Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has named the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the Western Region, as his favourite Nigerian politician, praising the elder statesman for his clear vision, developmental initiatives, and contributions to education and broadcasting. The 79-year-old thespian made the revelation during an interview on the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast, hosted by content creator Adebayo Abidemi, popularly known as Isbae U, which was published on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Edochie, who has become a towering figure in the Nigerian film industry over five decades, made it clear that while he harbours no interest in partisan politics, his admiration for Awolowo is rooted in the former premier's distinctive approach to governance. "I'm not into politics, no. But, if you ask me who is or was my favorite politician, I will tell you Awolowo," the veteran actor declared. He explained that what set Awolowo apart from other politicians was his ability to clearly articulate his plans and, more importantly, explain how he intended to fund them.
"Awolowo will tell you, 'I'm going to build this thing. It will cost a 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," Edochie said. He contrasted this approach with the culture of empty promises that has come to define Nigerian politics, where campaigns are often dominated by grand pledges without clear mechanisms for implementation.
Edochie specifically highlighted Awolowo's role in introducing television broadcasting to Nigeria, recalling the establishment of the Western Nigeria Television Service in 1959. "Which is why Awolowo introduced a lot of things in Nigeria that were not there previously. Awolowo brought television into Nigeria," he said. The actor also praised Awolowo's free primary education policy in the Western Region, describing it as a landmark achievement that benefited children regardless of their place of 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?" Edochie said.
The veteran actor also expressed regret that Awolowo never became President of Nigeria, despite his prominent role in the country's political history. "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," Edochie said. Awolowo, who led the Action Group and served as Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament after independence, is widely regarded as one of the most consequential figures of Nigeria's nationalist movement.
During the interview, Edochie also spoke warmly about the Yoruba people, noting his personal connection to the ethnic group. "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," he said. However, he stressed that his admiration for Awolowo was driven primarily by the former premier's record of planning and implementing major development programmes. Awolowo's political influence extended far beyond his tenure as Premier of the Western Region, and his emphasis on organised planning, regional development, and social welfare has left a lasting legacy on Nigeria's political landscape. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Edochie's endorsement of Awolowo serves as a reminder of a bygone era of visionary leadership that many Nigerians fear the country has lost.
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