One enduring feature of Nollywood is rifts and squabbles among actors and actresses. In recent days, two actresses, Laide Bakare and Eniola Badmus, have been at daggers drawn, reigniting their old enmity. The two actresses have been involved in a public bust-up in recent years.
Matters came to a head, and they renewed their feud when Badmus reacted with disdain to the mention of Bakare’s name during an appearance on content creator Isbae U’s podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
During the interview, Isbae U stated that Bakare is one of his favourite actresses, prompting Badmus to hiss and change her demeanour and facial expression as if to show that she was disgusted and irritated by the host’s remark. The moment caught viewers’ attention after a clip from the programme circulated on social media.
Reacting to the incident, Bakare shared the video on her Instagram page and accused Badmus of constantly attempting to undermine her and tarnish her image publicly despite several warnings. Bakare also accused Badmus of ingratitude, claiming Badmus’s success in the movie industry is partly owed to the support she gave her earlier in her career.
In her post, the actress expressed her dissatisfaction with what she perceived as maltreatment and disrespect from her colleague, questioning why Badmus continued to react disdainfully whenever her name was mentioned.
“Must you always damage my character publicly? Several times I have warned you to stop, but since you have decided to bring me down at all costs, you will surely hear from me,” she wrote.
“See your facial expressions at the mention of your biggest benefactor’s name? Omo ale, that helped you to grow in life. Honestly, you are indeed an ingrate, and I won’t let this slide,” she added.
She further stated that she would not allow what she described as another person’s insecurity to hinder her personal journey, insisting that she knew her worth and the effort it had taken to build her career.
A long-running feud
The exchange is the latest in a long-running face-off between the two actresses. They have had a go at one another publicly on social media and at entertainment events.
In April last year, the duo were involved in a physical confrontation at Eniola Ajao’s ‘Owanbe Thieves’ movie premiere.
At the event, Laide Bakare was trying to video record herself with Eniola Badmus on the dance floor. A visibly agitated Badmus then warned her not to capture her, saying, “Must I be in your video? Don’t film us together; we are not friends.”
Furious at what she felt was a public humiliation of her by Badmus, A livid Bakare lashed out and pushed Eniola Badmus back, saying in Yoruba, “Are you mad? What type of embarrassment is this? Are you insane?”
The incident elicited further back-and-forth online, with Bakare subsequently sharing screenshots of their private conversations.
At the time, Bakare claimed she was instrumental to Badmus’s rise in the movie industry as she helped her secure opportunities when other filmmakers were unwilling to work with her. She also accused her colleague of repeatedly disrespecting her despite their long-standing relationship.
Apology to Bakare
After Bakare’s angry reaction to Badmus’s dismissive demeanour at the mention of her name during her recent interview with Isbae U, the latter penned an apology to the former for her behaviour, urging an end to their perennial feud.
Badmus’s apology is contained in a statement on her Instagram page on Wednesday, acknowledging that her reaction during her appearance on Isbae U’s “Curiosity Made Me Ask” podcast was inappropriate.
“On reflection, I realise my reaction when Laide Bakare’s name was mentioned during my recent interview could have come across as dismissive, and for that, I sincerely apologise,” she wrote.
Addressing Bakare directly, she added, “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace, and I genuinely wish you well.”
Badmus noted part of personal growth is learning from past experiences, adding that she bears no grudges or ill-intentions towards Bakare
“We’re all growing, learning and becoming better versions of ourselves. Sometimes maturity is simply knowing when to let go and move forward,” she stated.
She ended her message with an appeal for peace, writing, “Joo maa binu. No negativity. No grudges. Let love lead and peace reign.”
Fake apology
Reacting to the apology, Bakare stated that Badmus’s public attempt to extend an olive branch to her and mend fences lacks any form of genuineness and authenticity.
She rejected Eniola’s apology, Laide, in an Instagram post, tagging it “Fake apology.”
As with their past altercations, their latest exchange has drawn reactions from social media users.
