As Funke Akindele, Juliana Olayode mend fences, celebrities respond.
Following the resolution of a long-standing conflict between Nollywood actress Funke Akindele and her Jenifa’s Diary co-star Juliana Oloyode, a number of Nollywood celebrities have expressed their reactions.
To apologise to Funke, Juliana posted on social media.
Remember how the two split up in 2017 for an unidentified reason after Juliana appeared on the popular TV show “Jenifa’s Diary” by Funke Akindele?
Juliana sent a lengthy apology to the actress along with a picture of herself and Funke on her Instagram page. She said that she had already apologised to Funke in private but felt compelled to do it publicly.
“As a youngster, my career in the mainstream entertainment sector began where many individuals who had worked hard for years could only imagine. If not for a miracle, how could a newcomer ever start from the mainstream?
“In my situation, it was clear that God had shown me undeserved favour and compassion. I got my start in the business by sharing a starring role with a screen goddess who had worked tirelessly for years and had unmatched inventiveness even at the time.
“God brought me to public attention via Aunty Funke Akindele @funkejenifaakindele. I was shocked because the level of celebrity I attained by portraying Toyosi in Jenifa’s Diary was too much for me to comprehend at that young age, when I had just finished secondary school.
“However, the lack of industry knowledge began to show itself in me, along with the fact that I had a guardian (manager) who didn’t know how the entertainment business operated and I trusted his opinions and statements.
The makers of the sitcom, Scene One TV, who whose complete substance I was unaware of until lately, received an email from my guardian.
The tale of my mistakes in the beginning of my career cannot be told in a million words, therefore I would like to use this opportunity to apologise to Aunty Funke Akindele. “I am deeply sorry for how I have hurt you and how the email that was sent has hurt you,” I say.
I sincerely apologise for all of my previous, immature errors. Please pardon me.
“Aunty Funke, you have my unending affection.
I have met Aunty Funke, and she has forgiven me, embraced me, prayed for me, and cooked for me as she used to in those good old days, Jollof rice elemi meji, fried rice, and sweet chicken. NB: I only feel the responsibility to make this official; it’s not an effort for others to help me beg her.(lol)
“I will always be her baby. She has such a kind heart. You should definitely prepare for now that the good times have returned. Thank you; I adore you all.
Funke applauded in response to Juliana’s article, adding;
Juliana, my. You are missed. I’ll pounce on you. Omo mi. I cherish you. We’ll talk shortly.
Following Funke’s remark, several celebrities expressed their happiness for the repaired friendship.
Toyin Adewale, an actress, tweeted: “@funkeakindele Iya ibeji: “God bless you, darling. Oluwa ada awon omo si fun eh loruko jesu kristi.”
Aunty Funke, thank you,” Failthia Williams wrote. Allah will keep blessing you and your family.
“You are a huge blessing, our dearest Auntie FUNKE,” Eniola Ajao wrote. I really appreciate everything. We adore you, mama.