Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has extended an olive branch to her colleague, Laide Bakare, asking for peace after years of public disagreements between the two actresses.
Badmus made the move on Tuesday after a recent podcast appearance sparked renewed attention on their relationship.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the actress admitted that her reaction when Bakare’s name was mentioned during the interview may have been perceived negatively.
“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 said.
‘I choose peace’
Badmus addressed Bakare directly, saying she had no interest in continuing their differences.
“Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace and I genuinely wish you well,” she wrote.
She further described maturity as the ability to learn from past experiences and move on from 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 added.
Badmus ended the message with a call for an end to negativity and resentment.
“Joo maa binu. No negativity. No grudges. Let love lead and peace reigns,” she stated.
What triggered the latest controversy
The development followed a clip from Badmus’ appearance on Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast.
During the interview, the host mentioned Bakare as one of his favourite actresses. Badmus responded with a hiss and a noticeable change in her facial expression.
The brief reaction quickly spread across social media, with many users linking it to the actresses’ history of public disagreements.
A feud that has played out publicly
The relationship between the two actresses came under renewed scrutiny in March 2024 after Bakare’s book launch.
Badmus appeared to make a remark about Bakare’s outfit, posting: “Ewo ninu yin lo wo Aso Pastor Ajidara. Abeg who??”
Bakare later expressed disappointment over the comment, arguing that her colleagues should have focused on celebrating her achievement rather than criticising her appearance.
She also questioned why Badmus, whom she described as a childhood friend from their University of Ibadan days, had chosen to single her out.
Another confrontation reportedly occurred in April 2025 at the Lagos premiere of Eniola Ajao’s Owambe Thieves.
Videos from the event circulated online showing the actresses in a heated exchange.
Badmus was reportedly heard saying that they were not friends and asking that they not be filmed together.
Badmus’ latest apology now signals her desire to move beyond the disagreements and bring an end to the long-running tension.