Yemi Solade Apologises To Afeez Owo For Slapping Him
Yemi Solade apologises to Afeez Owo for slapping him on a movie set over 20 years ago, admitting regret and emotional reaction during the filming
Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has publicly apologised to fellow actor and producer Afeez Owo for slapping him during a film shoot over two decades ago.
Also read: Sola Sobowale Public Gratitude Honours Legend
Speaking during an interview on Behind the Fame African A-List, Yemi opened up about the long-standing incident, which occurred while filming in a remote town on the outskirts of Ibadan.
At the time, Afeez Owo was working as the production manager.
Yemi recalled that after the shoot wrapped up, the area experienced a blackout and his complaints were not taken seriously — a situation he admits triggered his frustration.
“Let me apologise to Afeez Abiodun. I slapped him once. He was the production manager of a movie, I can’t recall the year,” Yemi said.
“We got to the town outskirts of Ibadan and when we finished filming, we returned to the town and everywhere was blackout.”
He explained that in the heat of the moment, he directed his frustration at Afeez, who he felt wasn’t responding seriously.
“As a production manager, he was the one who we’d lay our accusations and frustrations on, and it got me infuriated. That slap came from nowhere in the dark, I didn’t like that.”
Yemi went on to describe how Afeez quietly left the location the next morning, and the rest of the cast and crew woke up to find him gone.
Afeez, I’m sorry, mabinu simi.
“Afeez, I’m sorry, mabinu simi,” he said sincerely, using the Yoruba expression for “please don’t be angry with me.”
Yemi admitted that while he has spoken to others about the incident before, he felt the need to offer a direct and public apology to Afeez.
“It’s been a long time, like 20 years,” he added. “I’ve complained bitterly to some people before, but let me just stick to Afeez. I don’t like insults, and that could be my weakness.”
His candid admission drew praise from fans and industry peers, who appreciated his honesty and humility.
The apology reflects a broader trend in Nollywood, where veteran actors are increasingly opening up about the challenges and pressures of working in earlier eras of the industry.
Yemi Solade, known for his strong screen presence and often intense roles, acknowledged that his dislike for being disrespected may have contributed to his overreaction.
The moment of reconciliation marks a significant shift, reminding audiences of the human stories that unfold behind the scenes of film sets.
While Afeez Owo has yet to publicly respond, the gesture has been widely viewed as an important step in mending old wounds.
Also read: Burna Boy Apologises For Afrobeats Comment
As Nollywood continues to grow and evolve, moments like this reflect a maturing industry where accountability, respect, and professional growth are being openly embraced.
