Bob-Manuel Udokwu Clarifies Comments on Pete Edochie, Dismisses Reports of Disrespect

Image:Facebook

Nollywood veteran Bob-Manuel Udokwu has refuted claims suggesting he accused fellow actor Pete Edochie of portraying himself as the oldest actor in the industry. 

The clarification came in a recent interview with NollyNow, where Udokwu emphasised that his previous remarks were misrepresented by viral reports.

Udokwu explained that while discussing the evolution of modern Nollywood, he mentioned that he began acting before Pete Edochie in the context of Nollywood as an industry. However, he stressed that he never intended to undermine or disrespect Edochie, who remains a highly respected figure in African cinema.

“The line that I said Pete Edochie is parading himself and deceiving others never came from me. That was a complete misrepresentation, that is very wrong for me to do,” Udokwu stated.

 He further clarified, “What I stated was that if you’re talking about Nollywood as an industry, I started acting before him. But he had already done Things Fall Apart, which was not part of Nollywood. Even Kanayo O. Kanayo once made a similar point.”

Udokwu highlighted that Edochie’s earlier works, including his iconic role in the classic film Things Fall Apart, predated the formal emergence of Nollywood and should be appreciated as part of a different era. 

“Pete Edochie is far older than me, and in our culture, we never disrespect our elders. I admire and respect him greatly and will never disrespect Pete Edochie,” he added.

As Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Udokwu also reflected on his early acting career, including notable productions such as Checkmate and When the Sun Sets. 

He clarified that while these projects contributed to the foundation of Nollywood, they do not define the official start of the industry.

The actor’s comments come in response to viral narratives that sought to create friction between the two industry veterans. Udokwu emphasised the importance of respecting elders, which is deeply rooted in African cultural values, and reaffirmed his admiration for Edochie’s contributions to Nigerian cinema.

“I hold Pete Edochie in high regard. He is an elder worthy of honour, and the Nigerian entertainment industry thrives because of contributions from legends like him,” Udokwu noted.

With this clarification, Udokwu hopes to dispel misinformation and encourage a more accurate understanding of Nollywood’s history, while highlighting the significance of mutual respect among colleagues in the entertainment sector.

#ExclusiveUpdate 

#ViralContent