Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has named the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as his favourite Nigerian politician, citing his vision, transparency and developmental achievements.
Edochie made the remarks during an interview with Isbae U on the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast, where he also spoke about his admiration for the Yoruba people and his decades-long acting career.
Although he said he was not interested in politics, the veteran actor said Awolowo stood out because he could clearly articulate his plans and explain how he intended to finance them.
“I am not into politics, but if you asked me who is my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Awolowo. There is a reason for it,” Edochie said.
He credited Awolowo with introducing several initiatives that were previously unavailable in Nigeria, including television and free primary education.
According to him, Awolowo brought television to Nigeria in 1959, while the Eastern Region began using television in 1960.
“Awolowo will tell you, ‘I am going to build this thing, it will cost this amount, and this is where I will get it.’ There have been no politician to achieve that,” he said.
Edochie expressed regret that Awolowo never became president of Nigeria, adding that his contributions to the country’s development remained significant.
The actor also reflected on his acting career, revealing that he began performing long before the Nigerian film industry became known as Nollywood.
He said he first appeared in The Merchant of Venice in 1962 at the age of 15, adding that his work later attracted international attention.