KAMO STATE CLEARS AIR ON FUNKE AKINDELE’S ABSENCE FROM FILM PREMIERE

Nollywood actor and skit maker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, has explained why actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele was not present at the premiere of his debut cinema film, Star Lomo, in Lagos. Akindele’s absence from the event on Sunday sparked reactions on social media, with some users questioning whether there was a disagreement between the actress and Kamo, who have maintained a close relationship over the years.

Kamo, however, dismissed the speculation and said Akindele was simply outside Nigeria at the time of the premiere. In a statement shared on X on Monday, the skit maker said the actress had already spoken with him about the event and remained supportive of his new project. He urged members of the public not to draw conclusions about their personal relationship based on her absence from the premiere.

The development attracted attention because Akindele has publicly supported Kamo on several occasions and played a significant role in his growing association with Nollywood. Their relationship became more prominent during the production and promotion of Everybody Loves Jenifa in 2024, after which Kamo appeared in other projects connected to the actress, including Aiyetoro Town Season 2 and Behind The Scenes. Akindele has also featured Kamo in her content and supported some of his personal and professional activities.

Kamo’s clarification came after social media users noticed that the actress was not among the guests at the Lagos premiere and began discussing her whereabouts. Akindele was reportedly in Ghana with singer Waje, who is also involved in her forthcoming movie, The Four. While some online comments suggested her absence could point to tension between the two entertainers, others defended the actress and pointed to the support she has previously given Kamo.

Kamo maintained that there was no issue between them and said Akindele would still support Star Lomo despite missing the premiere. The film, directed by Kayode Kasum, marks Kamo’s first cinema project and features actors including Mike Afolarin, KieKie, Lateef Adedimeji, Folake Babatunde and former Big Brother Naija housemate Koyin Sanusi. The movie is scheduled to begin showing in cinemas nationwide on September 25.