“Don’t Paint What Doesn’t Exist”: Kamo State Addresses Funke Akindele Speculation

Popular Nigerian skit maker and actor, Akinyoola Ayoola, better known as Kamo State, has finally addressed the widespread speculation surrounding his relationship with award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele . Speaking during an interview with BBC Yoruba on Wednesday, he dismissed rumours of a fallout, explaining that the reason they are no longer frequently seen together is simply because both are busier with their respective careers .

Recounting how their relationship began, Kamo State revealed that his admiration for Funke Akindele long predates their first meeting. He described her as a role model and someone he loved and respected deeply long before they ever crossed paths professionally . He disclosed that their first physical meeting happened on the set of Everybody Loves Jenifa, where an incident with a handcuff key led to her showing genuine concern. According to him, it was this kindness and the way she treated him that led him to start calling her “mummy” .

According to the skit maker, Funke Akindele was impressed by his passion and work ethic, which paved the way for several collaborations on her productions . These projects include Ayetoro (also spelt Aiyetoro) and Behind the Scene, which helped to significantly strengthen their working relationship . Kamo has previously credited Funke with helping to shape his acting career after discovering him through his comedy skits. He has often described her as a mentor who gave him opportunities in film and television productions, leading to several collaborations . Funke’s 2025 film Behind the Scenes, which featured Kamo State, became one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films and further strengthened their working relationship .

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Addressing the core question of why fans have noticed fewer public appearances together, Kamo State clarified that it has nothing to do with any disagreement. He attributed it to their increasingly busy schedules, noting that Akindele has been deeply immersed in preparations for her upcoming December project, while his own career has also grown considerably compared to where he was a year ago . Kamo also appealed to fans and social media users to stop spreading false narratives about their relationship, urging the public not to create conflict where none exists . He insisted that their bond remains strong behind the scenes despite their demanding work schedules .

This clarification comes amid recurring social media speculation that he and Akindele had fallen out after they were no longer frequently seen together at movie sets and public events . However, Kamo’s latest comments reinforce that there is no misunderstanding between them. The skit maker has previously credited Funke Akindele with playing a significant role in his career and personal life . In a heartfelt tribute posted in May 2025, he revealed that she offered to fly his wife abroad for childbirth when she learned of the pregnancy, describing her as “an angel in human form” . He recounted numerous acts of kindness and generosity, from securing one of the best doctors in Lagos and covering all hospital bills, to sponsoring the naming ceremony for his child. Kamo has often described her as a mentor who gave him opportunities in film and television productions, reinforcing that their personal and professional relationship remains intact .

“Don’t Paint What Doesn’t Exist”: Kamo State Addresses Funke Akindele Speculation

P-Square’s Eldest Brother Henry Alleges Mother Opposed Jude Managing Duo

Henry Okoye, the elder brother of former P-Square members Peter and Paul Okoye, has made explosive allegations against his younger brother and the group’s former manager, Jude Okoye. In a rare public interview, Henry claimed their late mother initially opposed Jude managing the duo and accused Jude of withholding a promised 20% share of royalties, causing a deep and lasting family rift.

Henry Okoye, the eldest brother of the defunct music duo P-Square, has broken his silence on the family’s long-running feud in a revealing interview that sheds new light on the tensions that have divided the Okoye family for years. In an interview with social commentator Jos Connection at the Okoye family residence in Plateau State on Friday, Henry made several serious allegations against his brother, Jude Okoye, who served as the group’s manager for many years, accusing him of causing the rift that has torn the family apart .

According to Henry, Peter and Paul’s late mother, Josephine Okoye, who passed away in 2012, initially opposed the decision for Jude to manage the group, a revelation that adds a new dimension to the family’s long-standing conflict. He attributed her stance to concerns about Jude’s character, suggesting that even their mother had reservations about his suitability for the role . “We wanted to allow Jude to manage them, but my mum disagreed. She said she knew the kind of character Jude had,” Henry alleged . He claimed that another sibling, Tony Okoye, eventually intervened to convince their mother to accept the arrangement, overcoming her initial objections .

