Nollywood icon Funke Akindele has opened up in a revealing and emotional interview, where she accused her estranged husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, of neglecting his responsibilities as a father.
Speaking candidly, the award-winning actress shared that she has been solely responsible for raising their twin boys. The couple, who tied the knot in 2016, welcomed their children in 2018, but by 2022, their union had hit the rocks.
In June of that year, JJC Skillz publicly announced their separation via an Instagram post, which shocked fans and followers.
In the post, he stated, “I’m making this announcement to clear the public that we both are pursuing separate lives. We still have issues such as the custody and wellbeing of our children to be addressed, as well as business interests which need to be disentangled, but I have no doubt that these will be resolved in one way or the other.”
Despite this promise, Akindele now claims that she has been left to handle the emotional, financial, and parental responsibilities alone.
The actress shared these personal revelations during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where she reflected on the many trials she has faced in recent years.
From her painful separation and the death of her mother to her defeat in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election, Akindele described the cumulative emotional toll these experiences had on her. “I do not like to mourn,” she confessed.
“I remember when my mom passed on, I just wanted to get out of it quickly. I like to get out of the situation quickly. I do not allow myself to break down, and it affected me after my mom’s death. And I almost died.”
According to her, the emotional pain came to a head when online criticism became overwhelming. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Akindele recounted the day she broke down publicly.
“My heart was aching and something happened online. For the first time, I took my phone, I went live on social media and I’m like, you all should leave me alone. Do I know this person? No, this person came to act in my movie, got paid, and left. Why are you accusing me of something I didn’t do wrong?”
Clearly distressed, she continued, “Do you know what I’m going through? I lost my mum, my marriage fell apart, I lost in politics, I have to get back to work, I have to earn a living. I have children I’m raising alone and you are stressing me.”
Her words painted a vivid picture of a woman weighed down by grief, responsibility, and relentless public scrutiny.
She revealed that for the first time in years, she allowed herself to cry—an emotional release she’d always tried to avoid. “So, for the first time, I cried. I broke down for weeks,” she admitted.
Akindele’s courage to speak out about her struggles has sparked widespread conversations online, with many applauding her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Her story reflects the reality of many single mothers navigating career, loss, and parenting while under public scrutiny.
Despite the hurt, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her children and her career, determined to rise above the circumstances.
While JJC Skillz has not yet responded to Akindele’s recent claims, the actress’ testimony sheds light on the emotional and psychological aftermath of failed relationships, especially when children are involved.
For now, Funke Akindele continues to inspire many by facing her battles head-on, unafraid to tell her truth and stand tall in her healing journey.