Funke Akindele (2025): Age, Marriage, Net Worth…
Stage name Funke Akindele, Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, full name Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, is a Nigerian actress, director, producer and politician born on August 24, 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
She is one of the most influential figures in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, and is also known by the nickname “Jenifa”, taken from her iconic role in the film of the same name
General Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele Bello |
| Stage Name | Funke Akindele (also known as Jenifa) |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1977 |
| Age (2025) | 48 years old |
| Place of Birth | Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Actress, Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Politician |
| Height | 5’7″ (1.70 m) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Children | Twin boys |
| Marital Status | Divorced (formerly married to JJC Skillz) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $7 million USD (2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram (@funkejenifaakindele), Facebook, Twitter |
Family Background and Early Life
Funke Akindele was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Her mother, a respected medical doctor, and her father, a school principal, embodied academic excellence and a strong sense of duty. As the second of three children, Funke grew up between an older sister and a younger brother, in a household grounded in community and structure.
From an early age, she showed a natural flair for performance. Within the walls of her family home, she would improvise skits, mimic characters, and captivate her audience with remarkable ease. Her parents, though rooted in tradition, recognized and nurtured her artistic instincts while maintaining a firm emphasis on academic achievement.
Her educational journey began at Grace Children School in Gbagada, followed by Lagos State Model College in Igbo-Okuta. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, she went on to study Law at the University of Lagos. Although she never practiced law professionally, the experience enriched her understanding of societal dynamics and deepened her ability to portray complex roles on screen.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Funke Akindele made her entertainment debut in 1998, starring in “Bisi” an educational series. The series, which aired until 2002, addressed sensitive topics such as sexual health, education, and the challenges of adolescence. With her authentic portrayal of a curious and bright young woman, Funke established herself as a rising star on Nigerian television, winning the hearts of audiences and laying the foundations for a remarkable career.
But it was in 2008 that her fame truly exploded with Jenifa, a comedy she produced herself. This colorful character, both funny and touching, resonated deeply with viewers. With her expressive acting and sense of comedic timing, Funke transformed Jenifa into a cultural phenomenon, winning the prestigious Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
The success of Jenifa was so overwhelming that it birthed a long-running TV series, Jenifa’s Diary, which remains one of Nigeria’s most beloved sitcoms. The character “Jenifa” became a household name, and Funke embraced the nickname with pride.
Filmography and Television Work
Funke Akindele has appeared in over 300 films and television productions, spanning genres from comedy to drama and romance. Some of her most notable works include:
- Jenifa (2008)
- Omo Ghetto (2010) and Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020)
- Maami (2011)
- Your Excellency (2019) – her directorial debut
- Moms at War (2018)
- Aiyetoro Town (2019) – a web series spin-off from Jenifa’s Diary
- Battle on Buka Street (2022)
Her production company, Scene One Film Productions, has become a powerhouse in Nollywood, producing high-quality content that blends humor with social commentary.
Directorial Style and Influence
Funke’s directorial approach is characterized by vibrant storytelling, strong female leads, and a deep connection to Nigerian culture. She often incorporates Yoruba language and traditions into her work, making her productions resonate with local audiences while appealing to the diaspora.
Her films tackle real-life issues such as gender roles, poverty, education, and urbanization, all wrapped in humor and relatability. She’s credited with modernizing Nigerian sitcoms and elevating the production standards of Nollywood television.
Awards and Recognition
Funke Akindele has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including:
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress (2009)
- Nigeria Entertainment Award for Best Actress (2012)
- City People Movie Awards – multiple wins
- AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards) – Best Actress in Comedy
- Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women (2021)
- Net Honours – Most Popular Actress (2023)
She is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in Nigerian entertainment.
Political Career
In a surprising yet trailblazing move, Funke Akindele stepped into the political arena in 2022, capturing national attention. She was selected as the deputy gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the 2023 elections. Her entry into politics marked a significant shift—not just for her career, but for the broader conversation around celebrity involvement in governance.
Known for her commanding presence on screen and her deep connection with everyday Nigerians, Funke’s candidacy sparked widespread debate. Supporters hailed her as a voice of the people, someone who could bridge the gap between entertainment and public service. Critics questioned the viability of a media figure in such a high-stakes role. Yet, her campaign focused on youth empowerment, education reform, and inclusive leadership, earning her respect across party lines.
Although her ticket did not win, her campaign focused on youth empowerment, education reform, and women’s rights. She gained respect for her courage and commitment to public service, proving that her influence extends beyond the screen.
Personal Life and Relationships
Funke Akindele has been married twice. Her first marriage to Kehinde Oloyede ended in 2013. In 2016, she married Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, a music producer and filmmaker. The couple had twin boys and collaborated professionally on several projects.
In 2022, they announced their separation, citing personal differences. Despite the split, Funke has maintained a dignified public image, focusing on her children and career.
She is known for keeping her private life relatively low-key, sharing glimpses of her family and personal reflections through social media.
Motherhood and Family Values
Funke is a devoted mother to her twin sons, born in 2018. She often speaks about the joys and challenges of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of raising children with discipline, empathy, and cultural awareness.
She credits her own upbringing for instilling resilience and humility, values she hopes to pass on to her children. Her parenting style blends tradition with modernity, and she’s vocal about balancing career and family life.
NaijaGists.com
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Funke Akindele’s estimated net worth is $7 million USD. Her income sources include:
| Revenue Stream | Estimated Earnings (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Film Production & Acting | $2.5 million |
| Endorsements | $1.2 million |
| Directing & Screenwriting | $800,000 |
| Political Engagements | $300,000 |
| Scene One Productions | $2 million |
| Other Investments | $200,000 |
She has signed deals with brands like Dettol, Keystone Bank, Molfix, and Western Lotto. Her production company also runs a drama school, Scene One School of Drama, nurturing young talents in Nigeria.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
- She was once rumored to appear in Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War due to an IMDb listing, sparking excitement across Nigeria.
- Her nickname “Jenifa” became so iconic that people often refer to her by that name in public.
- She’s a passionate advocate against piracy, which she says has hurt the Yoruba film industry.
- She’s known for her punctuality and discipline on set, often arriving before crew members.
- She once said in an interview that if she hadn’t become an actress, she would have pursued a career in law or education.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Funke Akindele is deeply involved in charitable work. She supports initiatives focused on:
- Girls’ education
- Maternal health
- Youth entrepreneurship
- Anti-drug campaigns
Her foundation, The Funke Akindele Foundation, launched in 2023, aims to empower women and youth through mentorship and vocational training.
Conclusion
Funke Akindele is more than a Nollywood superstar her journey from a curious teenager on a UN-sponsored sitcom to one of Africa’s most powerful women is a testament to talent, resilience, and vision.
In 2025, she continues to redefine success, balancing entertainment, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and civic duty.