Archive May 1, 2025

Funke Akindele, a filmmaker and actress from Nigeria, claims that working in politics has made her more courageous, intelligent, and knowledgeable about how governance operates in the country.

Akindele discussed her political journey at the recent #WithChudeLive event hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo during the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) campaign for governor of Lagos State in the 2023 elections, where she defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) governor Abdul-Azeez Adediran.

“I needed to help others.” She explained that she felt compelled to give back and that is why she became a politician. I started watching female politicians because of the way they speak and command respect and authority after being drawn in by the violence and hearing the shouting. And I said to myself, “Hey, you can do it.”

Akindele remarked on the importance of being informed and how courageous she was as a result of the experience.

I sat down and spoke. You must be strong, courageous, and courageous, I learned. What will be, will be. Fear only serves to confine you, she said.

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She claims that politics pushed her to become more knowledgeable, particularly in terms of civic engagement.

“I began to read more and become more knowledgeable about my nation and state.” When I speak right now, I use statistics and data. So, yes, I’m glad I stepped into politics. And if you inquire as to whether I’ll do it again. Oh yes”! she stated.

Dying in silence

Akindele used the platform to promote mental health awareness, urging people to seek therapy, and speaking out about their struggles, among other things.

She acknowledged that she experienced emotional suffering and silent battles with online bullying, saying, “Right from the beginning, I’ve always known therapy is important, but I never submitted myself to it. I’d be worried that the general gist would be heard and spread. But I was strong and silently dying.

The “Jenifa” star recalled how her mental health was severely affected by societal pressures and personal tragedies, including the loss of her mother and the backlash following her political campaign.

I watched a video where women mocked me because I didn’t have a husband when my mother passed away, my everything, my prayer partner, the politics, the backlash, the insults. I sank. I cried everlastingly. Then I said, “You need to speak to someone. You can’t continue in this manner,” she said.

She claimed to eventually find solace in seeking out and receiving therapy. My therapist told me things that I couldn’t share with others. I’m now feeling better. Therefore, I want to give the advice that speaking up is very important. Yes”.

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Akindele also shared a particularly painful story from a family vacation in Dubai where she was falsely accused of abusing Adejumoke Aderounmu, her late Jenifa’s Diary co-star, who reportedly struggled with depression before passing away in 2024.

“She was in Jenifa, people called me out, and I said, “She was in Jenifa, why do you care now?” I was already depressed. She said, “I was bottling in a lot.”

“To cope, I entered a room, locked the door, and recorded a live video,” she said. Some people lock the door and commit suicide. I’m grateful that I bypassed the lock and instead moved on.