Kunle Afolayan has dismissed viral claims that he sought Funke Akindele for the role of Queen Arolake in his Netflix film Anikulapo. The rumors claimed Afolayan approached Akindele, who reportedly demanded ₦3.5 million per role, a fee he allegedly rejected before casting Bimbo Ademoye instead. According to a blogger's post, Afolayan revealed that Akindele stopped communication after learning production had begun, even though they continued to meet at industry events. He later reached out to congratulate her on a recent project, only for her to ask him never to mention her name again. Afolayan shared these details during an Arise TV interview, sparking reactions online. Commenters defended Akindele, with some questioning the credibility of the claims, while others called for Afolayan to address the blogger directly.
Funke Akindele's swift exit from the Anikulapo gossip mirrors how Nigerian stars often shut down baseless rumors with a single statement—no need for long courtroom battles. The ₦3.5 million figure feels like a classic Nollywood flex, but if true, it's a reminder that even industry legends know their worth.
