In a candid interview with QEDNG, veteran actor Segun Arinze opened up about the long-past fallout between himself and fellow actor Emeka Ike, offering insight into how time, maturity, and mutual respect have helped mend old wounds.
Their disagreement, which dates back to a leadership tussle in the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) around 2009, once made headlines. Both men were heavily involved in the guild’s leadership, and their conflicting visions led to tension. But according to Arinze, those days are well behind them now.
“Emeka Ike is a fine actor. We still talk; we laugh about those things. It doesn’t change the fact that he is a fine actor,” Arinze shared. “The conflict ended naturally. We were not quarrelling. It was just about the position. That’s why I left the position. He also had other things to do.”
Looking back, Arinze reflected on how time has softened past tensions: “Then time and chance happened. And we are growing old. He is my friend, and we are cool. I’ve asked him to go for lunch or dinner whenever he is around.”
He also spoke about his approach to life and relationships, stressing the importance of letting go of grudges. “What are we having enemies for? The work I am doing is enough of a burden. Hate is a burden. Travel light. How long do you have to live in the world? You want to carry it on your shoulders? What do I need that animosity for?”
On the topic of his career, Arinze discussed the challenge of typecasting in Nollywood. Though often cast in similar roles, he’s eager to take on a broader range of characters moving forward. He commended peers like Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Ramsey Nouah for reinventing themselves and staying relevant.
When asked about rivalry in the industry, Arinze rejected the idea that Nollywood is a competitive arena. Instead, he championed unity and mutual support.
“There is no need for competition. The sky is big enough for the birds to fly. When I see my colleagues doing well, I am genuinely happy for them. You can’t play all the roles, can you? Can you be everywhere at the same time?” he said.
He emphasized teamwork over rivalry: “When my colleagues win awards, I am happy for them. Why do you want to compete? Competition brings bad blood. It’s always teamwork, like footballers on a field.”
With decades of experience under his belt, Segun Arinze’s reflections underscore the importance of humility, growth, and a positive outlook—traits that continue to anchor his lasting presence in Nollywood.
