Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has apologised to her colleague, Laide Bakare, following a viral moment from her appearance on Isbae U’s Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast, saying she wants to put their longstanding differences behind them.
Badmus issued the apology in a statement shared on Instagram on Tuesday, acknowledging that her reaction when Bakare’s name came up during the interview 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 Bakare directly, the actress added: “Laide, whatever our differences, I choose peace and I genuinely wish you well.”
Badmus said personal growth requires people to learn from past experiences, recognise their mistakes and move forward rather than remain caught up in 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 followed the circulation of a clip from the podcast in which host Isbae U mentioned Bakare as one of his favourite actresses. Badmus appeared to hiss and change her facial expression after hearing the name, prompting discussion among social media users.
The moment brought renewed attention to the history of tension between the two actresses, whose disagreements have occasionally played out in public.
In March 2024, 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 with an orange cape, which attracted comments online.
Badmus subsequently posted on Instagram: “Ewo ninu yin lo wo Aso Pastor Ajidara. Abeg who??” The remark was widely interpreted as a reference to Bakare’s appearance at the event.
Bakare responded by expressing disappointment that some colleagues appeared more interested in criticising her perceived shortcomings than celebrating her achievements. She also said she and Badmus had known each other since their University of Ibadan days and questioned why she had become the target of the criticism.
The disagreement resurfaced in April 2025 during the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s film, Owambe Thieves, in Lagos. Videos circulating online showed an exchange between the actresses, with Badmus reportedly insisting that they were not friends and asking that they not be filmed together.
Badmus’s latest statement signals a willingness to move beyond the public disagreements. However, it remains unclear whether the apology will lead to a reconciliation between the pair.
For now, the actress has publicly expressed regret over her podcast reaction and called for peace, while Bakare’s response to the latest statement was not included in the available report.
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