Ogunde Was Already A Star Before Pete Edochie Was Born – Kola Olaiya

Veteran actor Kola Olaiya has taken a swipe at Nollywood legend Pete Edochie, accusing him of lacking respect for the pioneers who paved the way for the industry.

Speaking in a recent interview with Oyinmomo TV, Olaiya claimed that pride runs in Edochie's blood, which is why he refuses to pay homage to the elders who made him.

Olaiya pointed to the late theatre icon Hubert Ogunde is one of the industry's earliest pioneers, noting that Ogunde entered theatre in 1944 after leaving the police force and had already made a name for himself with films and hit songs before Edochie was born. He mentioned that other greats like Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo, and Kola Ogunmola joined later, questioning where Edochie was at the time.

According to him, while Edochie might not have a boss in his own tribe, the story is different when it comes to the whole of Nigeria.

Reflecting on his own journey, Olaiya spoke fondly of Ogunde, describing him as a mentor who played a huge role in shaping his life and profession. However, he revealed that he eventually parted ways with Ogunde's troupe over a disagreement regarding the provision of cars for members.

He admitted that he was under the impression that the vehicles were outright presents, until another member, Baba Sala, revealed that they were actually financed through loans arranged by Ogunde.

He also discovered that despite a pay raise at the time, a sum of four naira was being quietly deducted from their wages.

Kola Olaiya, however, maintained that despite these revelations and his subsequent exit, he still holds Ogunde in high esteem for the support and chances he received while working with him.

He said:
"I have known him for a long time; that pride is in his blood. That is why he cannot pay homage to the elders that made him."

"Ogunde had been acting before Pete was born. After that, people like Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo, and Kola Ogunmola joined. Where was Pete Edochie then?"

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