Funke Akindele, a renowned Nollywood actress, recently disclosed the reason behind not practicing law, despite her academic pursuit of it at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to fulfill her late father's wishes.
In an interview with BBC Yorùbá, Akindele shared that, although her true passions lay in acting, singing, and dancing, she opted to study law to honor her father's desire for her to become a lawyer.
Acknowledging her father's persistent wish, she explained, "Truly I studied law at the University of Lagos. My father wanted me to be a lawyer. When he was alive, he was always saying ‘You will become a lawyer.’ I just wanted to act on stage. I wanted to sing and dance."
Despite her initial reluctance, Akindele chose to study law, promising herself that once accomplished, she would return to her true passion of performing. She expressed, “I would say okay, let me study this law and give it to you. When I study this law, I will go back to my acting."
Reflecting on her academic journey, Akindele affirmed, “I never regretted studying law because it reflected in my works. Because I love criminal law so much. I like a law where someone errs against the law and is sentenced. All the investigations."
She pointed out the seamless integration of her legal knowledge into her artistic endeavors, stating, "If you notice, you will see that I usually add up what I have studied in my work. Law and my work can be hand in hand. And I never regretted studying law. But I have not been practicing law."
Contemplating a potential return to legal practice, Akindele shared, “Nowadays I have been thinking about it. I can do it.”
