Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s 36 state governors as his sons, saying his age and life experience allow him to relate to the country’s political leaders from a fatherly perspective.
The 79-year-old actor made the remarks during a recent interview with Ghanaian television station TV3, where he discussed his influence beyond the entertainment industry and his interactions with people in positions of authority.
Edochie explained that he would turn 80 in approximately six months and was older than both the president and all the state governors. He said this age difference shaped how he approached conversations with political leaders.
“In the next six months, I will be turning 80. I am older than all the governors and the president, so when I talk to them, it is like a father talking to a son,” the actor said.
He also recalled an occasion when he used a media interview at his residence in Enugu to appeal to the government for financial assistance for an ailing colleague.
According to Edochie, the government responded to his appeal the following week by providing ₦500,000 to support the colleague. He cited the experience as an example of how public figures can use their platforms and relationships to draw attention to the needs of others.
The comments have attracted attention because they highlight the veteran actor’s view of his position in Nigerian society and his belief that age and experience can encourage dialogue with political authorities.
His remarks also raise broader questions about the role entertainers and other influential public figures can play in advocating for citizens, particularly people facing illness or financial hardship.
Pete Edochie remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable actors, widely respected for his commanding screen presence and portrayals of traditional leaders and influential elders. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Okonkwo in the television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart.
Over several decades, Edochie has maintained a prominent place in Nollywood and African popular culture. His latest comments underscore the public influence he believes comes with age, experience and a longstanding career.
