Funke Akindele, a renowned Nollywood actress, recently shared insights into why she opted not to practice law despite earning her degree from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
In an interview with BBC Yorùbá, the filmmaker revealed that her pursuit of a law degree was primarily to fulfill her late father's wishes. Despite her true passion for acting, singing, and dancing, her father always envisioned her as a lawyer.
Funke Akindele explained that she studied law to honor her father's desires and subsequently returned to her true calling—performing.
Funke Akindele, Nigerian actress. source: Google
The actress expressed that she doesn't regret her legal education as it significantly influences her work. She emphasized, “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."
Reflecting on her journey, Akindele stated, “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."
“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."
Despite not actively practicing law, she acknowledged the potential synergy between law and her artistic endeavors. In her words, “Law and my work can be hand in hand. And I never regretted studying law. But I have not been practicing law."
Contemplating the possibility of practicing law in the future, Akindele mentioned, “Nowadays I have been thinking about it. I can do it."
English (US)