Henry rejected the narrative that Jude built P-Square’s career, insisting that the family’s support for Peter and Paul began long before Jude became involved and that the twins’ success was the result of collective family effort . “When they started this music, they were looking for sponsors. They didn’t get a sponsor. When I started sponsoring them, Jude was not there,” he explained, emphasising that he was the one who provided crucial early support . He described how he supported the brothers’ early career by funding their activities, using his car for promotional flyers, and serving as a bodyguard during performances, playing a hands-on role in their rise to fame . “When Benson & Hedges came to Jos looking for artistes, it was me that took them to the stadium for a performance; they came first. Jude was not there. We were travelling from state to state for music, sometimes they used my car for flyers,” Henry recounted, painting a picture of a family united in supporting the twins’ musical ambitions . He noted that the family knew the music belonged to Peter and Paul and were only supporting them, making it clear that Jude was not part of the early team .

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Henry further alleged that he was promised a 20 per cent share of earnings from P-Square’s shows for his early contributions, a commitment that was made by Peter and Paul themselves, but Jude dismissed this arrangement after taking over management . “They promised me 20 per cent when they start making money. Jude intervened and dismissed that. I challenged him that he wasn’t there when we started everything but now chasing everybody away from them,” Henry said, expressing frustration at being sidelined despite his foundational role . In another revelation, Henry claimed Jude’s management caused the brothers to become distant from the rest of the family, creating a sense of alienation that has persisted for years . “What happened at last is that they started running away from everybody. We never knew that it was Jude that was causing the problem,” he stated, suggesting that Jude intentionally isolated Peter and Paul from their other siblings .

Henry also expressed surprise at Paul Okoye’s current stance in the ongoing dispute, describing him as formerly “the nicest person in the family” and expressing dismay at how he has changed over the years . He suggested the change in Paul’s behaviour may be due to Jude’s influence but acknowledged he could not say for certain, leaving room for doubt . “Peter is trying. I don’t know if Jude used juju on Paul because he was the nicest person in the family before. But the way he changed is surprising,” Henry alleged, making a startling claim about possible spiritual manipulation . The elder Okoye also raised concerns about Jude’s treatment of other family members, alleging that Jude had been uncommunicative and indifferent to the wellbeing of their relatives, showing a lack of care for his own siblings . “Almost a year to two years, I’m not talking to Jude. He doesn’t talk to me,” Henry claimed, describing a complete breakdown in communication . “I was admitted into the hospital for two months. Peter used to call me. Paul used to call me. Jude never called me once to know how I’m feeling,” he added, highlighting the lack of compassion he experienced . Henry additionally alleged that Jude has not shown concern for their youngest sister, Mary, who he says lives in Lagos and is struggling, suggesting that Jude has abandoned his responsibilities as an older brother . “My sister is suffering in Lagos. Our last born is in Lagos. But nobody cares about her. Peter is trying,” he said, pointing to Peter as the only one showing concern .

Henry expressed doubt about the possibility of Peter and Paul reconciling, despite his wish for the family to reunite and heal the wounds that have divided them . “I will be happy for them to come back together but I don’t think it will happen. Paul was a very kind person,” he said, reflecting on how much his brother has changed over the years . He appealed to Jude to help restore the family to its former state, urging him to take responsibility for his role in the family’s division . Henry also noted that their eldest brother Christopher does not want to be involved in the dispute as he is “born again”, leaving Henry as the most vocal sibling in the ongoing conflict .

Peter and Paul effectively split in 2017 but reunited in 2021, only to fall out again in 2024, a cycle of reconciliation and conflict that has exhausted their fans and family alike . The rift escalated after Peter accused Paul and Jude of diverting P-Square royalties, triggering a legal battle that has continued ever since . The disagreement resulted in Jude’s arraignment in 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud to the tune of N1.38bn, $1m and £34,537.59, with the EFCC accusing him of diverting funds meant for the group . He pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings . In February 2026, Peter admitted during cross-examination that he was a co-signatory to the Northside Entertainment Limited account, contrary to an earlier position that Jude was the sole signatory, complicating the legal case . Jude has publicly denied allegations of financial misconduct, insisting all payments were properly documented and distributed according to existing agreements . He also stated that accounts belonging to him have been frozen for over two years, preventing him from travelling, significantly impacting his personal and professional life .

P-Square’s Eldest Brother Henry Alleges Mother Opposed Jude Managing Duo