Life story of actress Funke Akindele, career highlights, net worth, achievements

Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, popularly known as Funke Akindele or affectionately as Jenifa, is a celebrated Nigerian actress, filmmaker, director, producer, politician, and real estate investor. 

Her journey from a young, aspiring actress to a multi-talented filmmaker, politician, and philanthropist is an inspiring testament to dedication and resilience.

Profile summary

Name: Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele

Stage name: Funke Akindele

Born: August 24, 1977

Place of birth: Lagos

Education: University of Lagos

Career: Actress, Politician

Background

Funke Akindele, born on August 24, 1977 as the second of three children, hails from a Yoruba family. Her mother was a medical doctor, and her father a retired school principal.

Growing up in a disciplined household, Akindele was exposed to a blend of intellectual and cultural influences that would later shape her career.

She attended Grace Children’s School in Gbagada, Lagos State, and later pursued a Diploma in Mass Communication from the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now known as Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

Akindele also earned a Law degree from the prestigious University of Lagos.

Journey to stardom

Funke Akindele’s rise to fame began in 1998 when she starred in the popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)-sponsored sitcom ‘I Need to Know’, a show that ran for four years.

She played the role of Bisi, a curious yet intelligent secondary school student. However, it was her role in the 2008 film ‘Jenifa’ that truly propelled her into the spotlight.

The movie, which portrayed the character of Jenifa, a comedic but insightful young woman, became a cultural touchstone in Nigeria, and Akindele’s portrayal earned her widespread acclaim.

In 2009, her performance in ‘Jenifa’ won her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s top actresses.

She went on to reprise the role in the 2011 sequel ‘The Return of Jenifa’ and later in the hit TV series ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ in 2015, which became a beloved show in Nigerian homes.

Her consistent excellence earned her several accolades, including the Best Actress in a Comedy award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022.

Funke Akindele holds the record as the most awarded actress in AMVCA history, with six wins and numerous nominations, making her one of the most decorated performers in Nollywood.

She also boasts an extraordinary career as a director, becoming the highest-grossing filmmaker in Nigerian box office history, with combined grosses exceeding ₦4.7 billion.

In 2025, her film ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ surpassed her previous record held by ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ to become Nigeria’s highest-grossing movie of all time.

She also directed other box office smashes like ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ and ‘Battle on Buka Street’.

Movies

Some of the movies, TV series she has featured and produced includes;

• Azonto Babes
• The Return of Sherikoko
• Pretty Liars
• Chibundu
• Mr Potosky
• Love Wahala
• Fight For Peace
• A Trip to Jamaica
• Isoken
• Double Trouble
• Moms at War
• Your Excellency
• Who’s The Boss
• Omo Ghetto: The Saga
• Dwindle
• Jenifa on Lockdown
• Far From Home
• Battle on Buka Street
• She Must Be Obeyed
• No Way Through
• A Tribe Called Judah
• House of Ga’a
• Everybody Loves Jenifa
• Reel Love, among others.

Political journey

Funke Akindele’s influence isn’t confined to the entertainment world alone. In 2022, she ventured into politics when she was nominated as the deputy governorship candidate for Lagos State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.

Although she put her acting career on hold to focus on her political ambition, her candidacy signified her growing interest in public service and her commitment to improving her community.

Humanitarian efforts

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, Akindele is also deeply involved in philanthropy.

She founded the ‘Jenifa Foundation’, a non-governmental organization aimed at empowering young people with vocational skills and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed in life.

This initiative is a testament to her commitment to giving back and helping the next generation of Nigerians build a better future.

Endorsements and business ventures

Funke Akindele’s brand extends across various industries, from endorsements to real estate.

She has signed endorsement deals with major companies, including Dettol, Irokotv, Keystone Bank, and WAW Nigeria.

She is also a successful businesswoman with investments in the real estate sector, leveraging her influence to build sustainable wealth and impact.

Private life

Funke Akindele’s personal life has also been in the public eye. She married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede in 2012, but the marriage ended in divorce the following year due to irreconcilable differences.

In 2016, she remarried Nigerian rapper JJC Skillz in a private ceremony in London. Together, they had twin boys in 2018 before announcing their separation in 2022.

Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Funke Akindele remains a symbol of strength and resilience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her then-husband faced legal issues for hosting a party during the lockdown. They were both sentenced to community service.

In the wake of the incident, she worked with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on awareness campaigns.

Net worth

Funke Akindele’s estimated net worth is currently over $7 million.

This impressive figure is the result of her decades-long career in Nollywood, endorsement deals, film production successes, political engagements, and real estate ventures.

She is not only a star in front of the camera but also a savvy entrepreneur and strategic thinker behind the scenes.

Achievements

Funke Akindele’s career is marked by a legacy of accomplishments. She holds the record for the most AMVCA wins by any actress, has produced and directed Nigeria’s four highest-grossing movies, and has been recognized both locally and internationally.

In 2022, she was invited to become a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars), a rare honor for Nigerian filmmakers.

In December 2024, she was appointed as Nigeria’s National Goodwill Ambassador by UNAIDS, highlighting her role in health advocacy and HIV prevention.