Islanders Magazine

Meet the Nigerian Celebrities who are into politics

Recently, most of our Nigerian celebrities are going into politics to join some of their colleagues who held political office. If they are following in the footsteps of their predecessors in the industry, RMD, KOK, Tony One Week Muonagor, Onyeka Onwenu, then they need to know something. Those guys worked for their positions.

They did not just wake up one day and jumped into politics. They went through the painstaking rigours of humility, patience and political servitude. In other words, for you to be a king, you must get off your high horse and turn to a servant in politics.”

But with the numbers and rate celebrities are joining the political train, it is alarming and worrisome because many feel the reason for them is personal and self- interest. Time would tell on those fortunate to get there (if elected).  And seems all the entertainers are going under All Progressive Congress (APC) .

Tony Tetuila

Music artiste, Tony Tetuila, who was one of the hottest musicians in Nigeria about seven years ago but has faded  his reign in the music industry. He has come back to take his shine but in another dimension, the “you don hit my car” singer, has joined the long list of entertainers delving into politics.

Tony has declared his intention to run for Kwara State House of Assembly, Irepodun Local Government. He is contesting under the APC Party.

Funke Adesiyan

Popular controversial Yoruba actress and Ibadan big girl, Funke Adesiyan has delved into politics. 

Though Funke is yet to disclose her political party, she sent out a BBM broadcast on her phone alerting her friends and well-wishers of her new intention. 

If given a ticket, Funke will be contesting in 2015 for a seat in Oyo State House of assembly.

Desmond Eliot

Nollywood actor and director Desmond Eliot has unveiled his party and has stated the things he would look into if he is elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015.

The actor under the Action Progressive Congress (APC) which is quite obvious. He unveiled this penultimate week and asked his supporters to vote for him as he sets to run for 2015.

The Lagos State indigene and father of four said he will look into the Sports development initiative, stating that the role of sports in the physical and mental development of an individual is crucial to the social well being of the society.

Other things he said he would look into are the Widows aid programme, health care for the elderly, health care for nursing mothers and children, town hall meetings, open door/feedback initiative.

His campaign slogan says ‘Olushola tiwa ni, vote Olushola Desmond Eliot for that change you desire.’

Kate Henshaw

She is one of the most popular and the most talented actresses to have surfaced in the Nigerian movie industry. The ebony-black gracious mother of one has come a long way in the industry and is, no doubt, one of the most successful actress in Nollywood. Today, the actress is contesting for the post of Federal House of Representative for Munical/Odukpani, Calabar under PDP. Let’s take a peep into the story of this beautiful actress, to know more about her.

Kate Henshaw was born on 19 July, 1971, in Calabar, Cross Rivers state, Nigeria. She was the first child in a family of four children. She had her primary and secondary education in Lagos and Calabar respectively. She later enrolled to read remedial studies at the University of Calabar, where she stayed for one year, after which she proceeded to the School of Medical Laboratory Science, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, from where she eventually bagged a degree in Medical Microbiology. Kate Henshaw later worked at the Bauchi State general hospital.

Kate Henshaw entered the world of acting in 1993, when she auditioned for an acting job in the movie “When the sun sets”. She was handed the role, which was her very first appearance in a major Nollywood movie. Since then she has featured in about 50 movies.

In 2008, Kate Henshaw won the African Movie Academy Awards for the Best Actress in a leading role for her role in the movie titled, “Stronger than pain”.

Presently, she’s presently the “face of Onga”. She also signed a very lucrative deal worth several millions of Naira, with Nigerian telecommunication giants, Globacom.

Dan d'humorous

Popular comedian, Dan d'humorous has set his sights into politics. The dark skinned funny creature announced his intentions on Facebook with a photo of his campaign poster accompanied by this message;

Vote Daniel Chibuzor Nnwoka for House of Assembly (Ikwerre Constituency)

28yrs ago I was told I will be a leader of tomorrow… Today is that tomorrow.. THIS IS THE TIME AND I AM THE ONE…. #Rivers2015 #Renaissance2015.

Kenny ST. BEST

Now we have the former Kennis Music gospel act, and younger sister to Kenny Ogungbe, Kenny Saint Best declaring her intentions to run for the Lagos State House of Assembly under the APC party.

She just released her poster, and it can be seen on the streets of Lagos already.

Earlier this year, KSB explained that she will be going into politics to make an impact and try to curb the rise of prostitution in Lagos. In an interview she stated “I think there can be a change, something can be introduced to these girls and let them know that there’s a gift on the inside of them that can improve their personality and help make money rather than dehumanise themselves.”

Born 5 July, 1953 in Selma, Alabama, USA. Raised in Northern Mississippi’s hill country, as a child, Brown absorbed the region’s rich musical heritage. Largely self-taught on guitar, her guitar-playing neighbour, the under-recorded bluesman Joe Callicott, gave her encouragement and coaching. At the start of the 70s, Brown, who still had a day job in the construction industry, met R.L. Burnside and suggested they team up. Thereafter, she played with Burnside whenever possible, also working with George ‘Mojo’ Buford, Mississippi Fred McDowell and Johnny Woods before her partnership with Burnside filled her working life. At one point, she and Burnside played with Jon Spencer’s punk blues band. By the early 90’s, Burnside and Brown were a formidable team, touring the USA, playing everything from juke joints to small festivals.

JULIUS AGWU

Comedian Julius Agwu has officially declared his intentions to run for governor of Rivers State in 2015. Yes, you read right and it is no joke as Linda Ikeji reports that Julius said he decided to join the governorship race after pressure from his people to lead them. The Comedian, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday made it known that the party he will contest under will be unveiled in due course.

