Yemi Solade criticised over Pete Edochie comparison has sparked a wave of backlash online after the veteran Yoruba actor claimed he was in the industry before the legendary Pete Edochie.
In a recently circulated video, Solade reflected on his early start in Nollywood, stating he began acting at a young age and had been part of the industry long before Pete Edochie—despite being younger than him in age. He pointed out that he was only 17 when he represented Nigeria at FESTAC ’77 and proudly declared that his acting journey spans 48 years.
He also credited Ade Ajiboye with shooting Nigeria’s first home video and took a subtle swipe at some of his Yoruba colleagues, saying they focused more on the craft than media visibility—leading to confusion over who truly pioneered the Nigerian home video era.
But his remarks didn’t land well with everyone. Online reactions were swift:
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“Don’t compare yourself to Daddy Pete,” one user warned.
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“The race is not about who started, it’s about who finished well,” another added.
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Some accused him of tribal sentiments, while others defended his timeline.
This isn’t the first time Solade has stirred controversy. In a recent interview, he publicly apologised to fellow actor Afeez Owo for slapping him on set over two decades ago, admitting that he reacted poorly and that insults often trigger him.
Last year, he made headlines for rejecting an award plaque because he refused to pay for it, sharing screenshots of the organiser’s response. He was also heavily criticised over a viral video with colleague Apa (Sanusi Izihaq), where he clapped back at trolls questioning his mental state.
Also Read:Yemi Solade Apologises to Afeez Owo Over 20-Year-Old Slap Incident
