AWOLOWO IS MY FAVOURITE POLITICIAN — PETE EDOCHIE
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has named the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as his favourite Nigerian politician, praising the former Western Region premier for his vision 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 reflected on his decades-long acting career.
The actor said he was not interested in politics but singled out Awolowo as the politician he admired most because of his ability to clearly explain his plans and how he intended to fund 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.
According to him, Awolowo stood out because he was able to explain the cost of his proposed projects and identify the sources of funding.
Edochie also credited Awolowo with introducing several initiatives that were previously unavailable in Nigeria, including television broadcasting and free primary education.
“Awolowo introduced so many things in Nigeria that were not there previously. He brought television to Nigeria in 1959, and we in the East started using TV in 1960. He also introduced free primary education,” he said.
The actor expressed regret that Awolowo never became President of Nigeria.
“Regrettably, he never became president,” Edochie added.
Speaking about his personal connection with the Yoruba people, the veteran actor said, “I love the Yorubas a lot, one of my sons is married to a Yoruba girl.”
Edochie also reflected on his acting career, saying he began performing long before the Nigerian film industry became known as Nollywood.
“I started acting before Nollywood was created in 1992. I first appeared in The Merchant of Venice in 1962 at the age of 15,” he said.
He further claimed that his work had attracted international attention, recalling an occasion when foreigners travelled to Nigeria specifically to interview him about a film he had featured in.
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