Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has denied rumors that he accused his coworker Pete Edochie of claiming to be the industry’s oldest actor.
Udokwu stated in a recent interview with NollyNow that his remarks during a podcast were misconstrued, emphasizing that he never said anything disparaging about the legendary actor.
He claims that although he started acting before Pete Edochie in the context of contemporary Nollywood, he never suggested that Edochie was lying to anyone.
“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,” Udokwu said.
He pointed out that Edochie’s early work, including his well-known performance in “Things Fall Apart,” existed before the Nollywood era and need to be viewed as distinct from the later development of the industry.
Udokwu, who is currently Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism, emphasized his admiration for Pete Edochie even more.
The actor added that respecting senior figures is highly valued in African culture and characterized Pete Edochie as an elder deserving of honor.
“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.
In addition, Udokwu recalled his early Nollywood performances in films such as “Checkmate” and “When the Sun Sets,” but he clarified that he did not view those movies as part of Nollywood’s formal origins.
His explanation follows reports that went viral and attempted to incite conflict between the two well-known actors.