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Kunle Afolayan addressed the recent industry row on Arise News on February 1, 2026. The director revealed that Funke Akindele called him in anger after his initial comments went viral. He insisted that he actually tells young filmmakers to follow her successful business model.
Kunle Afolayan has finally addressed the viral controversy surrounding his recent comments on film marketing.
The director appeared on Arise News on February 1, 2026, to clarify his stance. He revealed that the backlash led to a tense phone call with Funke Akindele.
Afolayan stated that the actress reached out to him the day before the interview. ”Funke called me yesterday… she was yelling,” Afolayan told the hosts.
He explained that Akindele accused him of disliking her person during the heated exchange. ”She said, ‘Oh Mr. Afolayan, I know you don’t like me… don’t mention my name in your interviews,'” he recalled.
The filmmaker noted that she hung up the phone immediately after making her point. This tension follows a week where Funke Akindele fires back: Star warns against jealousy after Kunle Afolayan’s shade in a direct response to his earlier speech.
The business of cinema
Afolayan insists that his initial comments were strictly about business math, not personal attacks. He argued that the current cinema model yields low returns for creators with many investors.
”If you make 2 billion… what will probably come to you will be maybe 500 million,” he calculated. The director emphasized that he cannot return to the big screen without guaranteed substantial profits.
He mentioned that he spoke to Toyin Abraham about the same issue, and she understood his perspective. ”Toyin said, ‘Egbon, can you see that I have turned it to a skit?'” he shared. Abraham even joked in her skits about needing fans to watch so she could earn more money.
Fans know Akindele often faces high-pressure situations, such as when “I was ready to die”: Bimbo Thomas reveals hiding Funke Akindele from gunmen during a past crisis.
Praising the Akindele model
Afolayan maintained that he has “absolutely nothing” against his colleague. He claimed that he often uses Akindele as a prime example of success when teaching young students. ”I clearly said to them… follow Funke Akindele’s model,” he stated regarding a recent masterclass in Kaduna.
The director praised her for starting young and growing the Jenifa brand into a massive empire. He noted that her consistent growth over the years is something he admires and respects.
Afolayan clarified that he only meant he lacks the physical energy to match her marketing style. ”I can’t do what they are doing… they have so much energy,” he admitted.
