Pete Edochie: Why Awolowo is My Favorite Nigerian Politician

By Faith Ogbotor

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 approach to governance and developmental policies.

Edochie made the disclosure during an interview on Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by content creator Adebayo Abidemi, popularly known as Isbae U.

The 79-year-old actor, while stating that he was not involved in politics, said Awolowo stood out because he had a clear understanding of what he wanted to achieve and how he intended to fund his plans.

According to Edochie, Awolowo was different because he did not simply make promises but explained the cost of his proposed projects and where the funds to execute them would come from.

He also mentioned former Eastern Region Premier, Michael Iheonukara Okpara, popularly known as M.I. Okpara, as another politician he admired.

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Edochie said Awolowo introduced several initiatives that were significant to Nigeria’s development, particularly in education and broadcasting.

The actor recalled the establishment of the Western Nigeria Television service in 1959, describing it as one of Awolowo’s notable achievements.

He also highlighted Awolowo’s free primary education programme in the former Western Region, saying children benefited from the policy regardless of their place of origin.

Edochie further expressed regret that Awolowo never became president of Nigeria despite his prominent role in the country’s political history.

Awolowo served as Premier of the Western Region during Nigeria’s First Republic and was one of the country’s leading political figures. His political legacy has remained a subject of discussion, particularly in relation to education and regional development.

For Edochie, however, it was Awolowo’s ability to articulate his plans and explain how they would be implemented that set him apart from other politicians.

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The actor’s comments have added a fresh entertainment-industry perspective to the long-standing discussion around Awolowo’s political legacy.