Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has opened up about a painful experience that led her to seek therapy for the first time in her life.
In an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the Battle on Buka Street star recounted how being ridiculed for not having a husband during her political campaign deeply affected her mental health.
Akindele had contested for the position of Deputy Governor of Lagos State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections. Though her candidacy gained widespread attention, it also subjected her to harsh and often personal criticism.
“There was one video I watched where women were mocking me for not having a husband, and I want to do politics. I broke down and cried. I told myself I needed to speak to a therapist, and I felt better,” she revealed during the interview.
She added that despite knowing the importance of therapy, she had previously avoided it due to fear of gossip and societal judgment.
“Right from the scratch, I’ve always known that therapy was important, but never submitted to it because I didn’t want them to carry my gist. I kept acting strong while they were throwing everything at me,” she said.
Funke Akindele, known for her blockbuster movies and groundbreaking contributions to Nollywood, encouraged others going through emotional struggles not to bottle up their pain.
“I want to advise you out there that it is very important to speak up,” she concluded.
