I started Nollywood before Pete Edochie – Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Veteran Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, has dismissed claims that he insulted his colleague, Pete Edochie, by alleging the latter was “parading himself and deceiving others” as the oldest actor in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with NollyNow, Udokwu clarified that his words during a recent podcast had been twisted out of context.

According to him, he only stated that he began acting in Nollywood before Pete Edochie but never discredited Edochie’s contributions or legacy.

He explained that while Edochie starred in the classic Things Fall Apart, it predated the formation of Nollywood as an industry. Udokwu stressed that his remarks referred strictly to Nollywood’s modern structure, not the entire acting history of the legendary performer.

“I granted a podcast interview along the lines that I was in Nollywood before Pete Edochie, in an answer to a question posed to me by the host. But the statement: ‘as he is parading himself and deceiving others’ is certainly not from me. I was misrepresented,” Udokwu said.

He further emphasized the importance of respecting elders in African culture, adding that Edochie, who is much older than him, remains a figure he deeply admires.

“I acted in Checkmate and When the Sun Sets, but I don’t count it as part of Nollywood. Pete Edochie is older than me by far. In our African culture, we don’t disrespect our elders. I will never disrespect Pete Edochie,” he added.

Udokwu, who currently serves as Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure, and Tourism to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, insisted he has nothing but admiration for Edochie’s legendary status in the industry.