Veteran actor, Kola Olaiya, has described fellow actor, Pete Edochie, of being overly proud, and failing to acknowledge older theatre practitioners who paved the way before him in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Olaiya, in an interview with Oyinmomo TV, said Edochie should recognise the contributions of veteran entertainers who began their careers long before he joined the profession.
He said, “I have known him for long that pride is in his blood. That is why he cannot pay homage to the elders that made him.”
Olaiya also cited the late theatre legend, Hubert Ogunde, as one of the pioneers whose contributions to the industry predated Edochie’s career.
According to Olaiya, Ogunde began theatre in 1944 after leaving the police force and had produced several films and recorded hit songs before Edochie was born.
“Ogunde had been acting before Pete was born. After that, some people like Oyin Adejobi, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, were joining. Where was Pete Edochie then?” he asked.
Olaiya maintained that Edochie could claim not to have 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 wouldn’t know, but here in the whole Nigeria, no,” he said.
The actor also recounted his experience working with Ogunde, whom he described as a father figure and boss who contributed significantly to his life and career.
Olaiya said he eventually wrote a resignation letter to Ogunde, explaining his reasons for leaving the theatre group.
Recounting an issue surrounding the acquisition 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 vehicles were purchased with loans provided by Ogunde.
He added that Ogunde also increased the salaries of members of the group, noting that he subsequently discovered that four naira was being deducted from their earnings.
Despite the issue that led to his departure, Olaiya said he remained grateful to Ogunde for the opportunities and support he received while working with him.
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