Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has apologised to her colleague, Laide Bakare, following criticism of her reaction to Bakare’s name during a recent podcast appearance, expressing her willingness to put their differences behind them.
Badmus issued the apology in a statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday, days after a clip from her appearance on Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast went viral on social media.
During the interview, the host mentioned Bakare as one of his favourite actresses, prompting Badmus to hiss and change her facial expression. The incident sparked reactions online and renewed discussions about the strained relationship between the two actresses.
Addressing the incident on Instagram, Badmus acknowledged that her reaction might have appeared dismissive and expressed regret over the impression it created.
“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.
Directly addressing Bakare, the actress added, “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace and I genuinely wish you well.”
Badmus noted that maturity involves learning from past experiences and choosing to move forward instead of holding on to 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 concluded her message with an appeal for reconciliation, writing, “Joo maa binu. No negativity. No grudges. Let love lead and peace reigns.”
The apology comes against the backdrop of previous public disagreements between the actresses, whose relationship has been characterised by social media exchanges and confrontations at public events.
In March 2024, Badmus appeared to mock Bakare’s outfit at the latter’s book launch. Bakare had attended the event wearing a white outfit paired with an orange cape, which attracted mixed reactions online.
Badmus subsequently took to Instagram and wrote, “Ewo ninu yin lo wo Aso Pastor Ajidara. Abeg who??” The comment was widely interpreted as a dig at Bakare’s outfit.
Bakare expressed disappointment over the incident, questioning why a colleague she considered a childhood friend from their University of Ibadan days would publicly criticise her rather than celebrate her achievement.