Julius Agwu is one of the most successful entertainers in Nigeria today. His talents have afforded him the opportunity to stand before the kings and princes of this world. He hails from Choba in Obio /Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He was born on April 7th, 1973 to Chief Augustine Amadi Agwu and Mrs. Mary Agwu. He is the fifth child of his father’s six children. Julius attended Elementary State School in Choba and later UBE still at Choba. His secondary school education was at Government Secondary School in Borokini, Port-Harcourt and later on Akpor Grammar School in Ozoba where he was the social prefect and President of the Dramatic, Debating and Cultural Society.

He later studied Theater Arts at Diploma level from the University of Port-Harcourt with specialization in acting and followed suit with a degree programme (BA) in directing still at the University of Port-Harcourt. He was the best student in the graduating class in1997. His combined success in the movie industry, music and comedy in Nigeria has not been surpassed by any other person till date.

He founded a genre of music in Nigeria known as musicomedy, being the first comedian to release a comedy album in the country and it earned him different awards nominations. He has also taken comedy shows to different parts of the world like Atlanta, Maryland, London, among others.

9ICE

Popular musician 9ice is set to join the list as he has ventured into politics and plan to contest for House of Representative, Ogbomosho North Constituency in 2015.

Nigerian singer, Abolore Akande popularly known as '9ice' took to his instagram page to make the announcement, I hope he strives well in this new chosen line of his.

JIBOLA DABO

Ex- husband of Binta Ayo-Mogaji, popularly known as Igbanladogi.  Jibola Dabo is set to join the bandwagon of movie practitioners who are into politics.

The veteran actor, Jibola Dabo who was famous for his role in the movies “Dirty Secret” and “Little Secret” that were considered X-rated has declared his intentions to join politics.

We learnt, he plans to contest for House of Representatives seat in Nigeria for the coming elections in 2015.

Meanwhile, the party he intends to flag his campaign is still under wraps but people who know him too well confirmed to us that, he's definitely going for the winning party.

Let's keep our fingers crossed!

YEMI SOLADE

The latest entertainer to join politics is no other than renowned Nollywood actor, Yemi Solade, who is currently the interim chairman of the newly floated TAMPAN.

Friends and fans of the actor flooded social media recently with posters of the vastly educated actor who has reportedly disclosed that he is seeking an elective into the Senate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The actor is yet to unveil his constituency though, but with the said announcement. As an actor, Yemi has featured in several blockbuster movies especially in the Yoruba section of Nollywood as well as a number of TV soap operas.

Yemi Solade has pleased several souls in the Nigerian movie industry and continues to do so.

However, many who watch him act do not know he started very early to chase his destiny in the arena he always had known since childhood.

Many do not also know that ever youthful looking Yemi, who prefers to call himself a chartered actor is 46 years old and has three masters degrees. He was a disco dancer before going to study Dramatic arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Seen as one of the most handsome sex symbols of the Yoruba genre of Nigerian films and known to be the ever free wheeling and dealing play boy in his films, Yemi has come a long way and in this explosive chat explains why his fans are too numerous and why they think he is a playboy among other issues. Enjoy this super story.

BOB MANUEL ODUKWU

Nollywood actor and senior special adviser on Nollywood and Entertainment affairs to the Anambra State Governor, Bob Manuel Udokwu has announced his political ambition for 2015.

He revealed at a press conference on September 3, 2014 that he will be going for a seat at the Anambra State House of Assembly in 2015.

“I have formally declared interest to vie for a political position in the 2015 general elections into Anambra State House of Assembly to represent Idemili North Constituency.

This move is to help develop and transform the state in line with the vision of the present constituency to beat in the state. I ask for your prayers and support to enable me achieve this humble ambition to serve my people at the state level. Feel free to get in touch with me on how you can help. God bless you as you show massive support and love” he said

Ahead of the 2015 general elections scheduled for February next year, Nollywood actor and Gulder Ultimate Search ex-host, Bob Manuel Udokwu has indicated interest in joining competitive politics.

The actor who is currently the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on Movie and Entertainment Industry, confirmed to Friday Flavour in a telephone interview, that he decided to do so, after series of consultations with several professional groups including the elders of Idemili Constituency , who have asked him to join the race.

“I see it as a call to service and it is being done after wide consultations with the people who matter in the constituency. So I am in the race, and the idea is to deliver good and quality representation for my people.” Udokwu will be running on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the political party in charge of the state’s political machinery.

This declaration will however pitch Udokwu politically against Honourable Tony Muonagor, fondly called Tony One Week who is currently representing the constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Bob-Manuel Obidimma Udokwu. I hail from Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. My father, Geoffrey Nwafor Udokwu, worked in the Ministry of Works in the Old Eastern Nigeria. My mother is Ezelagbo. I am the fourth and the second son in a family of six - three males and three females.

Was born on Thursday, April 18 sometime in the 1960’s. All I know is that I am as old as I look. I had my primary education at St. Peters Primary School (now Hillside Primary School) in the Coal Camp, Enugu. I had my secondary education at Oraukwu Grammar School, Oraukwu, from where I proceeded to University of Port Harcourt where I obtained a Certificate and Bachelors of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts. I equally bagged a Master's degree in Political Science with specialisation in International Relations from the University of Lagos. I am married to Cassandra and we have two children. I named my son after the great Marcus Garvey.

Rilwan  Alesh Onilegbale

Upwardly mobile Yoruba film producer cum actor and one of the strongest members of the Odunfa Caucus of the Association of Nigeria Theatre-Art Practitioners (ANTP), Rilwan ‘Alesh’ Onilegbale is a household name in the movie industry because he has played great roles in the movie industry. The Lagos born and stylist dude has declared his intention to run Lagos Mainland House Of Assembly Constituency under PDP.