Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has sparked mixed reactions online after she was absent from the Lagos premiere of ‘Starlomo’, the debut cinema film by skit maker and her protégé, Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State. The premiere was held on Sunday in Lagos, but Akindele was notably absent, prompting questions from fans who have followed the close bond between the two entertainers.
Kamo State rose to wider fame through his association with Akindele, especially during the campaign for her 2024 hit, ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’. He later featured in her productions, including ‘Aiyetoro Town Season 2’ and ‘Behind The Scenes’, and frequently appeared on her social media pages. This close professional and personal relationship has been well-documented, making Akindele's absence from the premiere all the more noticeable.
Beyond work, Akindele has supported Kamo personally, attending his wedding in Ibadan, sponsoring his child’s naming ceremony, and hosting him and his wife. Their public appearances, however, became less frequent in early 2026, a shift that did not go unnoticed by fans. This change in their public interactions has led to speculation about a possible rift between the two entertainers.
Akindele’s absence on Sunday further intensified the chatter, particularly as she was in Ghana at the time with singer Waje, a cast member of her upcoming project ‘The Four’, on what appeared to be a staycation. Fans took to social media to express their surprise and disappointment at her absence, with some suggesting that the pair may have fallen out.
Social media reactions have been divided, with some fans expressing disappointment and others defending Akindele. An X user, @Mautiin01, wrote: “Kamo supported Funke heavily during her own movie season, but now it’s his turn and we hardly see her anywhere.” However, others argued that absence from a premiere does not equate to a lack of support.
Defenders of Akindele pointed out that she has done a lot for Kamo, including featuring him in her blockbuster movies and supporting him personally. @awoman_engineer posted: “What Funke has done for Kamo is way more than what Kamo has done for her. She put him in two of her blockbuster movies, hyped him… Leave FA.” @Priscy5_ added that people want Akindele to have problems with everybody she has ever worked with.
Neither Akindele nor Kamo State has issued any statement on the matter, and there is no confirmation of a rift between them. The situation has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans divided on the issue. Some users suggested that Akindele's absence from the premiere does not necessarily mean she is not supportive of Kamo's work.
Key points
- Funke Akindele's absence from Kamo State's film premiere has sparked mixed reactions online.
- Akindele has supported Kamo State in the past, attending his wedding and sponsoring his child's naming ceremony.
- The situation has sparked speculation about a possible rift between the two entertainers, although neither has issued a statement.
