Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has opened up about one of the most emotional moments in her public life—being ridiculed by women over her marital status during her 2023 political campaign. In a heartfelt and unfiltered conversation on the "WithChude" podcast hosted by media personality Chude Jideonwo, Akindele shared how the incident left her in tears and ultimately led her to seek therapy for the first time.
The "Battle on Buka Street" star, who ran for Deputy Governor of Lagos State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been celebrated for her courage in stepping into the political space. Yet, behind the scenes, she battled a wave of criticism—not just for her political stance, but for her personal life.
“There was one video I watched,” she revealed, “where women were mocking me, saying I didn’t have a husband and still wanted to go into politics. I broke down and cried. That moment hurt deeply.”
For someone known for her strength and resilience, Funke’s admission reflects the emotional toll that public scrutiny can take—especially when it comes from other women. Despite her accomplishments in the film industry and her commitment to public service, Akindele found herself reduced to stereotypes and subjected to societal expectations of marriage as a measure of worth.
Akindele, long aware of the value of mental health support, admitted that she had never previously pursued therapy—largely due to fear of gossip and societal judgment.
“Right from the start, I knew therapy was important,” she said. “But I never submitted to it because I didn’t want them to carry my gist. I just kept acting strong while they were throwing everything at me.”
That emotional breakdown became a turning point. It pushed her to prioritize her mental well-being over the fear of public opinion. After speaking to a therapist, she said, she finally felt a sense of relief.
Funke Akindele’s story is not just about the cruelty of online and offline mockery—it’s about breaking cultural taboos, especially around mental health and emotional vulnerability. In a society where public figures are expected to wear a mask of constant strength, Akindele is showing that acknowledging pain is a form of courage.
Her openness is particularly powerful in a context where women are often each other’s harshest critics, especially when it comes to marriage and societal roles. By speaking up, she’s challenging harmful narratives and urging people to support, not shame, one another.
To others facing similar pain, Akindele had this advice: “Speak up. It is very important. Don’t bottle up your emotions. There is nothing wrong with needing help or talking to someone.”
As one of the most influential women in Nigeria’s entertainment and political landscape, her words carry significant weight. She’s not just telling her story—she’s creating space for others to tell theirs.
Funke Akindele’s emotional revelation is more than just a personal anecdote; it’s a reflection of larger societal issues—misogyny, emotional stigma, and the unrealistic expectations placed on women in leadership. But through her vulnerability, she is helping to normalize conversations around therapy, mental health, and the need for compassion in both private and public spaces.
Her story reminds us that behind every successful woman is a journey filled with battles—some won in silence, some fought in tears—and that strength often begins with honesty.
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