‘I Can Be Tough and Troublesome, but I’m Learning to Manage People’ — Funke Akindele

She touched on body enhancement, career discipline and the challenges of managing people in the industry.

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele recently stirred conversation after a public moment with her colleague, Toyin Abraham, at the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s film “The Return of Arinzo”, reigniting discussions about relationships and rivalry within the industry.

In a fresh interview on Morayo’s show, conducted in the aftermath of the incident, the award-winning filmmaker offered deeper insight into her views on friendship, discipline, and navigating complex relationships in Nollywood.

She reflected on her personality, the demands of staying at the top, and how these realities shape the way she manages people both on and off set.

Addressing her approach to relationships, she admitted she can be “tough and troublesome.”

The 48-year-old said: “There was a day when Uzee Usman sat me down when I was complaining about someone, and people who’ll say I’ve started again. Uzee would say, number one, you’re a leader, and you’ll accept people as they are. It’s not every door that you’ll close. You will leave her and put her in her place. And for the first time, I sat down. I was quiet. I left my food. Usman was eating his own food. He said if I didn’t eat my chicken, he’d eat it. Then he saw my eyes glistening. He said, ‘What’s wrong?’ Don’t you cry.

“I said, yes, what he said was true. I’m an extremist. I love so hard. I’m real. I’m like this. I’m not perfect and can be troublesome. I’m tough if I want you to do something. When my mom was alive, she’d say, “Everybody can’t be like me.” Everybody can’t be as smart as I am. So human relationships for me are very important. And I’m learning every day. But note, no matter what happens, my mental health is very important. I know I’m getting older.”

The mother of two insisted that she did not take pride in that lifestyle, but emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance.

BBL

Furthermore, Akindele expressed her opinion on Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures, stating that any woman who wishes to enhance her appearance is entitled to do so.

She emphasised, however, that caution is essential: women should avoid excess and ensure the procedure is safe for their health.

“I must say I love to see beautiful women with beautiful bodies. Did you know I actually like BBL? The skinny BBL, not the big one. I love the flat tummy and liposuction. I love it.

“Oh God, when I look at them, I’ll be like, I wish my body I can see it. But I will not go and sleep like this. I say count one to ten. I don’t have the mind, but it’s beautiful. I must say, I’m not against it”, said the actress.

Politics

Akindele further stated that she had made every effort to remain authentic while contesting as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 general election.

She ran as the running mate to the PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Olajide “Jandor” Adediran, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

“To speak the truth. I’m not going to cover up for the camera, you know. I love that space. Because I want to make a change. Yes. I feel that if I’m there, the women will be seen more. Children will be taken care of more. The youth will be off the streets. It can’t be perfect. Every other country has their own problems. We’re trying in Nigeria. You understand? I want to.

“I desire. But when I look at the space again, what I went through was a lot. It will mess with your mental health. If you’re not strong. A lot of lies. And Morayo, don’t forget, I don’t like lies. If I’m angry, you know. Will I fit in? Let’s leave it for God. But truly, I desire, I want to make a change. Politically. I want to let my voice, serve. I want to serve. I desire to serve.”