Tension flared at the star-studded premiere of Owanbe Thieves, a new film by Yoruba Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao, as popular actresses Laide Bakare and Eniola Badmus engaged in a heated confrontation that nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
The event, which took place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the Filmhouse Cinema in Circle Mall, Jakande, Lagos, was attended by several Nollywood stars, entertainers, and influencers. What was meant to be a night of glitz and celebration quickly turned sour when a video clip surfaced online, capturing the tense moment between the two actresses.
In the video, Eniola Badmus appeared visibly irritated upon spotting Laide Bakare on the dance floor. She abruptly exited the area, moving to the back where she continued dancing, seemingly trying to avoid a confrontation. However, Laide Bakare followed closely behind, approached her colleague, and confronted her aggressively. At one point, she appeared to attempt a slap before being restrained by security personnel present at the event.
While the exact cause of the renewed altercation remains unclear, it is believed to be a continuation of a long-standing feud between the two Nollywood stars. Their falling out reportedly began after Eniola Badmus accused Laide Bakare of making hurtful and personal remarks regarding her private life. In particular, Badmus alleged that Bakare mocked her for not having children or a family, which sparked a public rift between them.
Laide Bakare later attempted to clarify the situation, insisting that her comments were misconstrued and not meant to cause offense. Despite her explanation, the tension between the two actresses appears far from resolved.
The incident at the premiere has generated significant buzz online, with fans and fellow celebrities expressing concern over the public display of animosity. Many have called for reconciliation between the two, urging both actresses to set aside their differences in the interest of peace and professionalism within the industry.
As the dust settles from the incident, it remains to be seen whether either party will address the confrontation publicly or take steps toward mending their relationship.
