Veteran Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has stirred conversations online after speaking candidly about the possibility of appearing alongside politicians or participating in political campaigns in the future.
The actress made the remarks during an appearance on the digital talk show Africa A-List, where she addressed how financial considerations could influence any potential political association.
In a viral video from the programme, Ronke Oshodi told her audience that if they ever saw her publicly supporting a politician, they should not automatically interpret it as an indication of her personal political beliefs.
”My people, if you ever see me standing behind a politician, just know Ronke wants to eat,” the actress stated during the broadcast. “She is looking for something to put food on her table. Try to understand and don’t drag me.”
Her blunt comments have since generated reactions across social media, with some viewers focusing on her openness about the financial realities that can influence entertainers’ decisions, while others have debated the broader implications of celebrities publicly associating with political figures.
For many entertainers in Nigeria, political campaigns can provide opportunities for performances, appearances, publicity and other paid engagements. However, such associations can also expose celebrities to public criticism, particularly when their political activities are perceived as endorsements of a candidate or political ideology.
Ronke Oshodi’s remarks therefore touch on a wider conversation about the relationship between Nigeria’s entertainment industry and politics, especially at a time when economic pressures continue to shape the choices of many professionals in the creative sector.
Rather than presenting her position as an expression of political loyalty, the actress appeared to draw a clear distinction between personal political conviction and participating in a political engagement for financial reasons.
Her comments have consequently added another layer to the ongoing debate over celebrity endorsements, political campaigns and the expectations placed on public figures in Nigeria.