Eniola Badmus apologises to Laide Bakare, urges peace after bitter feud

Nollywood actresses, Laide Bakare and Eniola Badmus

Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has apologised to her colleague, Laide Bakare, following her reaction to Bakare’s name during a recent podcast interview, urging an end to their long-running feud.

Badmus issued the apology in a personal statement on Instagram on Tuesday, acknowledging that her reaction during her appearance on Isbae U’s “Curiosity Made Me Ask” podcast could have come across as 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 Bakare directly, she added, “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace and I genuinely wish you well.”

Badmus said personal growth involved learning from past experiences and letting go of disagreements.

“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.

She ended her message with an appeal for peace, writing, “Joo maa binu. No negativity. No grudges. Let love lead and peace reigns.”

The apology follows a viral clip from Badmus’s appearance on Isbae U’s podcast, during which the host named Bakare as one of his favourite actresses.

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Badmus was seen hissing and displaying a change in facial expression after Bakare’s name was mentioned, a reaction that attracted attention on social media.

The incident reignited conversations about the longstanding tension between the two actresses, who have exchanged public criticisms over the years.

In March 2024, Badmus appeared to mock Bakare’s outfit at the latter’s book launch. Bakare had worn a white outfit with an orange cape, which attracted criticism on social media.

Badmus took to Instagram and asked, “Ewo ninu yin lo wo Aso Pastor Ajidara. Abeg who??” The comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Bakare’s outfit.

Bakare subsequently responded, expressing disappointment that colleagues focused on her perceived flaws rather than celebrating her achievements. She also questioned why Badmus, whom she described as a childhood friend from their University of Ibadan days, had singled her out for criticism.

The disagreement resurfaced in April 2025 at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s film, Owambe Thieves, in Lagos. Videos circulating online showed a heated exchange between the actresses, with Badmus reportedly saying they were not friends and asking that they not be filmed together.