Bunmi Nelson Apologises to Funke Akindele, Regrets Turning Down Career-Changing Offer in 2006
Nollywood actress Bunmi Nelson has publicly apologised to colleague Funke Akindele, expressing deep regret over a decision she made nearly two decades ago that she now considers one of the biggest missed opportunities of her career.
Nelson made the confession during an appearance on the “Talk to B” podcast, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo, in an episode published on YouTube in the past week. During the wide-ranging conversation, she reflected on several career decisions she now regrets, including a period during which she stepped away from acting to focus on a relationship. She then turned her attention to Akindele, describing what she called a squandered opportunity from around 2006 to 2007, a period she noted was much smaller and less commercially developed than today’s Nigerian film industry.
According to Nelson, she and Akindele were introduced through a mutual friend, after which Akindele reportedly connected her with other industry figures. At the time, Nelson said she had been offering her home as a filming location for various productions and had already worked alongside several people in the movie business, including briefly appearing in a soap opera. She recalled that Akindele repeatedly encouraged her to formally join the Yoruba film industry, but admitted she did not take the offers seriously at the time.
Nelson explained that her hesitation was partly shaped by rumours she had heard about certain expectations and hierarchies within the Yoruba film industry, including concerns about deference and formalities she was uncomfortable with. Looking back, she said she failed to recognise how far Akindele’s career would eventually go, admitting she never anticipated the level of success and influence the filmmaker would later achieve as one of Nollywood’s biggest box office names.
Speaking directly to Akindele during the podcast, Nelson offered a heartfelt apology, acknowledging that she had made a mistake in turning down the opportunity and expressing hope that Akindele would forgive her. She said she was now open to future collaborations, describing herself as available for any job opportunities Akindele might extend her way. She also extended apologies to fellow industry figures Kunle Afod and Sodiq Adebayo over unrelated past decisions mentioned during the same conversation.
Reflecting further on the broader lesson from her experience, Nelson urged people not to underestimate others, noting that circumstances and fortunes can shift unexpectedly over time. She described humility as one of the most important lessons life had taught her, admitting that her earlier choices had shaped a deeper appreciation for treating people well regardless of their current standing.
The comments have since generated conversation across social media and within Nollywood circles, with many reacting to Nelson’s candid reflection on an industry relationship that, in hindsight, could have significantly altered the trajectory of her acting career.
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