Veteran actor Pete Edochie has named the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo as his favourite politician, citing the former Western Region premier’s clear planning, education reforms and pioneering role in television broadcasting.
The 79-year-old star made the remarks in an interview on the Curiosity Made Me Ask programme hosted by content creator Adebayo Abidemi, known as Isbae U, which was released on Saturday.
Although Edochie said he had no interest in partisan politics, he singled out Awolowo when asked which Nigerian politician he admired most.
“First of all, I love the Yorubas a lot. One of my sons is married to a Yoruba girl, I didn’t tell you that, so you’re my in-law. I’m not into politics, no. But, if you ask me who is or was my favorite politician, I will tell you Awolowo,” he said.
Edochie praised Awolowo’s practical approach to governance, noting that the late leader always stated the cost of projects and explained how they would be funded.
“You people were not born when Awolowo was in active politics. But 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, no. Outside Awolowo, then M.I. Okpara in the East,” the actor said.
He highlighted Awolowo’s introduction of television to Nigeria, recalling the launch of Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in 1959.
“Which is why Awolowo introduced a lot of things in Nigeria that were not there previously. Awolowo brought television into Nigeria,” Edochie said. “He did. Then you would hear, ‘This is WNBC, first in Africa,’ under Awolowo. That was in 1959.”
The actor also pointed to the free primary education policy introduced in the Western Region, which benefited children regardless of their origin.
“Awolowo introduced free primary education. And he surprised everybody who was born then in the West. No matter where you came from, you benefited from it, you know?” he said.
Edochie expressed regret that Awolowo never became president of Nigeria despite his contributions.
“So, on a couple of occasions, when I tell people that this man was my favorite, regrettably, he never became the president of the country, right? But he wasn’t somebody who would invest so much energy promising,” he added.
