Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has revealed that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is his favourite Nigerian politician, citing the former Western Region premier’s vision, transparency and developmental achievements.
Edochie made the disclosure during an interview on the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast hosted by content creator Isbae U. Although the 79-year-old actor said he is not involved in politics, he singled out Awolowo as the Nigerian politician he admires most.
“I’m not into politics, but if you asked me who is my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Awolowo,” Edochie said.
Explaining his choice, the actor praised Awolowo for being specific about his plans and how he intended to finance them.
“Awolowo will tell you, ‘I’m going to build this thing, it will cost certain amount, and this is where I’m going to get it.’ There has been no politician to achieve that,” he said.
Edochie also credited Awolowo with introducing major initiatives in Nigeria, particularly television broadcasting and free primary education in the Western Region.
He recalled that Western Nigeria Television began broadcasting in 1959 and described Awolowo’s free education programme as another major achievement that benefited people across the region.
The actor, however, expressed regret that Awolowo never became president of Nigeria.
Edochie’s comments are significant because they highlight how the legacy of Nigeria’s First Republic leaders continues to influence public discussions about governance, education and development decades later.
