Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has extended an olive branch to her colleague, Laide Bakare, apologising for her reaction during a recent podcast interview and expressing her desire to put their longstanding differences behind them.
Badmus made the appeal in a personal statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday, acknowledging that her response when Bakare’s name came up during her appearance on Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast may have appeared dismissive.
“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 her colleague directly, the actress added: “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace and I genuinely wish you well.”
Badmus also reflected on the importance of personal growth, suggesting that maturity involves learning from past experiences, releasing resentment and moving forward without allowing previous disagreements to define relationships.
“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.
Concluding her message, the actress appealed for understanding and reconciliation, writing: “Joo maa binu. No negativity. No grudges. Let love lead and peace reigns.”
The apology followed the circulation of a video from Badmus’s podcast appearance, during which the host mentioned Bakare as one of his favourite actresses. Badmus’s visible reaction, which included a hiss and a noticeable change in facial expression, quickly attracted attention on social media.
The moment reignited public discussion about the strained relationship between the two actresses, whose disagreements have played out publicly over the years.
One notable episode occurred in March 2024, when Badmus appeared to take a swipe at Bakare’s outfit at the latter’s book launch. Bakare had attended the event in a white outfit complemented by an orange cape, which also generated mixed reactions online.
Reacting to the appearance, Badmus wrote on Instagram: “Ewo ninu yin lo wo Aso Pastor Ajidara. Abeg who??” The remark was widely interpreted as a dig at Bakare’s fashion choice.
Bakare subsequently expressed disappointment over what she perceived as a tendency among colleagues to focus on her shortcomings rather than celebrate her achievements. She also questioned why Badmus had singled her out for criticism, particularly given their reported friendship dating back to their University of Ibadan days.
The tension resurfaced in April 2025 during the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s film, Owambe Thieves, in Lagos. Videos circulated online showing a heated exchange between the actresses. Badmus reportedly insisted that they were not friends and asked that they not be filmed together.
Against this backdrop, Badmus’s latest statement appears to signal a willingness to move beyond the public disagreements that have characterised their relationship. Her emphasis on peace, maturity and letting go has also prompted renewed interest in whether the two entertainers can resolve their differences.
Although the apology does not establish whether Bakare has accepted the gesture, it represents a public expression of goodwill from Badmus, who has made it clear that she would prefer to leave the negativity behind.
For fans and observers of the Nollywood industry, the development raises the possibility of a more cordial relationship between the actresses after years of public tension.