Birthday Drama or Mischief? Funke Akindele Clears Air Over Pasuma ‘Snub’

Birthday Drama or Mischief? Funke Akindele Clears Air Over Pasuma ‘Snub’

The glitz and glamour of Nollywood actress Fathia Balogun’s recent birthday dinner took an unexpected turn this week after a short, deceptively edited video ignited a social media firestorm. The clip, which appeared to show fellow movie star Funke Akindele walking past legendary Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma (Pasuma Wonder), prompted a wave of online backlash, with fans accusing Akindele of disrespect.

However, the award-winning actress and politician wasted no time in setting the record straight. Taking to her X account (formerly Twitter), Akindele dismissed the claims as “baseless negativity,” insisting that she had not only greeted the Fuji icon but also shared a dance with him at the well-attended event.

“I greeted and danced with Pasuma,” Akindele wrote, urging critics to seek context before passing judgment. “It is sad how people choose to spread malice instead of celebrating love. Please find better things to do.”

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Her clarification was swiftly backed by the release of a longer, unedited version of the party footage. The fuller clip showed Akindele approaching Pasuma first, accompanied by the event’s host, sharing a warm handshake and a light-hearted exchange before the music continued.

Yet, no sooner had the Pasuma controversy cooled than critics pivoted to another perceived slight. Savvy social media users unearthed a different segment of the birthday celebration where Akindele appeared to walk past her colleague, Toyin Abraham, without an acknowledgment or a nod. The moment, lasting barely a few seconds, resurrected whispers of longstanding, unresolved tensions within the Nollywood industry—rivalries that have fueled tabloid speculation for years.

Akindele, however, refused to be drawn into a fresh cycle of controversy. Through a terse final post, she urged for peace and declined to offer further comment, effectively closing the door on the brewing storm.

Fans of the actress were quick to rally behind her, decrying what they called a toxic culture of “clout-chasing” and selective editing. Many pointed out that the broader atmosphere of the event was overwhelmingly positive, characterised by live Fuji beats, heartfelt embraces between stars, and genuine celebrations of Fathia Balogun’s new age.

As of press time, neither Toyin Abraham nor Pasuma had issued any public statements regarding the incidents, while the original video continued to circulate in part on various social media platforms.

Birthday Drama or Mischief? Funke Akindele Clears Air Over Pasuma ‘Snub’