Since Nigeria’s renascent democracy, actors and actresses have somewhat left the screens to assume political positions in their states. It is not only those in front of the camera, some movie producers and directors have been appointed into one political position or the other. Saturday Beats lists some of the entertainers who at the moment or at some point, held a political position
Richard Mofe Damijo
Popularly known as RMD by fans, Richard Mofe Damijo is not a small fry in the movie industry. In fact, his role back in the day soap, Checkmate, earned him an enviable position in the movie industry as one of the respected actors. So good was he on his job that it didn’t come as a surprise when in 2009, the Delta State Government picked him as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourisim. However, RMD still loves the movies as he has been seen in one or two including the popular soap, Tinsel, even while he carries out his duties as a commissioner.
Bob Manuel Udokwu
Bob Manuel Udokwu’s joy knew no bounds when he was appointed as a Senior Special Adviser on Creative Media to Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi earlier this year. Udokwu, like RMD, was a known face in the popular soap, Checkmate and became a part of Nollywood as soon as the movie industry came on board. Now, the former Gulder Ultimate Search anchor is showing his political side with his new portfolio.
Sam Dede
Who doesn’t know Sam Dede? Dede is one of the respected actors in Nollywood who interprets and delivers his roles excellently. Until his appointment as the Director-General of Rivers State Tourism Development Agency in 2012, Dede was also a lecturer at the Theatre Arts department of the University of Lagos.
Onyeka Onwenu
Even before President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Onyeka Onwenu as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, the music icon had always wanted to be a politician. We cannot forget the fact that Onwenu once contested a chairmanship election in her local government in Imo State. Though she didn’t clinch the position, Onwenu was eventually appointed the Chairman, Imo State Arts council by the Ikedi Ohakim administration.
Hilda Dokubo
In 2007, Hilda Dokubo was appointed the special adviser to the governor on youths. Thereafter, Dokubo has more or less, left the movie scene. However, her voice would always be heard whenever the need arises. She was one of the actresses that condemned the child marriage saga.
Dickson Iroegbu
Dickson Iroegbu is a movie director but unlike most directors who always stay behind the camera and not majorly known, Iroegbu is totally different. He campaigned vigorously for President Goodluck Jonathan and he even once said it affected his marriage. Now, Iroegbu has been rewarded for all his efforts as he was not too long ago appointed the Executive Assistant, Creative Entertainment and Tourism in the Presidency.
Kanayo O. Kanayo
Popularly known as KOK, Kanayo O Kanayo was first rewarded by the government when he was given a national award as a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR). While still relishing that honour, KOK received another appointment from President Goodluck Jonathan as the Chairman, Governing Board, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies.
Tony One Week
Though he is an actor, Tony Muonagor, better known as Tony One Week, became a household name with his hit songs, Onwa December and Everybody Gyrate. He took advantage of his popularity and contested for a seat in the Anambra State House of Assembly and he won. He is back in the music scene though.
Toyin Adegbola
Toyin Adegbola is a well known Yoruba actress. Popularly known as Toyin Asewo To Re Mecca, Adegbola got a political appointment in Osun State recently as a member of the state’s board of Arts and Culture.
Rotimi Makinde
Rotimi Makinde’s popularity as an actor worked for him when he took a shot at politics and contested for a seat at the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ife federal constituency in Osun State. He won and now, actor Rotimi has added the prefix ‘Honourable’ to his name. The actor cum politician made headlines again recently, when he got married to Oyebanke Oyelami, 23-year-old former Miss Osun State.
Okey Bakassi
Okey ‘Bakassi’ MacAnthony unexpectedly was picked by the then Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, to be his special adviser on Entertainment Matters. Perhaps, that could have given Okey Bakassi the sudden quest to become a politician as he decided to take a shot at the state house of assembly. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. However, Okey Bakassi is still very relevant not only as an actor but a comedian.
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