Nollywood Veteran Kola Olaiya Accuses Pete Edochie Of Pride, Says He Ignores Theatre Legends

Veteran Nollywood actor Kola Olaiya has criticised his colleague, Pete Edochie, accusing him of displaying pride and failing to acknowledge the contributions of older theatre practitioners who helped shape Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Olaiya made the remarks during an interview with Oyinmomo TV, where he argued that Edochie should recognise the pioneers whose work laid the foundation for the industry long before the actor began his career.

Olaiya cited the late theatre legend Hubert Ogunde as one of the prominent figures whose contributions to Nigerian theatre and filmmaking predated Edochie’s entry into the profession.

He explained that Ogunde began his theatrical career in 1944 after leaving the police force and had established himself through stage productions, films and popular songs before Edochie was born.

The veteran actor maintained that even if Edochie considered himself without senior colleagues within his own ethnic group in the South-East, that position could not be extended to the Nigerian entertainment industry as a whole.

“I have known him for long that pride is in his blood. That is why he cannot pay homage to the elders that made him,” Olaiya said.

He also mentioned other respected theatre practitioners, including Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo and Kola Ogunmola, whom he said were part of the generation that contributed significantly to the development of Nigerian theatre.

“Ogunde had been acting before Pete was born. After that, some people like Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, were joining. Where was Pete Edochie then?” he asked.

Olaiya added that Edochie might have a different perspective regarding seniority within his own community, but argued that Nigeria’s broader entertainment history included several practitioners who came before him.

“If Pete says in his own tribe, he doesn’t have a boss, I wouldn’t know, but here in the whole Nigeria, no,” he stated.

The actor also spoke about his personal experience working with Ogunde, describing the late theatre icon as a father figure and professional mentor who played a significant role in shaping his life and career.

Olaiya’s comments have brought renewed attention to discussions about respect for industry pioneers, professional seniority and the recognition of those who contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The allegations against Edochie reflect Olaiya’s personal views.