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Yahoo boys taking over acting profession with questionable funds -Yemi Solade
Actor Yemi Solade has refused to back down on his claim that he is senior to Nollywood legend Pete Edochie in the acting profession, stating that while he has respect for Edochie as an elder, the facts about their years of entry into the industry cannot be altered.
The veteran actor, who spoke in an exclusive interview with R in Lagos shortly after his return from a movie location amid the backlash that trailed his earlier comment, clarified that he never intended to disrespect Edochie.
According to him, the video clip in circulation was part of a larger conversation on fatherhood, but it has since been taken out of context and twisted by those seeking social media traffic.
“I am not disrespecting him. He is an uncle. If I see him, I am going to address him as Uncle Pete. But the fact remains that I am his senior in the acting profession,” Solade said firmly. “I started acting in 1977, but Pete Edochie joined the industry after he left civil service in the 80s.”
Solade, who is 65 years old, explained that his entry into acting dates back to when he represented Nigeria at an international event in the late 1970s. At the time, he was already active in theatre and had begun building a solid foundation in drama and performance. He insisted that his statement was not out of line but rooted in fact.
“What I said is within my right because it is a fact. Those who released the video are trying to gain traffic, and a section of the media is twisting the narrative. I have been acting since 1977. Edoche had not started acting since then,” he reiterated.
The actor said the topic came up during a casual conversation involving younger people at an event, where he stepped in to set the record straight. He emphasised that his intent was not to downplay Edochie’s contributions but to clarify historical timelines that are now being misrepresented.
“If anybody has a contrary opinion to what I said, they should challenge me to a debate. The media can organise it, and let’s see,” he dared. “Some people who don’t want to speak publicly on the matter reached out to me to say thank you for saying it as it is.”
Solade also used the opportunity to reaffirm his identity as a professionally trained actor. A graduate of Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University, he said no one in the industry trained him, hence he does not have a “boss” in Nollywood. He credited his staying power in the industry to discipline, education, and commitment to craft.
“I remain a king in my profession, and no one can tell me about it,” he stated. “I’m a well-trained thespian. I studied Theatre Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University. Nobody taught me acting, so I don’t have a boss in the industry.”
Addressing those who questioned why he hasn’t produced any movies despite being a prominent figure, Solade said that relevance in the industry does not depend on quantity but quality. He noted that many self-proclaimed producers are only trying to stay visible but lack substance.
“At 65, I don’t have to rush to locations every week or produce movies to stay relevant,” he said. “I try to be real as much as I can, and I believe my work will speak for me.”
The actor acknowledged that not everyone in the industry likes him, but added that such rejection comes with being a public figure. “You can’t expect everyone who sees your face on screen to love you,” he said. “Some people simply don’t like me—and that’s fine.”
Solade also voiced his concerns about the growing number of individuals in the industry who are not professionally trained but use their wealth and influence to force their way into film productions. He said these people are only interested in fame and not in the growth of the craft.
“There are unprofessional actors trying to hijack the industry with money made from questionable sources,” he lamented. “Some of them don’t care about professionalism. They just want fame and then run back to their businesses.”
He added that some actors and producers are enabling this trend by accepting gifts and payment from such individuals in exchange for roles in movies. Solade warned that this compromises the standard of the industry and disrespects the work of trained thespians.
“I hear people say, ‘I didn’t plan to become an actor; I just found myself here.’ People like that are killing the craft,” he stated. “They are in it for the glitz and glamour. And sadly, some of our colleagues take money and gifts from them just to feature them.”
The actor stressed that this shift in priorities has made it harder for professionals to thrive, as content and storytelling are often sacrificed for superficial appeal. He said that it is important for gatekeepers in Nollywood to draw the line and return to standards rooted in training and discipline.
Yemi Solade’s remarks generated mixed reactions online, with some accusing him of seeking attention, while others support his call for professionalism and proper documentation of industry history. Still, he insists that he spoke out of a desire to set the record straight—not to attack or discredit anyone.
“I’m not one to dance to the gallery. I said what I said, and I stand by it,” he concluded. “The facts are there, and if anyone believes otherwise, let them come forward and let’s talk.”