The absence of popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, at the wedding of her junior colleague, Tobi Makinde, has sparked conversations within the industry and among fans who have long associated both actors as close creative allies.
Makinde recently tied the knot in a private but star-studded ceremony attended by several colleagues. However, Akindele’s absence was noticeable, particularly because of the long-standing professional and mentor-mentee relationship both actors have openly acknowledged over the years.
Makinde has frequently described Akindele as his “industry mother,” crediting her with shaping his early career and offering him opportunities when he was still finding his footing in Nollywood. Their professional relationship dates back to Akindele’s widely acclaimed ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ series, where Makinde played the character Timothy, a role that endeared him to viewers and significantly boosted his visibility.
In several interviews, Makinde has expressed deep gratitude to Akindele for her influence on his career. In a post shared in April 2024, he wrote, “You have been so kind to me, and your love for me is not something I will forget in a hurry. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your love, training and tutelage.”
Beyond ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, Makinde also featured in ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ and other Akindele-led productions, further cementing their professional bond.
However, recent developments have raised eyebrows. Makinde was conspicuously absent from Akindele’s latest movie premiere, ‘Behind the Scenes’, a project that marked another milestone in her filmmaking career. He was also not part of the film’s cast, an unusual shift for observers familiar with their history of frequent collaborations.
While neither Akindele nor Makinde have addressed these developments publicly, the pattern has not gone unnoticed. In an industry where public appearances often double as professional endorsements, such absences tend to invite speculation.
For many fans, Akindele’s absence at Makinde’s wedding felt particularly symbolic. Weddings, beyond being personal milestones, are often moments of public solidarity in Nollywood, especially between mentors and protégés. Her non-appearance, coupled with the absence of a public congratulatory message, contrasted with the consistent support Makinde had shown her in the past.
As Makinde begins a new chapter with his bride, the apparent shift in what was once a close professional relationship has become a talking point. Whether this reflects a quiet drift, changing priorities, or circumstances yet undisclosed remains known only to the parties involved.
