Veteran Nollywood actor Afeez Oyetoro, known widely as Saka, has spoken in defence of filmmaker Funke Akindele, rejecting claims that she is difficult to work with.
He made the comments during an interview with Rommi Royal Media, published on YouTube on August 14, 2026.
Oyetoro worked with Akindele on her December film “Behind The Scenes,” which has grossed ₦2.7 billion at the Nigerian box office. He said the experience left him with a positive impression of her, despite widespread claims online that she runs a strict set.
“I have worked with Funke Akindele, and she treated me very well. To those saying she’s strict on set, to be honest, I like it that way. I’m saying this publicly, not to gain anything. You have to be strong to handle a multimillion-naira project, and it isn’t easy. She’s humble, caring, and she doesn’t tolerate nonsense,” Oyetoro said.
He explained that her strictness comes from fairness, not a bad temper.
“It’s not that she has a bad temper. Once you do the right thing, she has no problem with you,” he added.
Oyetoro also described Akindele as someone who separates her working hours from her personal time.
“When it comes to work, Funke doesn’t joke. But when it’s time to entertain, she’s playful. I don’t have anything against her. If you are lazy, you can’t work with her because she doesn’t like laziness,” he said.
In a separate interview, Oyetoro said filmmaking requires every crew member to carry out their duties, since one person’s failure can affect the entire production.
“If you are working on a project, everybody is supposed to play their part and play it well. Not that someone will be slacking off, because this work is a collaborative effort,” he said.
He also spoke about Akindele’s conduct when problems arise during filming.
“If you are working and something happens, she’ll say, ‘Ah! Hold on, hold on. What happened? Bring that.’ She shows care,” he said.
Funke Akindele remains one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing filmmakers. She recently spoke about the sacrifices behind “Behind The Scenes,” which grossed roughly ₦2.76 billion, including sleepless nights and missed meals during production.
Her new film, The Four, is set to be released in cinema globally on December 11, 2026.
Speaking on the film, Funke Akindele said:
“With The Four, we are exploring the relationships that shape us, challenge us and stay with us,” she said.
The cast includes Akindele in the lead role alongside Bisola Aiyeola, Chioma Akpotha, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Timini Egbuson, Lateef Adedimeji, Ali Nuhu, Uzor Arukwe, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Antar Laniyan and Wunmi Toriola. Singer Waje and Afrobeats artiste Shoday also feature, alongside entertainment personalities Omotunde Adebowale David, known as Lolo1, Samuel Banks, Kolapo Omotosho and Mide Iwasokun.
