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 developmental vision and transparency.
Edochie made the revelation during a recent episode of Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by content creator BaeU, where he reflected on the Nigerian politician whose leadership record has left the strongest impression on him.
The actor said his admiration for Awolowo was not based on partisan politics but on the former Western Region leader’s ability to articulate his plans, explain how they would be funded and translate them into concrete developmental projects.
“I am not into politics but if you ask me who is or was my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Obafemi Awolowo,” Edochie said.
According to him, Awolowo stood out because of the level of transparency with which he approached governance, particularly in explaining what he intended to build and where the money for such projects would come from.
“There is no politician who has achieved that kind of transparency,” the actor added.
Edochie also highlighted some of Awolowo’s notable achievements during his time as premier of the Western Region, particularly in education and broadcasting.
He recalled that Awolowo’s administration established a television station in 1959, describing it as the first television station in Africa, while noting that television was introduced in the Eastern Region a year later.
READ ALSO: Fayemi Hails Awolowo’s Transformative Education Legacy
The actor also credited Awolowo with introducing free primary education, a policy that significantly expanded access to education in the Western Region.
Despite the achievements he attributed to Awolowo, Edochie expressed regret that the late politician never succeeded in becoming Nigeria’s president.
“Awolowo brought television to Nigeria in 1959. It was the first in Africa. And we in the East started using television in 1960. He also introduced free primary education. Regrettably, he never became president,” he said.
Edochie’s comments revive attention on Awolowo’s political legacy, particularly his emphasis on education, infrastructure and development, decades after his death.
For the veteran actor, however, Awolowo’s appeal appears to extend beyond political affiliation — it is rooted in what he considers a rare combination of vision, accountability and measurable results.