🔥 Nollywood Feud: Gideon Okeke Blasts Jim Iyke for Surreal Birthday Tribute to Kate Henshaw

In a dramatic turn of events within Nollywood circles, former Gulder Ultimate Search winner and respected actor Gideon Okeke has taken aim at veteran actor Jim Iyke, calling him out over a controversial birthday tribute to their colleague, Kate Henshaw.

🎂 Jim Iyke’s Birthday Post That Set the Internet Ablaze

On July 19, 2025, Jim Iyke posted a fiery Instagram message in honor of Kate Henshaw’s 54th birthday. The message, which began provocatively with “F you, Kate,” reflected on their past. He revealed:

That Kate supported him in his early career—offering money, audition tips, and emotional support—yet kept him firmly in the “baby-brother” zone even when he wanted something more intimate .

A candid admission: “You knew all that time I wanted to hit that”, addressing his younger self .

His sharp commentary on the extremes young women go to try to match her form, saying: “It’s a KATE HENSHAW world”—from Botox to girdles, none measure up .

Despite the bold tone, he closed on a note of admiration: calling her “a force of nature” and expressing enduring love as her “wild boy” .

The post sparked a storm of reactions—from praise for its raw honesty to criticism over its tone and phrasing . Kate herself responded lightheartedly, embracing the inside joke and appreciating their long-standing bond .

⚔️ Gideon Okeke Enters the Ring

Reacting to this spectacle, Gideon Okeke did not hold back. He publicly slammed Jim Iyke’s post, describing it as self-centered and full of narcissistic bravado. He accused Jim of being a “small boy”—lacking character and authenticity .

Okeke’s criticisms were rooted in their own past clash, when he claimed Jim’s production negligence caused him injury—he required stitches and months to heal, with no accountability from Jim Iyke’s team .

🧠 Decoding the Drama

What’s behind Gideon’s outrage?

He questions the maturity and respect in Jim’s tribute style—despite vesting their history in dramatic language.

For Okeke, calling someone “a small boy” publicly implies Jim still has a long way to grow beyond melodrama and bravado.

Why does it matter?

Cain’t be just banter—these are heavyweight players in Nollywood, whose actions influence industry dynamics.

It raises the issue of how veterans communicate publicly about colleagues, and the ripple effect for younger actors.

📋 Timeline at a Glance

Date Event

July 19, 2025 Jim Iyke posts birthday tribute to Kate Henshaw

July 20–21, 2025 Online reactions pour in—including pushback from Gideon Okeke

Earlier, Dec 2024 Gideon recounts injury sustained on Jim Iyke’s set, tied to lack of safety protocols

💬 What They Said

> Jim Iyke:

“Fuck you on behalf of my 23‑year‑old self for treating me like your baby brother when you knew all that time I wanted to hit that.”

“Fuck you on behalf of these young girls… trying to figure out how to keep up with you… it can’t be manufactured.”  

> Gideon Okeke:

He slammed Jim as a “small boy”, with a “fake American accent… fake everything.”  

🧾 Final Thought

What began as a flamboyant birthday message has ended up unveiling deeper conflicts in Nollywood—from questions of authenticity and respect, to accountability for workplace safety and public discourse. Gideon Okeke’s criticism of Jim Iyke suggests more than offense—it signals an insistence on professional integrity and limits.