Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has spoken out for the first time following her heated altercation with fellow actress Laide Bakare.
The two stars clashed at a high-profile event in Lagos on Sunday, drawing widespread attention both online and within the Nigerian film industry.
The incident took place during the premiere of Owanbe Thieves, a movie by filmmaker Eniola Ajao. What was meant to be a glamorous night of celebration turned into a dramatic confrontation between the two celebrities. Videos of the event quickly circulated on social media, fueling public debate and reactions from fans and industry insiders alike.
The Source of the Feud
According to New Daily Prime, the conflict began after Badmus allegedly referred to Bakare as an “animal,” a remark that clearly didn’t sit well with her colleague. Bakare, in response, expressed outrage and vowed to confront Badmus. She also claimed that she had played a crucial role in launching Badmus’ career, saying she gave her the breakthrough that helped make her a household name.
Badmus Chooses Peace Over Drama
Since the event, many had waited to hear from Eniola Badmus. Now, she has finally responded not with more insults or accusations, but with a message calling for peace and unity in the Nollywood industry.
On Tuesday, Badmus took to her Instagram page to share her thoughts. Her post focused on the need for collaboration, mutual respect, and personal growth. She made it clear that she prefers to rise above the drama and instead promote peace.
A Call for Unity and Growth
“Life has a way of teaching us that true strength lies not in conflict, but in unity,” she wrote. “Though we may have walked different paths and faced moments of tension, I believe it’s time to let love lead.”
Badmus emphasized that jealousy has no place among colleagues who are all striving for success. She reminded her followers and possibly her critics that one person’s success should not be seen as a threat to another’s.
“There is no need for jealousy when we can all succeed,” she wrote. “Your success doesn’t diminish mine, just as mine does not take away from yours.”
Encouraging Collaboration in Nollywood
Her message continued with a call for support within the industry. She encouraged her peers to uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.
“Let us continue to collaborate, to lift each other, and to build something greater than what we could ever achieve alone,” she added. “There’s strength in unity and a future brighter than any victory we’ve pursued alone.”
Choosing Wisdom Over Conflict
Badmus ended her statement with a note on wisdom and maturity.
“Let us avoid conflict, not because we are weak, but because we are wise,” she concluded. “Peace is the path to progress, and love is the light that shows us the way.”
Reactions and What Comes Next
Her words appear to be a clear effort to turn the conversation away from gossip and toward healing. Whether her message will ease the tension with Laide Bakare remains to be seen. However, her decision to respond calmly and not with further confrontation has already sparked praise from many fans who are calling for peace in the Nollywood community.
As the dust settles, it’s unclear whether the two actresses will reconcile or whether this clash will leave a lasting mark on their relationship. What is clear, though, is that Eniola Badmus has chosen to take the high road and in doing so, she has reminded many of the value of unity in an often competitive industry.
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