Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has publicly named the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Premier of the Western Region, as his favourite Nigerian politician, citing the leader's transparency and developmental achievements as unmatched by any other politician in the country's history.
Speaking on the Curiosity Made Me Ask podcast with Isbae U, aired on YouTube on September 5, 2026, Edochie admitted he is generally not interested in politics but made a clear exception for Awolowo. "I am not into politics, but if you asked me who is my favourite politician, I will tell you it is Awolowo. There is a reason for it," the actor said during the interview.
Why Pete Edochie Admires Chief Obafemi Awolowo
For Edochie, what set Awolowo apart from every other Nigerian politician was his transparency and precision in leadership. The veteran actor recalled how Awolowo would clearly articulate his plans alongside a concrete funding strategy, something he feels subsequent leaders have failed to replicate.
"Awolowo will tell you, 'I am going to build this thing, it will cost this amount, and this is where I will get it.' There have been no politician to achieve that," he said.
The actor went on to credit Awolowo with pioneering milestones that reshaped Nigeria's social fabric. Among these were the introduction of television to the country in 1959 and the implementation of free primary education, developments Pete Edochie noted were entirely new to Nigeria at the time.
Edochie added that the Eastern Region only began accessing television in 1960, a year after Awolowo brought it to the West. His admiration was tempered by one regret: "Regrettably, he never became president," Pete Edochie said.
Edochie's Personal Connection and Career Reflections
The interview also touched on the actor's personal life, with Pete Edochie expressing warmth towards the Yoruba people. "I love the Yorubas a lot, one of my sons is married to a Yoruba girl," he said.
Beyond politics, Edochie used the platform to place his career in proper historical context, pushing back against the notion that his work began with Nollywood. "I started acting before Nollywood was created in 1992. I first appeared in The Merchant of Venice in 1962 at the age of 15," he said.
The actor also made a striking claim about the international reach of his work, asserting that he is the only Nigerian performer whose film drew foreign journalists to travel to Nigeria solely to interview him.
Edochie's Previous Tributes and Legacy
Legit.ng earlier reported that veteran actor Pete Edochie shared an emotional video in honour of the late actor Alexx Ekubo following his funeral. In the tribute, Edochie recalled three memorable occasions when he met Alexx and spoke warmly about the kind gestures the younger actor showed him.
The heartfelt tribute moved fans, who praised Pete Edochie for his touching words and the bond he shared with Alexx. The veteran actor also commended fellow actor IK Ogbonna for his support and friendship.
Pete Edochie's remarks on the podcast highlight his enduring respect for Awolowo's governance model, while his career reflections underscore a legacy that predates Nollywood itself.
