Udokwu described Edochie as an elder worthy of honour, adding that African culture places high value on respecting elders.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has clarified an earlier comment on legendary thespian, Pete Edochie, stressing that he was misrepresented.
Speaking while featuring as a guest on ‘NollyNow’ podcast, he said he neither asserted that Edochie paraded himself as the oldest actor in Nollywood nor make any derogatory remarks about him.
According to him, he only pointed out that he had stated acting in Nollywood before Pete Edochie debuted.
Udokwu said, “The line that I said Pete Edochie is parading himself and deceiving others never came from me. That was a complete misrepresentation, that is a very wrong for me to do.
“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.”
ALSO READ: Akon’s wife, Tomeka Thiam files for divorce after 28 years of marriage
He further noted that Edochie’s earlier works, such as his iconic role in ‘Things Fall Apart’, predated the Nollywood era and should be seen as separate from the industry’s later emergence.
Udokwu, who currently serves as Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, also emphasised his deep respect for the veteran actor.
He went on to describe Pete Edochie as an elder worthy of honour, adding that African culture places high value on respecting senior figures.
“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.
Udokwu also recalled his early Nollywood roles in productions like ‘Checkmate’ and ‘When the Sun Sets’, but noted that he does not consider those works as part of Nollywood’s official beginnings.
