Comedian Bovi Ugboma has penned an emotional tribute to filmmaker Kayode Peters, recounting a touching phone conversation they had before his death.
In the Instagram post on Sunday, Bovi reflected on how his relationship with the director started on a rough note.
“Our relationship had a rocky start and I bore an artificial grudge against you. I had only just met you and you didn’t give me your time when I requested it,” he wrote.
He narrated how he once called Kayode, expressing admiration for his TV show and asked to meet for guidance on creating a sitcom. But Kayode, who was on a shoot, told him he wouldn’t have the time. Bovi suggested it could be during his lunch break, promising not to take too much of his time. Kayode responded that he would let him know. “But the time never came. I also never waited,” he said.
Bovi, however, said things changed when they reconnected years later and became friends.
“You would go on to direct some of my finest works. Your passion was unquestionable. Your input was admirable,” he wrote.
“Our last phone conversation, I told you I wanted us to do something different. I told you it was time to shoot what was real. You asked me to hurry. You told me to put all your works in one place for easy access. You said this with pride. You said this with optimism.”
The 45-year-old ended the tribute with a prayer for Kayode’s family.
“You left when it was just about to get better. May God strengthen your family. Rest well KP!” he added.
Kayode Peters died in Canada on June 28 after battling an undisclosed illness.
He was buried on Friday, August 2 in Lagos. His funeral was attended by several industry colleagues including Bovi, Buchi, Basketmouth, Yaw, Akpororo, Yemi Blaq, Wole Ojo and MC Abbey.
Kayode, who directed popular comedy series like Flatmates, My Siblings and I and The Johnsons, was also known for his work in film and stage.
He had a degree in English from the University of Lagos and a master’s in Film and Television from the University of Greenwich in the UK.
