Funke Akindele Accuses Estranged Husband JJC Skillz of Neglecting Parental Duties Amid Personal Struggles
In a deeply emotional interview, Nigerian actress Funke Akindele has revealed that she is the sole parent raising her children after her separation from her estranged husband, Abdulrasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz.
The couple, who married in 2016, welcomed twin children in 2018, but their relationship began to unravel in 2022. In June that year, JJC Skillz took to Instagram to announce their separation, confirming that they were pursuing separate lives and addressing unresolved issues, including the custody and well-being of their children.
However, speaking candidly in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Akindele expressed her frustration and heartache over the situation. She accused her estranged husband of not taking responsibility for their children, a revelation that has sparked public conversation about the challenges single mothers face in the spotlight.
“I’m the one raising our children,” Akindele said, noting that she is managing her personal and professional life alone without much support.
Akindele also opened up about the emotional toll of the past few years, particularly following the death of her mother, her electoral loss in 2023, and the strain her marriage collapse placed on her. She described feeling depressed and overwhelmed during that period.
"I do not like to mourn. 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,” she shared.
The actress also spoke about a particularly emotional moment when she lashed out online after facing harsh criticism from the public.
“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? 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. So, for the first time, I cried. I broke down for weeks.”
Opinion: Funke Akindele’s Strength in the Face of Adversity is a Lesson to Us All
Funke Akindele’s story is one that resonates with many who face personal and professional challenges simultaneously. As a mother, actress, and public figure, the weight of her experiences over the last few years is enormous. Yet, despite these hardships — from the grief of losing her mother to the collapse of her marriage and political setbacks — Akindele’s determination shines through.
What stands out most is her openness. In a world where public figures often shy away from discussing personal struggles, Funke’s willingness to share her pain humanizes her in the eyes of fans and offers a glimpse into the complexities of her life behind the scenes.
However, the issue of single parenthood, particularly in the face of neglect from a partner, is one that must be addressed. Funke’s revelation that she is raising their children alone adds an important voice to the conversation about the emotional and financial burdens placed on mothers, especially those in the public eye.
While Akindele continues to juggle the responsibilities of her career and family, one thing is clear: her resilience and ability to overcome adversity are not just inspiring, but a testament to the strength that many women, especially single mothers, exhibit every day.