Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has disclosed that she no longer attends church services physically, explaining that excessive media attention and constant photography during worship sessions have made it difficult for her to fully concentrate.
She noted that she now prefers to join church services online to maintain her focus and privacy.
The actress shared her experience in a video posted on her Snapchat on Sunday, where she was seen preparing breakfast for her children and getting them ready for church activities. In the video, she used the moment to address questions about her absence from physical church gatherings, making it clear that her decision was intentional.
Akindele explained that whenever she attends church in person, she often becomes the centre of attention, with cameras and photographers focusing on her rather than the service itself. According to her, this recurring situation disrupts her ability to worship peacefully and connect spiritually.
The award-winning filmmaker, who worships with the Celestial Church of Christ, said the environment around her presence in church has become too distracting. She stressed that what should be a quiet moment of worship often turns into a media spectacle, making it difficult for her to fully engage in religious activities.
“Do not ask if I am going to church. I am not going to church. Anytime I go to church, it is me that they take picture of. I will join online,” she said in the video, clarifying her current approach to worship.
Akindele, who is one of Nigeria’s most influential entertainers, has long been in the public eye due to her successful career in film production and acting. Over the years, she has built a strong fan base and has remained one of the most recognisable faces in Nollywood, often attracting attention wherever she appears.
Her decision to switch to online church services highlights the increasing challenges celebrities face in balancing personal life, spirituality, and public visibility.
For many public figures, maintaining private moments in crowded environments has become increasingly difficult due to mobile phones, social media, and constant content creation by fans and media personnel.
