"Mad People on the Internet": Kunle Afolayan Debunks N3.5M Casting Feud Rumours with Funke Akindele

Filmmaker Kunle Afolayan debunks viral claims that Funke Akindele demanded N3.5m to play Arolake in Anikulapo, calling the rumours "internet madness."

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 6:37 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Legit.ng

A Viral Rumour Amidst Industry Tensions

Nollywood’s elite circles were recently abuzz with a viral report alleging a financial fallout between celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and box-office queen Funke Akindele. The rumour, primarily circulated by a social media blogger, claimed that Afolayan had approached Akindele to play the iconic role of "Arolake" in his Netflix original series, Anikulapo. According to the claim, Akindele allegedly demanded a staggering N3.5 million per role, leading Afolayan to cast Bimbo Ademoye instead. The report further suggested that this rejection caused a rift so deep that Akindele ceased all communication with the director.

Kunle Afolayan Sets the Record Straight

The filmmaker did not let the speculation linger, taking to the comment section of a popular social media platform to address the claims directly. Writing in a mix of English and Yoruba, Afolayan dismissed the entire narrative with a blunt critique of internet culture. "Were po Lori internet (Mad people are many on the internet)," he wrote, adding, "If you believe this then [you are one of them]." By debunking the story so decisively, Afolayan has effectively shut down the narrative that his casting choices were dictated by a failed negotiation with Akindele.

The Origin of the Fabrication

The false report gained traction by citing a supposed interview Afolayan granted to Arise TV. The blogger, "Yeye_kudi_courtroom," claimed the director detailed the entire N3.5 million demand and subsequent snubbing at industry events. However, eagle-eyed fans and viewers of the actual interview were quick to point out that no such comments were made. One commenter, __.queenella, noted, "Ahhhh I watch that interview he didn’t say this Jesus Christ fear God ooo." This highlights a growing trend of "fake news" within the Nollywood ecosystem, where fictional dialogues are created to capitalize on existing celebrity rivalries.