Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Bovi Ugboma, has opened up about the profound influence the late filmmaker Kayode Peters had on his creative journey and the “artificial grudge” he once held against him.

In an emotional Instagram tribute, Bovi reflected on how Peters’ work, especially the iconic sitcom Flatmates, shaped his ambition to create his own comedy series, Extended Family.

“Long before the internet became an endless distraction, when phones were simply for calling and texting, I’d spend my weekend afternoons watching all the sitcoms,” Bovi wrote.

“The standout one was Flatmates. I was new in Lagos… with the blind fate of my burning desire to be an entertainer.”

He continued, “After enjoying Flatmates, I’d watch the end credits, and that’s how I noticed Kayode Peters. Attached to his name was the title of creator and writer. But something else caught my attention. The executive producer was El-Shaddai. When I’d later get to meet KP, as he was fondly called, I realised he was so humble, he refused to give himself the credit of being executive producer.”

Bovi noted that this gesture wasn’t just humility—it was gratitude. “Looking back now, that wasn’t humility. It was a deep heart of gratitude. Something that served as a reminder for him that it was all God. It was his way of saying thank you.”

This act of reverence influenced Bovi’s own decision not to credit himself as executive producer on Extended Family. “That’s why in Extended Family, I opted not to put my name as executive producer in the credits. I was so scared that I might be seen as proud because KP didn’t take his credits. Why should I?”

However, Bovi also admitted that their relationship didn’t get off to a smooth start. He recounted calling Peters to request a meeting and being politely turned down due to scheduling conflicts.

“I had searched for KP’s number and put a call through. ‘My name is Bovi and I’m a fan of your show. I’m creating my own sitcom and I’d like to meet you to get some tips on how to go about it,’ I had said to KP in our first ever call.

He replied, ‘I’m on set working now. I wouldn’t have the time.’ I pressed on, ‘It can be during your lunch break if you don’t mind. I promise not to take your time.’ He said he’d let me know when he has the time. The time never came.”

Although the meeting didn’t happen, Bovi used the perceived slight as motivation: “I also never waited. I pushed on and created the show. At the time, my only motivation for doing things was perceived offence. I had felt slighted… so I bore an artificial grudge and used it as fuel.”

Kayode Peters, a respected figure in Nigerian television and stage production, passed away in June. His funeral was held on August 2 at the McKersie & Early House Funeral Home, and he was buried at the Milton Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario, Canada. (Nigerian Tribune)