A fresh debate over seniority and respect in Nollywood has erupted after veteran actor Kola Olaiya criticised legendary actor Pete Edochie, accusing him of failing to acknowledge the older theatre practitioners who helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
In an interview with Oyinmomo TV, Olaiya reportedly described Edochie as overly proud and argued that the history of Nigerian acting did not begin with the generation that made Nollywood famous on television and in home videos.
Olaiya specifically mentioned theatre pioneer Hubert Ogunde, alongside respected performers Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo and Kola Ogunmola, insisting that their contributions deserve recognition when discussions about seniority in the industry arise.
The veteran actor argued that even if Edochie considers himself senior within his own cultural or regional circle, Nigeria’s entertainment history is much broader and includes practitioners whose careers began decades earlier.
“Where was Pete Edochie then?” Olaiya asked while making his point about the older generation of performers.
His comments have reopened a conversation about respect, recognition and the often-complicated hierarchy within Nollywood. For many entertainment lovers, the debate is about more than two famous actors disagreeing; it is about whether the pioneers who built Nigerian theatre and film receive the recognition they deserve.
Olaiya also reflected on his own experience working with Ogunde, whom he described as a father figure who supported his career and helped shape his professional journey.
Edochie is widely recognised for his commanding screen presence and decades of work in Nigerian film. However, Olaiya’s criticism raises questions about how the industry documents its history and acknowledges the generations that came before its modern stars.
Neither the debate nor the comments should erase the contributions of the different generations of performers who helped shape Nigerian entertainment.
As reactions continue, fans are likely to remain divided over whether Olaiya’s remarks are a necessary reminder about industry history or an unnecessary personal attack.
What do you think: should Nollywood legends publicly acknowledge the pioneers who came before them?
