Funke Akindele personal struggles come into focus as the actress discusses emotional challenges, mental health, self-love and balancing work with family

Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has spoken candidly about her personal struggles and emotional setbacks in an interview with CNN Africa, explaining how she has learnt to recover from difficult moments while navigating the pressures of public life in Nigeria and the demands of her entertainment career, in comments reported on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

The award-winning actress, known for her work in film and television, revealed that there have been times when she withdrew from others, cried and struggled emotionally before finding the strength to carry on.

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“I cried, I locked myself in the room, cry, breakdown, hit the bed, but I just pick myself and come back to life,” Akindele said.

Her account offered a more personal perspective on a public figure whose professional achievements have often attracted considerable attention, while her private experiences have also become subjects of online discussion.

Akindele acknowledged that the public frequently forms opinions about her life based on reports about her relationships and marriages, without necessarily understanding the emotional realities behind those experiences.

“Oh yes, lots of times. It is online they see the breakups and the marriages. Sometimes I tell myself, ‘We’ve made a mistake again,’” she said.

She described the challenge of dealing with the possibility of public judgement while trying to make personal decisions and move forward.

“People are going to judge you,” she recalled thinking, before questioning whether such criticism should determine how she lives her life.

“Why don’t I just brace up, face it, face the challenges, move on in life, make yourself happy, do what is right?” she said.

Akindele’s comments highlighted the tension between maintaining a public image and managing the private difficulties that can accompany relationships, professional responsibilities and personal change.

Central to her reflections was the importance of mental health.

The actress said prioritising her emotional wellbeing had helped her navigate challenging periods over the years, encouraging a more deliberate approach to looking after herself.

“You have to consider your mental health first, and that’s what I’ve done over the years, and it has helped me,” she said.

Her remarks also pointed to a gradual shift in how she approaches everyday life, particularly after years of concentrating heavily on work.

“I’m kind of trying to catch my groove back. I am trying to get back. Now I’m more intentional about myself, making my hair, looking good,” she said.

Akindele explained that her demanding work schedule had sometimes left little room for personal care.

She recalled being comfortable heading to work in cornrows, a face cap and casual footwear, with her attention firmly on the tasks awaiting her.

Although she remains committed to her career, the filmmaker said she is increasingly conscious of the need to make time for herself rather than allowing professional obligations to dominate every aspect of her life.

“I’ve noticed over the years that it’s not all about the work,” she said.

“You need to take care of yourself, you need to love yourself, you need to have time for your family, your loved ones, because work will go, the family will be there.”

The statement captured the broader message of her interview: professional success can be meaningful, but personal wellbeing and relationships also deserve attention.

Akindele’s experiences have unfolded alongside a successful career in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where her acting, filmmaking and production work have established her as a prominent figure.

However, her relationships have also attracted public attention, illustrating how the private lives of well-known entertainers can become intertwined with their public identities.

The actress was previously married to Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede. The marriage ended in 2013, less than a year after the wedding.

In 2016, Akindele married Nigerian music producer and filmmaker Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz.

The couple welcomed twin boys in December 2018 before their marriage ended in 2022, with JJC Skillz publicly citing irreconcilable differences.

Akindele did not present those experiences as the sole explanation for her emotional struggles. Instead, her reflections centred on learning to confront difficulties, protect her mental health and make room for personal happiness while continuing to pursue her ambitions.

Her comments also offer a reminder that emotional resilience does not necessarily mean avoiding difficult feelings.

In Akindele’s account, crying and withdrawing during painful moments formed part of the process of finding the strength to continue.

By speaking openly about those experiences, the actress has brought attention to the less visible pressures that can accompany public recognition, including scrutiny of personal relationships and the challenge of balancing professional expectations with private needs.

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Her message is ultimately one of self-awareness and renewal: work remains important, but so do rest, self-love and the people who provide support beyond the spotlight.