Actor Kola Olaiya says Pete Edochie is too proud to pay tribute to his elders before him

Veteran actor, Kola Olaiya, has described his fellow actor, Pete Edochie, as being too proud, and not appreciating older theater practitioners who have paved the way before him in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Olaiya, in an interview with Oyinmomo TV, said Edochie should appreciate the contribution of veteran entertainers who started their careers long before he joined the profession.

He said, “I’ve known him for a long time, arrogance is in his blood. That’s why he can’t pay respects to the elders who shaped him.”

Olaiya also named the late theater legend, Hubert Ogunde, as one of the pioneers whose contribution to the industry predates Edochie’s career.

According to Olaiya, Ogunde started theater in 1944 after leaving the police force and had produced several films and recorded hit songs before Edochie was born.

“Ogunde was already acting before Pete was born. After that, some people like Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, joined in. So where was Pete Edochie?” he asked.

Olaiya stated that Edochie could claim to have no seniors in the South East, but not in the whole of Nigeria.

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

The actor also shared his experiences working with Ogunde, whom he described as a father figure and boss who made significant contributions to his life and career.

Olaiya said he eventually wrote a letter of resignation to Ogunde, explaining his reasons for leaving the theater group.

Narrating the issues surrounding the purchase of cars by members of the group, Olaiya said he had heard that Ogunde bought vehicles for some of them. However, one of the members, Baba Sala, later explained that the vehicle was purchased with a loan from Ogunde.

He added that Ogunde also increased the salaries of members of the group, and later he learned that four naira was deducted from their income.

Despite the problems that led to his departure, Olaiya said he remains grateful to Ogunde for the opportunities and support he received while working with him.