- Kunle Afolayan revealed that Funke Akindele had confronted him in a heated phone call over reports linking his remarks to her film promotion style
- He said his comments were misrepresented, stressing that he never criticised Akindele and was only expressing his personal preferences
- Despite the controversy, Afolayan praised Akindele’s career growth and reaffirmed that their disagreement was never personal
Award-winning filmmaker and creative industry entrepreneur Kunle Afolayan has disclosed details of a heated phone conversation with actress and producer Funke Akindele, following public controversy surrounding his comments on film promotion strategies within Nollywood.
Afolayan made the revelation during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, where he addressed widespread media reports that his remarks at a recent film business forum were a subtle criticism of colleagues, particularly those who use dance-led, obvious social media campaigns to promote their films.
According to Afolayan, Akindele personally contacted him after the reports gained traction, accusing him of harbouring ill feelings towards her and cautioning him against mentioning her name publicly. “She called, and she said, ‘I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews,’ she was yelling, and she dropped the phone after that,” he said.
The filmmaker described the exchange as both unexpected and troubling, given their long-standing personal and professional relationship. He explained that they had known each other since their university days at the University of Lagos and shared close family connections. “It was weird. She’s like a sister to me. I really don’t know where this is coming from,” he added.
Afolayan stressed that his comments had been misrepresented and taken out of context, insisting that he never criticised Akindele or any other filmmaker for their promotional methods. Instead, he said he was expressing his personal preferences. “I never said anything was wrong with it. For me, it’s draining. I have absolutely nothing against it. I’m just saying what I will not do,” he explained.
He clarified that his remarks were made during a closed film business forum attended by cinema operators, where discussions centred on sustainability, box-office returns, and the financial realities of theatrical releases. According to him, cinema owners had asked when he intended to return to cinemas, prompting him to speak candidly about profitability and guarantees of commercial viability.
While expressing disappointment at the backlash that followed, Afolayan apologized if Akindele felt offended by his comments. However, he criticised what he described as the mobilisation of online trolls against him, stating that he would never resort to such tactics.
Despite the dispute, Afolayan acknowledged Akindele’s achievements and influence in the industry, praising her growth as intentional and strategic. He revealed that he had cited her career as a model for younger filmmakers, noting her early work on Jenifa and her steady rise to become one of Nollywood’s most powerful brands.
Beyond the controversy, Afolayan also highlighted the success of Aníkúlápó Season Two on Netflix, noting that it topped the viewing charts in Nigeria within 24 hours of its release. He further dismissed claims that Netflix had exited Nigeria, clarifying that the platform had merely paused direct commissioning while continuing to acquire and license content.
Reflecting on his recent role in curating screenings of his late father Ade Love’s films during Oyo State’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Afolayan described the moment as deeply emotional, emphasising the importance of honouring pioneers of the Nigerian film industry.
As conversations continue around marketing styles, cinema economics, and evolving distribution models in Nollywood, Afolayan reiterated that his position was never personal. “I have absolutely nothing against her. She’s my sister. We grew up together,” he said.