Ogunde Started Acting Before Pete Edochie Was Born – Kola Olaiya

Veteran Nollywood actor Kola Olaiya has publicly criticised Pete Edochie over the ongoing seniority debate in Nigeria’s movie industry. He recently had his say during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, and fans have been reacting.

Describing Pete Edochie as arrogant for his bold claim about being the most senior Nollywood actor, Olaiya accused his colleague of intentionally disregarding the contributions of colleagues who came before him.

Invoking the legacy of theatre pioneer Hubert Ogunde, whose career began in 1944, Kola added that regional prominence in acting does not automatically translate to national seniority across all of Nigeria.

His words, “Before they gave birth to Pete Edochie, Ogunde had been acting.

That is why he cannot admit that some people started before him.

Ogunde started theatre in 1944, when he resigned as a police officer.

Pete Edochie is a proud human being. I have known him for long. Pride is in his blood. That is why he cannot respect elders.

Ogunde produced a lot of movies and made records before Edochie was born. After that, people like our fathers, including Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo and Kola Ogunmola, joined the industry. Where was Pete then?

I do not know if he is the first in his region and has no superior; that is fine. But in the whole of Nigeria? No.”