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| Nkiru Sylvanus |
SHOWBIZPLUSng in this exclusive report examines the authentic list
of ten leading Nollywood stars that temporarily abandoned acting for the murky
waters of politics.
Okey Bakassi
Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule popularly known as Okey Bakassi needs
no introduction.
The certified engineer became a professional actor in 1994 and
went on to become one of Nigerian funniest actors. The top actor and comedian
is one of Nollywood’s high profile names who delved into the murky waters of
politics.
The Imo State-born entertainer in October 2008 was appointed
Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment Industry Matters to governor Ikedi
Ohakim and served diligently till the end of their tenure in August 2011.
The comedian lost his political post and returned to Lagos to
continue from where he stopped as one of Nigeria’s leading entertainers when
his principal lost his re-election bid.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Express, the
entertainer however stated that he is strategizing towards going back to
politics.
Bob Manuel Udokwu
Bob Manuel Udokwu has been a constant face in the Nigerian movie
industry, thrilling movie lovers in variety of roles. The actor and
director who made his debut home video appearance in the 1992 hit movie “Living
in Bondage” has featured in over 200 movies.
Having conquered the entertainment scene as an actor, model and TV
host, Udokwu joined the long list of Nollywood stars that veered into politics.
The native of Idemili North Local Government first stint in
politics came in 2013, when he was appointed Senior Special Adviser on Creative
Media to then Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. After Obi’s tenure as
Governor, the incumbent, Chief Willie Obiano has also appointed the actor as a
Senior Special Assistant on Movie/Entertainment.
Onyeka Onwenu
With her magical aura and vocal dexterity, Onyeka Onwenu became
the toast of the Nigerian music industry back in the 80s. Her foray into the
movie industry was nothing short of greatness as she shone brightly with
performances in Chain Reaction, Women’s Cot, Government House, Conspiracy, The
Tyrant, Different Worlds, and many other movies.
The several awards to her credit, is a testament to her expansive
talent and versatility.
Onwenu, whose diva status is as timeless as her popular hit
song ‘One Love” has become one of Nigeria’s most influential women which landed
her a political appointment first, as the chairperson of the Imo State Council
of Arts and Culture. She recently bagged another juicy political appointment
courtesy of her closeness to the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, as the
director general of Women Development Centre, Abuja, where she currently
operates from.
Tony One Week
He is a musician, an actor, comedian and now a politician.
The Anambra State-born entertainer became a household name with
the release of debut album which went on to become a national hit. He also
experienced success in movies and comedy before deciding to foray into politics
in 2010. Tony Muonagor who is popularly known as Tony One Week is the first
Nollywood star to attain a political position via an election.
Tony was one of the three notable Nollywood practitioners who
contested for the House of Assembly election. While the other two, Alex Eyengho
and Ejike Metusela lost to their opponents, One Week defeated his, to make
history as the first filmmaker in Nigeria to grab a House of Assembly ticket.
Like by his people and rated high by political critics, One Week
who is currently planning for his re-election into the State House has been
tipped to climb up the political ladder in the nearest future.
Nkiru Sylvanus
Nkiru Sylvanus became one of the most popular faces in Nollywiood
with the release of her break out film, “A Cry for Help”.
Having become the face of “Tragic Roles” in Nollywood, where she
played lots of crying roles- Sylvanus went on to star in a host of other
Nollywood movies.
After her success in Nollywood, Sylvanus got a stint in politics
when she was appointed by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as a Special
Assistant.
Many questioned her appointment because she wasn’t an indigene of
the state and while controversial rumours of romance with the governor also
trailed the appointment.
In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Express, the Abia
State born actress however denied the rumours, revealing that she is like a
daughter to the governor and the first lady.
She has since been relieved of her appointment under controversial
circumstances.
Kanayo O Kanayo
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, is a
certified movie industry veteran and a known actor. Since his debut in the 1992
hit movie “Living in Bondage”, Kanayo has starred in over 100 films.
Having played the role of a politician in a number of movies, the
Imo State-born actor got the opportunity to get the taste of the real deal as
he was appointed chairman of governing board of a federal government
parastatal.
The actor was made chairman of the National Institute for
Hospitality and Tourism Studies.
Richard Mofe Damijo
Nollywood hero Richard Mofe Damijo is unsurprisingly one of the
Nigerian movie stars who has made it in politics from the big screen.
Having thrilled on the screen in a long list of TV Soaps and
movies, RMD’s charismatic swag and smooth demeanor made his inevitable switch
from Nollywood to politics an easy one.
The Delta State-born Theatre Arts graduate of the University of
Benin was appointed the commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State by
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Ejike Asiegbu
Meeting and working with late Igbo leader Odumegwu Ojukwu was one
of the inspirations that lured Ejike Asiegbu into serious politics.
As a fierce and boisterous youth during his university days at
Uniport, the Abia State-born Theatre art graduate and Students Union leader saw
the late Ojukwu as a mentor and modeled his deportment towards the late Igbo
politician and hero.
It was Ojukwu who gave the actor his first taste in politics as he
appointed him his personal assistant during and after the 1994 National
Constitutional Conference in Abuja. He got his second stint in politics as
Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor, T.A Orji, on Entertainment after
stepping down as president of AGN.
Sam Dede
Nollywood has lost of one of its brightest actors to politics in
the person of Sam Dede.
After making his name as one of the most professional acts in
Nollywood, the River State-born actor was appointed the Director-General of
Rivers State Tourism Development Agency.
The seasoned actor is also a lecturer at the University of Port
Harcourt.
Rotimi Makinde
Rotimi Makinde is a seasoned Yoruba actor and producer who has
forayed into politics.
The Osun State-born thespian joins Tony One Week on this list as
the only actors who attained political positions after contesting and winning
elections.
Makinde, who once dated actress Bukky Wright, was in 2011, voted
into the National Assembly, where he currently represents Ife Federal
Constituency.
STEVE DEDE -EE
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