoiled Funke Akindele’s new car while I was trying to pack her car after the movie set. Funke is someone who gets angry easily, but when she is calm, she apologises. If she reacts to something someone says, she retraces her steps and apologises,” Monsuru explained.
Speaking further, Monsuru reflected on his early career days, revealing that he once earned just ₦5,000 per project while working under Nollywood star Femi Adebayo. Despite the low pay, he remained committed because of his deep passion for acting.
Funke Akindele has often been a subject of mixed testimonies from colleagues in the industry. Earlier this year, veteran actress Tola Oladokun praised her, crediting Funke for reviving her career after she missed her first chance to work with her. Similarly, actor Ijoba Lande once alleged that he was underpaid during a movie shoot at Amen Estate, only to later apologise and clarify that his comments were taken out of context.
However, not all stories about Funke have been flattering. In 2023, an unconfirmed report claimed that she influenced Mo Abudu’s casting choices on Chief Daddy, allegedly pushing for Toyin Abraham to be replaced with Kate Henshaw. That same year, actress Faithia Williams accused Funke of blocking her on Instagram after she publicly supported Mercy Aigbe’s new movie, dismissing the act as petty.
Despite the controversies, Funke Akindele remains one of the biggest names in Nollywood. From her record-breaking film A Tribe Called Judah to her consistent influence in Yoruba and English productions, she continues to be a force in the industry.
By Ezinne Okorie.
