Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has revealed that actress Funke Akindele confronted him in a heated phone call after his recent comments on film promotion were interpreted as a criticism of her methods.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Afolayan said, “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 described the accusation as surprising, noting their long-standing relationship. “It was weird, and I’m like, where is this coming from. She’s like a sister to me. In Unilag, I would go to her hostel, her sister is also my friend, so I am not sure where this is coming from,” Afolayan stated.
He stressed that his remarks, made at a film business forum, were taken out of context. “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.”
Afolayan explained the forum focused on cinema profitability. “The cinema operators were asking me, when are you coming back to cinema, and I said, I can’t come to cinema if you cannot guarantee that I will make substantial money.”
Addressing the backlash, he said, “If for any reason she feels offended, I’m sorry.” However, he criticized the online reaction. “But one thing she has done, which I think is totally wrong, and I would never do this kind of a thing, is to use social media rats to come after whoever it is.”
He acknowledged Akindele’s success and influence, telling young filmmakers, “If you want to adopt a model that I think will work for you now, then follow Funke Akindele’s model.”
Separately, Afolayan reported that *Aníkúlápó Season Two* is performing strongly on Netflix, topping Nigeria’s chart within 24 hours. He also clarified that Netflix has not exited Nigeria but stopped commissioning while continuing to acquire content.
Reflecting on curating his late father’s films for Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, he described it as an emotional experience.
Afolayan concluded by reiterating, “I have absolutely nothing against her. She’s my sister. We grew up together.”
