Award-winning Nollywood icon and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, is widely known for her comedic brilliance and record-breaking films. But behind the scenes, the Battle on Buka Street star recently shared a vulnerable chapter of her life that led her to therapy for the first time.
In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Akindele opened up about the psychological toll of public ridicule during her bold foray into politics. The actress, who made headlines when she contested for the position of Deputy Governor of Lagos State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, said the harsh criticism she received especially regarding her marital status left her deeply shaken.
“There was one video I watched where women were mocking me for not having a husband, and I want to do politics. I broke down and cried. I told myself I needed to speak to a therapist, and I felt better,” she revealed.
Akindele explained that although she had long recognized the value of therapy, she had been hesitant to seek help due to the fear of being gossiped about or judged. She felt pressured to maintain a strong public image despite internal struggles.
“Right from the scratch, I’ve always known that therapy was important, but never submitted to it because I didn’t want them to carry my gist. I kept acting strong while they were throwing everything at me,” she added.
The actress, who continues to dominate Nigeria’s box office with multiple hit films, urged others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.
“I want to advise you out there that it is very important to speak up,” she concluded.
Funke Akindele’s candid revelation has sparked a wave of support online, with many praising her for normalizing therapy and breaking the silence around emotional well-being in the public eye.
