Nollywood actress Zainab Bakare has issued a fiery response to social media critics who accused her of being disingenuous and "acting for the camera" during the emotional funeral events for her late colleague, Allwell Ademola.
Online Backlash Over Emotional Display
The controversy erupted after videos from the Service of Songs, held on Thursday, circulated online. In the clips, Bakare was seen visibly distraught and weeping. However, a section of online commentators, often referred to as trolls, launched attacks, suggesting her display of grief was exaggerated and performed for public sympathy.
Taking to her Instagram platform, Bakare expressed deep disappointment, labelling the accusations as a "distasteful exploitation" of a painful moment for the entire film community. She questioned the motive behind using a tragedy to spread negativity.
"I Will Hold Till We Bury Her" - Bakare's Stern Warning
In her post, which mixed English and Yoruba, the actress issued a stern warning to her detractors. She indicated she was deliberately holding back a full response out of respect for the deceased.
"Y’all coming for me and tagging me with your full chest that I was acting for the camera… I will hold till we bury her before I give you a taste of your medicine," she wrote.
She further emphasized her point, adding, "Koni da fun yin!!! Y’all are using the death of a loved one to dish out your oriburuku. We shall see!!!" This translates to a strong rebuke, suggesting the critics' actions were in bad taste.
A Final Farewell and Public Support
Allwell Ademola was laid to rest on Friday, January 9, at the Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos. The burial was a quiet and emotional gathering of family, friends, and colleagues from the entertainment industry. Reports indicate that Zainab Bakare maintained a composed but stern silence towards the ongoing criticism throughout the burial rites.
Meanwhile, her Instagram post garnered significant support from fans and followers who condemned the online trolling. Many users shared their own experiences of grief and defended Bakare's right to express her sorrow.
One user, @rukqyat, commented: "Even me that haven’t met her I cried to the point I had catarrh not to talk of people that met her before." Another, @sogoboluwatife_, wrote: "Please just leave them. It’s not easy to lose someone... imagine you won’t see her again for life, I know how it feels."
The incident highlights the often cruel nature of online commentary, especially during moments of collective mourning. Bakare's relationship with the late Allwell Ademola was noted to be significant, as they had collaborated on several movie projects, making her grief deeply personal.
