Pete Edochie has made his position clear: he does not see himself as being on the same level as his fellow Nollywood actors.
The veteran actor made the striking remark during an appearance on comedian Isbae U’s online interview show, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
Asked to identify his favourite actor, Edochie refused to choose one. His reason was blunt—he believes his standing in the industry places him above his colleagues.
Edochie explains his stance
Rather than single out another performer, Edochie said he considers himself bigger than all other actors in the industry.
His comments reflect the confidence that has accompanied a career spanning several decades and made him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable veteran performers.
But the conversation did not stop there.
Edochie was also asked about people who have claimed greater seniority in the acting profession.
‘Let them come out and say it’
The actor said he has seen claims from people who insist they entered the industry before him, but he has chosen not to engage with those arguments publicly.
When asked specifically about actors who believe they occupy the same level as him, Edochie issued a direct challenge.
He invited anyone who holds that view to publicly make the claim.
Edochie did not identify any actor by name during that part of the interview.
Yemi Solade’s earlier claim
His comments come against the backdrop of previous remarks by fellow actor Yemi Solade.
Solade has maintained that, although Edochie is older than him, he began his acting career earlier and regards Edochie as a senior colleague.
The issue came up again when Solade appeared on Curiosity Made Me Ask, where he reiterated his position about when he entered the acting profession.
Edochie, however, did not directly name Solade when addressing those who have questioned his seniority or placed themselves on the same level as him.
Edochie reacts to the ‘legend’ tag
The veteran was also asked about being described as a legend in Nollywood.
His response was more measured.
Edochie said he was not certain how people define the word “legend,” but he welcomed the fact that audiences and colleagues continue to celebrate his contribution to the industry.
That recognition comes after a decades-long career in Nigerian film and television.
A career that shaped Nollywood
Edochie remains one of the most prominent veteran figures associated with Nollywood.
Over the course of his career, he has become known for his commanding screen presence and memorable performances, earning a lasting place in Nigerian popular culture.
His latest comments have once again put his stature—and the question of seniority among Nollywood veterans—at the centre of conversation.
For Edochie, however, there appears to be little debate about where he believes he stands.
