Bob Manuel Fires Back: ‘I Joined Nollywood Before Pete Edochie’

Veteran Nollywood actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu, has stirred fresh controversy in the Nigerian movie industry after declaring that contrary to widespread belief, Pete Edochie is not the oldest actor in Nollywood, and..  Read . .More —

Udokwu, while speaking in reaction to earlier comments by Yoruba actor Yemi Solade on bigotry in Nollywood, maintained that although Edochie is older in age, he (Bob Manuel) had been active in the industry before Edochie gained prominence.

“Peter Edochie is not the oldest man in Nollywood, as he is parading himself and deceiving others. I have been in Nollywood longer than him, though he is older than me in age. I laugh at most of my colleagues in the South-East because none of them studied theatre arts,” Bob Manuel stated.

His remarks align with Yemi Solade’s recent position on ethnic bias and professional recognition in Nollywood. Solade had warned that bigotry and tribal sentiments were threatening the unity of the industry, stressing that freedom of opinion should not be misconstrued as disrespect.

Observers say the clash of opinions between respected veterans underscores lingering divisions within Nollywood over seniority, recognition, and ethnic representation.

Udokwu, a graduate of Theatre Arts, emphasized that many of his colleagues lacked formal academic grounding in drama and theatre studies, insisting that professionalism must not be sacrificed for. . .Read ..Full.. Article.. .