Funke, JJC

Popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele and her new husband Abdulrasheed Bello, music artiste/producer, popularly known as JJC Skillz, said on Tuesday that they chose to have a private wedding in London because they didn’t want their union to be another society wedding.

Akindele confirmed the she has been wedded to the producer over the weekend when she changed her profile to Mrs. Bello in her social media accounts.

Before then, there has been conflicting information on the status of the relationship between the two.

Biodun Kupoluyi, who handled the couple’s public relations, confirmed that Akindele is now married to the London based producer in a statement also explained the reasons for holding the ceremony out of public glare.

Kupoluyi said this was because both couples have been married before and will not want to be in the spotlight again for the same reason.

“The decision to do it quietly was right for us and we pray for the understanding of our close friends and fans at this offer of a lifetime moment.

“At a good time, we shall look back and in appreciation of divine grace and your support, we shall celebrate milestones and where we are in life,” the pr rep said.

He also revealed that Akindele and her husband are still in the UK, shooting “Jenifa In London”, a new episode for Jenifa’s Diary and they would return to Nigeria soon.

See our earlier story on the romance between Akindele and JJC below

Early January 2016, the rumour mill was agog with the news that Nollywood star actress, Funke Akindele and United Kingdom-based Nigerian singer and producer, Abdul Rasheed Bello popularly known as JJC Skillz, were reportedly dating.

According to the reports, smitten Funke had practically moved to live with JJC in his Prime Water Garden home in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos as his live-in-lover, after spending more time with the musician in his London base.

Funke and JJC at her London birthday party last year

Funke and JJC at her London birthday party last year

But while the romance rumours continue to swirl around, both Funke and JJC kept sealed lips. However, friends close to the duo tactically confirmed that the two are in love but have decided to make it a very private affair.

But days ago, the rumour became stronger with JJC said to have proposed to the actress renowned for her stellar role as Jenifa in a movie of same title.

In between the whispers of romance, the two have been seen working together on different projects.

JJC and Funke Akindele (extreme left and right) during the wedding of Tunde and Abi Babalola in London

JJC and Funke Akindele (extreme left and right) during the wedding of Tunde and Abi Babalola in London

While JJC has been helping out as director on Funke’s Jenifa Diary, a TV sitcom series, the actress in turn plays the lead, mimicking ‘Olajumoke Bread Seller’ in the upcoming video of JJC’s new song, Ada.

While some have suggested that all the engagement tales could be a publicity stunt, but going by the activities of the two with an exchange of love messages on Twitter and Instagram, many could feel a true love tango between JJC and Funke.

Some weeks back, JJC, via his Instagram account, @jjcskillz, had made a shout out to his nephews: “My cute nephews singing along to #forgetmenot by @jjcskillz ft @officialpraiz made my Christmas day. Thank you to my big brother for the video @sbellophotos the man that inspired my whole musical journey. #Godblessyou.

Funke, touched by the message, had clicked a like button and responded: “My cuties. God bless them all. May the Lord never forget us. Well done boo. Always proud of u kisses. FABB.”

And JJC, the loverboy acknowledged: “@funkejenifaakindele thanks sweetheart.

Also, some have equally noticed that the two have been hanging out closely both in Nigeria and the UK.

During Funke’s 39th exclusive birthday party held at Cokobar in London last year, JJC was at the party and was very active.

They also both attended Abi and Tunde’s wedding in London last year.

Funke and JJC during the shoot of JJC’s Ada video

Funke and JJC during the shoot of JJC’s Ada video

Funke, who will be 40 this year, is a Christian. She has remained single after separating from her husband, Kehinde Oloyede, in 2013 under very controversial circumstances.

Like Funke’s estranged husband, Kenny, her new lover, JJC is also a serial monogamist.

Funke as the lead in the upcoming video

Funke as the lead in the upcoming video

JJC, who hails from Kano State, has been married before. He was married to his first wife, the mother of his first child in 1995. They both have a daughter, Tamira Bello born in 1996. The woman, who has always lived in the UK, has remarried.

JJC also has two other children from two other women.