Kola Olaiya Calls Pete Edochie Proud, Challenges His Claim to Nollywood Seniority

Kola Olaiya Calls Pete Edochie Proud, Challenges His Claim to Nollywood Seniority

Veteran Yoruba actor Kola Olaiya has criticised Pete Edochie over the ongoing debate about seniority in Nigeria’s acting industry, describing the veteran Igbo actor as proud and accusing him of failing to respect those who came before him. Olaiya made the remarks during an episode of Oyinmomo TV, insisting that Edochie cannot claim to be senior to every actor in Nigeria.

Olaiya cited the legacy of late theatre pioneer Hubert Ogunde, whose theatrical career began in 1944, as well as other influential figures such as Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo and Kola Ogunmola. He argued that these pioneers helped lay the foundation of Nigerian theatre long before Edochie became widely known, questioning where the actor stood in the industry during their time.

The controversy followed Edochie’s appearance on comedian Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast, where he said he began acting in 1962 at the age of 15. While Olaiya acknowledged that Edochie might be a leading figure in his region, he rejected the suggestion that the actor could claim nationwide seniority, drawing a distinction between regional prominence and the broader history of Nigerian theatre.