Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has publicly criticised fellow actor Jim Iyke over what he described as an inappropriate birthday message to veteran actress Kate Henshaw.

The controversy stems from Jim Iyke’s post celebrating Henshaw on her birthday, which drew mixed reactions from social media users. While some viewed the message as playful and poetic, others considered it sarcastic and disrespectful.

Okeke, however, took a firm stance, condemning the tone of Iyke’s message as “arrogant” and “narcissistic,” particularly given Henshaw’s status in the industry.

In a strongly worded post shared on social media, Gideon wrote:
“Somebody take a look at this motherf**ka over here. It’s the narcissistic effrontery for me. Such a bonehead. I wonder who puts these people in check. It’s this kinda rubbish behaviour that people condone, that gives other people the balls to be the actual pr*cks that they are… in real life. Talk anyhow in public. Tueh.”

The remark has since ignited a flurry of online debate, with netizens divided over whether Jim Iyke’s post crossed the line or was simply misunderstood.

Some social media users defended Iyke’s style, suggesting his message was meant to be humorous and affectionate:

• @ufomma wrote: “I actually love it, it is brilliant if you know where he is coming from.”

• @countess_ewere commented: “We all know Jim Iyke jokes a lot and he is very poetic when it comes to women he likes. All I see is jokes on Ma’am Kate Henshaw to make her laugh or smile, not to disrespect her. The important thing is that he wished her well and they are cool.”

• @chucks_treasure added: “Birthday celebrant did not complain because they are obviously friends, which is cool with friends.”

• @am_amani said: “Bro wants to use style and trend small.”

• @heyoe jokingly warned: “No forget say Uncle Jim dey find people come house beat them.”

As of now, neither Jim Iyke nor Kate Henshaw has directly responded to Okeke’s comments.