Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has attracted attention on social media after she was absent from the premiere of her protégé, skit maker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State.
Kamo held the premiere of his debut cinema film, Star Lomo, in Lagos on Sunday. Akindele’s absence prompted questions from some social media users because of the close relationship the pair have publicly shared over the years.
Their association became more prominent during the production and promotion of Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024, in which Kamo was involved.
He also appeared regularly in content shared by Akindele on Snapchat, where the actress often gives followers glimpses into her personal and professional life.
Akindele has supported Kamo’s projects
Akindele has previously hosted Kamo and his wife and publicly supported some of his projects.
Through their association, Kamo featured in productions including Aiyetoro Town Season 2, Behind The Scenes and Everybody Loves Jenifa.
The pair have also appeared together at several events, with Akindele publicly promoting and supporting Kamo on different occasions.
However, their appearances together have become less frequent this year, with Kamo no longer featuring as regularly in Akindele’s social media content.
That change, combined with her absence from his film premiere, has led some social media users to speculate about a possible disagreement between the two.
However, neither Akindele nor Kamo has publicly confirmed that they are no longer on good terms.
Social media users divided
Akindele was also absent because she was in Ghana, where she was on a staycation with singer Waje, one of the cast members of her forthcoming film, The Four.
Her absence sparked mixed reactions online.
One user, Depegan of Lagos (@Mautiin01), questioned why Akindele did not attend the premiere.
“WHERE IS FUNKE AKINDELE? Kamo supported Funke heavily during her own movie season, but now it’s his turn and we hardly see her anywhere. Why isn’t Funke showing Kamo the same support?”
Others defended the actress, pointing to the support she has previously given Kamo.
Fúnmilọ́lá A. (@funmilo_la) wrote, “If not for Funke Akindele, would you have known Kamo? You lots just like to farm engagements on nonsense. Did Kamo come to complain to you? Why is a fully grown adult invested in people’s private lives. Nigerians.”
Another user, Vgooduc (@Vgoodll), said Akindele had supported Kamo beyond appearing in his projects.
“Funke Akindele attended Kamo wedding in Ibadan sponsored the child naming ceremony, she even featured him in her movies even when the scene are not needed! Because she didn’t attend the premier she’s now a bad person.”
Some users, however, interpreted her absence differently.
First Man (@AdeAjay07519752) noted that Kamo was holding his premiere in Nigeria while Akindele was in Ghana.
“While Kamo State is premiering his movie STAR LOMO in Nigeria, his screen mother, Funke Akindele is in Ghana hiking. Datiemo.”
Royalbestie (@Royalbesti) also questioned whether Akindele’s absence should be viewed as a lack of support.
“Kamo did what he did to get exposure please. Meanwhile funke did a proper pr for him when he did ilu le on YouTube. How is funke akindele not showing for the premiere yesterday determine the success of the movie?”
Other users similarly defended Akindele, citing her previous support for Kamo.
Prisca (@Priscy5_) wrote, “People want Funke Akindele to have problem with everybody she has ever worked it. Funke is in Ghana and you don’t know the kind support she would have given to Kamo for that movie and it’s premiere but Twitter people like dragging her.”
Adeloisade (@awoman_engineer) also said, “What Funke has done for Kamo is way more that what Kamo has done for her. She put him in two of her blockbuster movies, hyped him with all his content, attended his wedding, paid for his child’s naming ceremony, hosted him and his wife in her home a lot. Leave FA.”
Another user, s@RioLa (@SariolaHahremu), suggested that the two may have fallen out, although no evidence was provided to support the claim.
“It’s now evident that they are not in good terms at the moment because Funke is like a god mother for Kamo and in all the promotions for the movie sef I didn’t see any from Funke.”
The speculation has continued to generate discussion online, but Akindele’s absence from the Star Lomo premiere does not by itself establish that the two have fallen out.
Kamo’s public relationship with Akindele has previously been marked by appearances together, professional collaborations and public displays of support from the actress.