When Eniola Badmus, actress and Special Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Representatives openly mocked a colleague’s outfit on Instagram, few could have predicted the fallout would end in a heated standoff on a Lagos dance floor.
The spark ignited on April 13, 2025, at the Owambe Thieves premiereFilmhouse Circle Mall, Lagos. What should have been a celebration of Eniola Ajao's new movie turned into a dramatic showdown between two of Nollywood’s most talked‑about personalities.
Background of the Feud
Both women wear more than just designer gowns; they also carry political titles. Laide Bakare, actress and Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has been a fixture on red‑carpet events for years. Meanwhile, Badmus, who serves under Tajudeen Abass, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has leveraged her federal appointment to boost her public profile.
Friends in the industry say the rivalry dates back to 2023, when Bakare launched a self‑help book titled *Grace & Glamour* and posted pictures of herself in a striking white dress paired with an orange cape. The ensemble quickly became an Instagram meme, but it was Badmus who turned the joke into a personal jab.
The Book Launch Spark
On a chilly evening in Abuja, Badmus posted a story asking, “Who among you wore Pastor Ajidara’s outfit?” The caption referenced a local pastor known for flamboyant robes, effectively dubbing Bakare’s look a fashion faux pas. Laide Bakare responded in the comments, defending her aesthetic and calling Badmus “petty.”
What followed were a series of private Direct Messages that leaked later. In screenshots shared on Instagram, Badmus wrote, “Don’t bring your terrible animalistic behaviour around me,” while accusing Bakare of posting a photo that “doesn’t look well.” The language was sharp, and the tone—uncharacteristically hostile for two women who had previously praised each other’s work.
Premiere Showdown
Fast forward to the night of the film’s debut. The venue was packed; influencers, actors, and even a few politicians filled the balcony. The headline act? A live performance by Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate, whose thumping beats set the scene for a night of celebration.
Mid‑song, Badmus spotted Bakare gliding onto the dance floor. According to video clips that went viral, Badmus’s expression shifted from joy to agitation within seconds. She leaned into the camera and said in Yoruba, “Don’t video us together, we’re not friends.” The comment, though short, sent a ripple through the crowd.
A brief but intense argument erupted over the booming music. Bakare asked, “Are you okay in your head?” Badmus shot back with a steely stare before turning away. A bouncer—identified by some attendees as security for the event—attempted to intervene, but the two women continued swapping barbed remarks for about a minute before the music swelled and the moment fizzled out.
By the time the night ended, the premiere’s publicity had shifted from the film’s plot to the headline‑making feud. Social media hashtags #BadmusVsBakare and #OwambeThievesDrama trended across Nigeria, with fans split down the middle.
Industry Reactions
- Veteran director Kunle Afolayan posted, “We are here to celebrate art, not personal wars.”
- Entertainment blogger Tunde Ojo wrote, “The spectacle underscores a larger issue: when political power meets celebrity, tempers flare faster.”
- Fans of Bakare flooded Badmus’s Instagram with the phrase “Stay in your lane,” while Badmus’s supporters counter‑attacked with “Don’t let politics ruin the party.”
Even the House of Representatives issued a brief statement saying, “Our members are expected to maintain professionalism, especially in public settings.” The comment sparked debate about whether elected officials who double as entertainers should be held to a higher standard.
Political Angles and Public Perception
Both actresses occupy influential political posts, which adds a layer of complexity. Badmus’s role under Speaker Tajudeen Abass links her to federal legislative matters, while Bakare’s connection to Governor Ademola Adeleke ties her to state‑level cultural policy.
Political analysts argue that the feud could be leveraged by rival factions within Nigeria’s power structures. “When two public figures from opposite tiers of government clash, it often becomes a proxy battle for larger partisan disputes,” said Dr. Olumide Okonkwo, a professor of political communication at the University of Lagos.
Nevertheless, many ordinary Nigerians simply see it as entertainment gossip. A poll conducted by *The Punch* on April 20, 2025, found that 62% of respondents considered the incident “more drama than political relevance.”
What Lies Ahead
Bakare has announced an upcoming Instagram Live series titled “Behind the Curtain,” where she plans to discuss mentorship in Nollywood and, subtly, the recent clash. Badmus, for her part, hinted at a new film project that “will speak louder than words.”
Whether the two will ever share a dance floor again remains uncertain. Some insiders believe a mediated reconciliation could be arranged at the next industry awards ceremony. Others suspect the rivalry might become a permanent subplot in Nigerian pop culture, feeding reality‑TV spin‑offs for years to come.
What’s clear is that this entertainment feud has reminded everyone that personal pride, social media amplification, and political clout can create a perfect storm—one that can turn a movie premiere into a headline‑making showdown.
Key Facts
- Date of incident: 13 April 2025
- Location: Filmhouse Circle Mall, Lagos
- Event: Premiere of *Owambe Thieves*
- Primary figures: Eniola Badmus and Laide Bakare
- Political ties: Badmus – Office of Speaker Tajudeen Abass; Bakare – Office of Governor Ademola Adeleke
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the disagreement start over a book launch outfit?
Bakare’s white dress with an orange cape was widely shared online as part of her book promotion. Badmus, who follows a rival political figure, seized the moment to question the fashion choice, framing it as a joke that quickly turned personal.
How have their political roles influenced public reaction?
Because both women serve as special assistants to high‑ranking politicians—Badmus to Speaker Tajudeen Abass and Bakare to Governor Ademola Adeleke—their clash is viewed as more than celebrity gossip. Critics argue it reflects how political patronage can spill into entertainment, while supporters dismiss it as personal drama.
Did anyone intervene during the confrontation?
A security guard, identified by attendees as the event’s bouncer, tried to separate Badmus and Bakare, but the argument persisted for about a minute before the music overtook the tension.
What impact has the feud had on the film’s reception?
Box‑office reports show a modest uptick in ticket sales for *Owambe Thieves* in the first weekend, suggesting curiosity drove audiences. However, critics note that the movie’s reviews are now inseparable from the drama surrounding its premiere.
Is a reconciliation possible?
Industry insiders say a mediated meeting could happen at the upcoming Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, but both actresses have signaled they’re not ready to publicly bury the hatchet yet.
ritesh kumar
October 7, 2025 AT 03:48What we’re witnessing isn’t just celebrity drama; it’s a textbook case of political operatives weaponizing pop culture to distract from legislative back‑room deals. The Badmus‑Bakare flare‑up aligns perfectly with the timing of a contentious budget vote in Abuja, suggesting a coordinated narrative push. Both women sit on the same power grid – one under the Speaker, the other under a state governor – and their feud feeds the same echo‑chamber that fuels the ruling coalition’s agenda. When you strip away the Instagram filters, you see a deliberate attempt to mobilize their fanbases as proxy voters. In short, the drama is a smokescreen engineered by elite strategists.
Raja Rajan
October 14, 2025 AT 02:28Such conspiracies are often overblown.
Atish Gupta
October 21, 2025 AT 01:08Look, the media loves to amplify any spark into a wildfire, but we have to ask ourselves if the energy spent on this feud could be redirected toward collaborative storytelling in Nollywood. Both Badmus and Bakare have carved out substantial platforms that could champion emerging talent rather than entrenched rivalries. It’s a classic case of scapegoating personal grievances to mask systemic gaps in funding and mentorship. If the industry allowed these two power‑houses to co‑host a workshop, we might see a surge in authentic narratives that reflect everyday Lagos life. Let’s not forget that the real battle is against under‑representation, not each other.