Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has publicly issued a heartfelt and deeply emotional apology to his colleague, actor and filmmaker Afeez Abiodun, popularly known as Afeez Owo, for a physical altercation that occurred over 20 years ago on a movie set, which has haunted his conscience for decades.
Speaking during a candid interview on Behind the Fame African A-List, Yemi Solade revisited the old incident with remarkable honesty and vulnerability. He recounted that the incident took place during the filming of a project in a remote town on the outskirts of Ibadan. At that time, Afeez Owo was serving as the production manager in charge of coordinating the shoot and managing logistics.
According to Solade, the tension started when the team completed filming for the day, only to find themselves suddenly plunged into darkness due to an unexpected blackout in the area. The abrupt loss of electricity left the entire production team stranded and unsettled.
Solade explained that his frustration grew after he attempted to communicate his concerns to Afeez, who, in his perception, responded in a dismissive and nonchalant manner. Overcome by anger and unable to manage his emotions at that tense moment, Solade admitted he lost his temper and slapped Afeez — an action he has since deeply regretted.
“Let me publicly apologise to Afeez Abiodun. I slapped him once, and it was an unfortunate incident,” Solade admitted. “He was the production manager of a movie; I can’t recall the exact year. We were in a town just outside Ibadan, and after we finished filming for the day, there was a total blackout.”
“As the production manager, he became the point of blame for all our frustrations. I was furious because he wasn’t taking my concerns seriously at all, and in a moment of weakness, that slap happened, right there in the dark. It wasn’t something I am proud of, and I have carried the guilt in my heart ever since,” he continued.
Solade further disclosed that after the altercation, Afeez quietly left the movie set early the following morning without saying a word to anyone. This silence, Solade said, made him reflect deeply on his actions and left a lasting mark on his conscience.
“Afeez, I’m truly sorry. Mabinu simi [please don’t be offended with me],” he pleaded sincerely. “It has been such a long time, about 20 years or more. I’ve spoken to some people about this before, but today, I want to address Afeez directly. I don’t like being insulted or disrespected, and maybe that is one of my weaknesses as a person.”
The actor concluded by urging younger actors and industry colleagues to learn from his mistake, emphasizing the importance of patience, respect, and conflict resolution on set. His apology has been met with support and praise from fans and fellow industry figures, many of whom commended him for his humility and willingness to confront the past so openly.