“Emeka Ike & I settled our differences long ago” – Actor Segun Arinze

• Veteran actor Segun Arinze has confirmed that he and his colleague Emeka Ike have resolved their disagreements long ago.

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze recently shared insights into his past conflict with fellow actor Emeka Ike, revealing that they had long since reconciled.

In an interview with QED.ng’s Olumide Iyanda, Segun, 59, explained that their dispute had been resolved naturally over time. Segun Arinze addressed their past conflict, saying, “Emeka Ike is a fine actor. We still talk and laugh about those things. The conflict ended naturally.” he said.

The tension between them had started in 2009 due to a leadership disagreement within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). Emeka Ike challenged Segun’s position as president, and the situation escalated in 2011 when Emeka obtained a court injunction against the guild’s elections. Segun eventually stepped down in 2012, but the two actors have since buried the hatchet.

Reflecting on this, Segun emphasized the importance of letting go of grudges, stating, “Hate is a burden. Travel light. What do I need that animosity for?”

During the interview, Segun also addressed his experiences with being typecast in movie roles. Known for his early portrayals as a “bad boy” and later as a police or military figure, he expressed a desire to take on more diverse roles in his career. He praised his colleagues, including Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Ramsey Nouah, for successfully avoiding typecasting, and mentioned his ongoing efforts to grow as an actor with varied roles.

When discussing the Nollywood industry’s competitive nature, Segun dismissed the idea of rivalry among actors, explaining, “The sky is big enough for the birds to fly. When I see my colleagues doing well, I am genuinely happy for them. Competition brings bad blood.”