Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has sparked reactions online after declaring that he considers himself to be above his colleagues in the Nigerian film industry.
Edochie made the statement during an appearance on comedian Isbae U’s online show, “Curiosity Made Me Ask,” where he was asked to name his favourite actor.
Rather than mention a colleague, the veteran actor said he could not pick a favourite because, in his assessment, he stands above all of them.
Edochie also addressed claims by some actors who have said they began their careers before him, saying he has deliberately chosen not to respond to such assertions.
“People have been writing that they are older than me in the industry, but I don’t respond,” he said.
When asked about colleagues who consider themselves to be on the same professional level as him, Edochie challenged anyone holding such a view to come forward.
“Whoever said they are of the same level as me should come out and say it. I did Merchant of Venice in 1962; I was only 15 years old then,” he said.
According to the actor, the production was staged at a time when filmmaking was not yet established in Nigeria, and acting was largely centred on the stage.
He further claimed that the MGM evaluation of filmmaking efforts in Africa identified only him and South African actor John Kani.
Edochie said actors were expected to have a strong knowledge of Shakespeare at the time because performers were not selected without demonstrating familiarity with his works.
The comments come amid a long-running claim by fellow actor Yemi Solade, who has maintained that he started acting before Edochie, while acknowledging Edochie as a senior colleague in terms of age.
Solade reiterated the position during his own appearance on “Curiosity Made Me Ask.”
Edochie, however, did not mention Solade by name during his interview.
Speaking about being described as a legend, Edochie said he welcomed the recognition despite admitting that he was not entirely certain about the definition of the term.
“I don’t know the definition of people’s legend, but I’m glad to be celebrated,” he said.
The veteran actor also disclosed that acting was not his first career.
According to him, he had established himself professionally before joining the entertainment industry and eventually retired from broadcasting as a Director of Programmes.
