In a remarkable fusion of cultural respect and cinematic triumph, popular actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has paid a royal visit to the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari. This significant event unfolded just as her latest movie, 'Behind The Scenes', shattered box office records, cementing her status as Nollywood's reigning box office queen.
A Royal and Emotional Homage in Ilorin
Funke Akindele, accompanied by fellow entertainers like Cute Abiola, Funmi Awelewa, and others, described her visit to the ancient palace as a deeply emotional and memorable experience. Sharing moments from the courtesy visit on her social media, the actress expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and royal blessings bestowed upon her by the revered monarch.
In her heartfelt post, Akindele thanked God for journey mercies and the honour of being received by the Emir. She also extended her appreciation to her colleagues and dedicated team, including her videographer and road managers, for their unwavering support. The actress did not forget to praise the people of Ilorin, calling the city 'amazing'.
'I’m deeply grateful for the royal blessings and prayers from our father, His Royal Highness, The Emir of Ilorin. This moment is truly emotional for me,' she wrote, capturing the significance of the occasion.
Historic Box Office Milestone Achieved
The palace visit coincided with a monumental achievement in Akindele's prolific career. Her 2025 cinema offering, 'Behind The Scenes', achieved a staggering feat by grossing over ₦2.1 billion at the box office within just one month of its release. This new record spectacularly surpasses her previous benchmark set in 2024, when 'Everybody Loves Jenifa' earned ₦1.6 billion.
Akindele, who often credits her massive fanbase as the backbone of her success, attributed this latest victory to God's grace. The film had previously crossed the ₦1 billion mark, a testament to its widespread acceptance and the actress's powerful draw in the industry.
Fans and Colleagues Celebrate the Icon
Reactions from fans and colleagues flooded social media, celebrating Akindele's dual accomplishment of royal recognition and professional excellence. Fellow actress Funmi Awelewa hailed her as an inspiration, while Cute Abiola celebrated her successful visit. Other comments praised her hard work and consistency, with many describing her as a 'grace carrier' and a source of motivation for young creatives.
This achievement reinforces Funke Akindele's message to aspiring filmmakers about the importance of perseverance. Having recently celebrated 27 years in Nollywood, she consistently emphasizes that success is born from hard work, hustle, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Her journey from a beloved actress to a record-breaking filmmaker and a respected cultural figure continues to inspire a generation.
The convergence of her homage to traditional royalty and her breaking of modern commercial records paints a powerful picture of a star deeply connected to her roots while soaring to unprecedented heights in her field.
