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Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, February 1, Afolayan explained that Akindele contacted him after media reports interpreted remarks he made at a film business forum as a dig at filmmakers who promote their movies through dance-driven campaigns.
At the film summit held in Lagos a few days earlier, Afolayan had stated that while he respects the current trend of using dance and skit-based promotions to market films, it is not a strategy he personally wants to adopt. He also questioned the sustainability of celebrating billion-naira box office figures when filmmakers reportedly receive only a small fraction of the revenue.
“There is no competition between us. I don’t just want ₦1 billion or ₦2 billion in the cinema if I won’t personally receive ₦10 million from it,” he said. “I want to make films without having to dance to sell them. We need alternative strategies. I don’t know how people like Funke Akindele do it—creating skits daily, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it.”
Reacting via her Instagram story, Funke Akindele, without mentioning any names, suggested the comments were rooted in jealousy. She encouraged filmmakers to create their own paths if they cannot adopt existing promotional methods, stressing that there is room for everyone to succeed.
“Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for your business, or hire a company to handle it,” she wrote.
Addressing the situation again during his ARISE TV interview, Afolayan disclosed that Akindele later called him directly.
“She called and said, ‘I know you don’t like me, but don’t mention my name in your interviews,’” he recalled. “She was yelling and then dropped the phone.”
Afolayan described the accusation as shocking, given their long-standing personal and professional relationship.
“It was weird. She’s like a sister to me. Back in UNILAG, I used to visit her hostel, and her sister is my friend. I honestly don’t know where this is coming from,” he said.
He maintained that his comments were taken out of context, stressing that he never criticised Akindele or any filmmaker who uses aggressive promotional tactics.
“I never said anything was wrong with it. For me, it’s draining. I have absolutely nothing against it. I was simply stating what I wouldn’t do,” he explained.
According to Afolayan, the discussion took place at a film business forum attended by cinema operators and focused on profitability and sustainability in the industry.
“They asked me when I was returning to cinemas, and I said I couldn’t if there was no guarantee of making substantial returns,” he added.
While addressing Akindele directly, Afolayan apologised if she felt offended but expressed disappointment over what he described as online backlash.
“If for any reason she feels offended, I’m sorry. But using social media attacks against someone is something I would never do,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Afolayan acknowledged Akindele’s success and praised her deliberate growth in the industry, urging young filmmakers to study her model.
“I told them that if you’re looking for a model that works today, follow Funke Akindele’s path. She started early, built Jenifa with minimal resources, and look at her brand now—she has grown tremendously,” he concluded.
