Veteran Nollywood actor Afeez Oyetoro, popularly known as Saka, has publicly defended filmmaker Funke Akindele against claims that she is difficult to work with, praising her firm but fair approach on set.
Saka’s Candid Defense of Funke Akindele’s Work Ethic
In an interview with Rommi Royal Media published on YouTube on August 14, 2025, Saka shared his personal experience working with Akindele on her December film Behind The Scenes. He dismissed the narrative that she is harsh, instead attributing her strictness to the demands of managing high-budget productions.
“I have worked with Funke Akindele, and she treated me very well. To those saying she's strict on set, to be honest, I like it that way. I'm saying this publicly, not to gain anything. You have to be strong to handle a multimillion-naira project, and it isn't easy. She's humble, caring, and she doesn't tolerate nonsense,” Saka said.
Separating Professionalism from Temperament
Saka was quick to clarify that Akindele’s high standards do not stem from a bad temper. He noted that her expectations are rooted in fairness, and she has no issues with those who perform their duties correctly.
“It's not that she has a bad temper. Once you do the right thing, she has no problem with you,” he added.
The actor also highlighted Akindele’s ability to balance professionalism with playfulness, but stressed that work always takes precedence. “When it comes to work, Funke doesn't joke. But when it's time to entertain, she's playful. I don't have anything against her. If you are lazy, you can't work with her because she doesn't like laziness,” he said.
Fans React to Saka’s Remarks
Saka’s comments sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users agreeing with his assessment of Akindele’s work ethic. @seyipadi wrote: “This is just it, some many people misunderstand her professionalism for something else. How do you handle a multimillionaire project & give room for unseriousness??♂️, that's why u hardly trace any loopholes in her movies. She's classic to a fault @funkeakindele take ur flowers.”
@deebee1111 commented: “Someone is spending millions of Naira on production, and you no won make him eye dey red. Strictness is one of the reasons she is successful.” @Tanwa454303 shared: “I have always known it's her work ethics people call wicked. Many Nigerians and many Nigerian youths are lazy and do not want to work or be accountable.”
@abolajiio added: “What @funkeakindele and what baba saka is saying that's how things should be. We can't be in a project and you wait to hush took to laziness or unserious behaviour towards it, we go get problem.” @Spookytruth7 concluded: “As it should be...standard and professionalism must be maintained to achieve and sustain success. And in those two lies strictness ans discipline. Those who complained about her are deficient of those things mentioned.”
Akindele’s Success and Sacrifices
Funke Akindele is currently one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing filmmakers, with a record of blockbuster productions that require tight coordination and discipline. Earlier, she revealed the immense personal sacrifices she made while producing Behind The Scenes, which has grossed ₦2.7 billion at the Nigerian box office. She disclosed that the project demanded sleepless nights, missed meals, and abandoning social events to stay fully committed to her work.
Now, the actress is finally enjoying rest and self-care after the film’s remarkable commercial success.
