Kola Olaiya criticizes Pete Edochie over Nollywood seniority

Veteran actor Kola Olaiya has criticized fellow actor Pete Edochie regarding an ongoing debate over seniority within the Nigerian acting industry. During an appearance on Oyinmomo TV, Olaiya accused Edochie of being prideful and failing to acknowledge the contributions of earlier theatre practitioners who established the industry long before the rise of English-language film prominence.

Olaiya argued that Nigerian acting history extends much further back than Edochie’s career, citing the late pioneer Hubert Ogunde, who began his theatrical career in 1944. Olaiya also referenced other foundational figures, including Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo, and Kola Ogunmola, to suggest that Edochie’s regional prominence does not equate to national seniority. The dispute follows recent comments by Edochie, who stated he began acting in 1962.