Edochie also described Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel Things Fall Apart as the greatest African book of all time.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Movie star Pete Edochie has claimed that President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors in Nigeria are like sons to him, stating that his age and pedigree make him a father figure in the country.
He made this known recently while appearing as a guest on TV3, where he argued that his influence extends beyond the entertainment industry.
According to the 79-year-old thespian, he is a father figure because when he speaks or gives advice, the authorities listen due to his age.
He emphasised that he would turn 80 in six months, making him older than Nigeria’s current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all 36 state governors.
The veteran Nollywood actor further recalled how he once used his influence to secure financial support from the government for an ailing colleague.
Speaking during the interview, Edochie stated, “I was interviewed in my house in Enugu. During that period, one of my colleagues was ill, so I used that opportunity to call on the government to come to his aid.
“The following week, the government sent half a million naira to him. In six months, I will be turning 80. I am older than all the governors and the president, so when I talk to them, it is like a father talking to a son.”
He went on to describe Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel Things Fall Apart as the greatest African book of all time because it tells the African story.
In his words, the novel would not have been as popular as it is today if it were telling the story of the colonisers, like some other books.
He also noted that many other African authors have made efforts to tell African stories since Things Fall Apart, but none is as “strong” as it.
Edochie said, “The reason why Things Fall Apart is the greatest book ever written on the African continent is because it is telling our own story.
“If it had been telling the story of the White man, it wouldn’t be that popular. Many others have made efforts since then, but not as strong as Things Fall Apart.”
