Nollywood veteran actor Pete Edochie has sparked fresh conversation among movie lovers after comments from a recent appearance on Curiosity Made Me Ask resurfaced online, with the actor expressing strong confidence in his position among Nigeria’s greatest performers.
The remarks were highlighted by an X user, Akinwumi, who said he watched Edochie’s interview with host BaeU and was struck by the veteran actor’s response when asked whether he had senior colleagues in the Nigerian film industry.
According to the post, Edochie responded: “Let whoever thinks we are on the same level come out.”
The actor was also reportedly asked whether he had a favourite actor.
“I’m bigger than all of them. Who will be my favourite actor?” he said, according to the account of the interview.
The 79-year-old actor also reportedly spoke confidently about his command of English and Shakespeare, maintaining that no other actor could surpass him in Shakespearean performance.
Clips and social media discussions surrounding the interview have similarly highlighted Edochie effortlessly reciting lines from Shakespeare, including material from Richard III.
Edochie’s confidence has generated mixed reactions, with some fans interpreting his remarks as characteristic of the veteran actor’s self-assured personality, while others have used the moment to revisit the question of who truly deserves the title of Nigeria’s greatest actor.
Reacting to Edochie’s comments, Akinwumi acknowledged the veteran’s immense contribution to Nollywood but argued that Sir Olu Jacobs deserves to be mentioned in the same conversation.
“I really love Chief Pete and no one can deny that he is a great actor,” the commentator wrote.
“But I honestly think Sir Olu Jacobs can match him. Sir Olu can compete with Chief Pete in every area when it comes to acting.”
The comparison reflects a long-standing debate among Nigerian movie audiences over the respective legacies of Edochie and Jacobs, two actors whose careers helped shape Nigerian film and television.
Vanguard previously described Edochie and Jacobs as among the “living godfathers” of Nollywood, highlighting their influence and longevity in the industry.
Edochie rose to national prominence through his portrayal of Okonkwo in the Nigerian Television Authority adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, a role that became one of the defining performances of his career. He has since received several major honours, including a national honour and industry lifetime-achievement recognitions.
Jacobs, meanwhile, developed a career that extended beyond Nollywood into British television and international film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and became renowned for his versatility, stage experience and ability to interpret complex characters.
His career has earned him major recognition, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour and lifetime-achievement honours.
Akinwumi also expressed sadness that Jacobs' health challenges have reduced his public appearances and, in his view, caused some younger audiences to underestimate the veteran's contribution to Nigerian acting.
Jacobs' wife, actress Joke Silva, has previously spoken publicly about his health, while the actor has continued to be celebrated for his contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
In 2022, colleagues and fans widely celebrated Jacobs as he marked his 80th birthday, describing him as a major influence on generations of Nigerian actors.
At 79, Edochie remains active in public life and continues to command significant attention whenever he discusses acting, culture and the entertainment industry.
Whether Edochie should be regarded as superior to Jacobs remains a matter of personal opinion. But the renewed debate has once again highlighted the extraordinary careers of two actors whose performances helped establish the foundation on which modern Nollywood was built.
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