Actor Jim Iyke has broken silence on the constant call out by his junior colleague Gideon Okeke.
He described how his relationship with Gideon, who has constantly called him out online, is during an interview with Punch Saturday Beats.
“I don’t acknowledge it as a problem. If I ever recognise it as one, I’ll solve it. I don’t waste energy on things that don’t concern me. If anyone wants resolution in a place of logic and manhood, I’ll be there. I’ll state my grievances; listen, and resolve it. But I will never meet anyone in the court of public opinion. That space is a circus. It’s for entertainment, and I am not wired to be entertainment. I leave that to clowns,” he said.
The 48-year-old also spoke on his controversial message to Kate Henshaw on her birthday which caused a buzz on social media.
“I have never looked at life the ‘normal’ way. I live and express myself intensely; whether in laughter, friendship, love, or even hate. My ode to Kate was exactly that: an honest expression to someone I’ve known for over half my life. As a teenager, when I was hungry, she gave me money for food, made sure I got home safely, and guided me. She’s more than a friend; she’s a big sister and someone very special. Why would I not celebrate her?
“Two hundred people read that poem. One hundred and seventy found it offensive or disrespectful. But the one person it was written for came online, hugged me electronically, blessed me, then called me for an hour-long conversation. I also sent her a beautiful gift; one many of my critics may never receive in their lifetime. So tell me, why should those 170 people matter? Too many people waste energy trying to be liked by strangers who don’t count. I don’t. I’ve been misunderstood all my life; why should it bother me now? I’ll keep doing what I want, whether it’s writing for Kate or penning a similar piece to the president tomorrow. Those who matter will understand; the rest need to upgrade their brain cells.”
When asked how he eases stress and relaxes, Jim said, “God. Worship is my sanctuary. While others party on weekends, I play gospel music and roll on the floor asking for mercy. That’s my happy place— giving thanks to the One who brought me out of tunnels and defended me when I couldn’t defend myself.”
Gideon Okeke on the other hand had in December 2024 alleged that he was injured on a film set under Jim Iyke’s production. He said the injury required two stitches and took three months to heal, blaming negligence on set.
The feud escalated further in August after Jim released his film Sin on Prime Video. Gideon questioned the reported N9 billion budget and mocked the actor, calling him names including “Sakamajay” and “waste pie.”
Earlier in the same month, Gideon made shocking allegations in a video where he claimed Jim attempted to harm him with a gun during an altercation on January 18, 2024. “Without being adamant, I respectfully maintain that an obituary wouldn’t have been fair on me either if Jim Iyke had succeeded in using that gun he wanted to use on the 18th of January,” he said.
The Tinsel star also stated that he reported the incident to the Actors Guild of Nigeria but has received no response. He later apologised to the public, saying he would cease and desist from further comments.
“I really am sorry… but I will cease and desist from now. I am sorry. I mean it. Pardon me. Forgive me. Point is made,” he added.
