“If You See Me Behind Any Politician, Just Know That I’m Doing It for Financial Benefits” - Ronke Oshodi-Oke

Nollywood actress Ronke Ojo, popularly known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke, has made her position on associating with Nigerian politicians clear, admitting that financial benefits are a major reason she supports or associates with political figures.

The actress made the candid revelation during an interview with African A-List, where she also expressed her unwillingness to engage deeply in Nigerian politics. Oshodi-Oke described Nigerian politics as “dirty” and stressed that she was not interested in telling people who they should vote for.

“Nigeria politics is dirt so I do not want to talk about it. I am not saying you should not vote for whoever you want to vote for.”

According to the actress, she prefers to stay away from political arguments and allow people to make their own choices at the polls. However, when the conversation turned to whether she would accept money to support or endorse a politician, the actress did not shy away from giving a straightforward answer.

Oshodi-Oke urged Nigerians not to insult or drag her if they see her standing behind or associating with a politician. Instead, she asked people to understand that she is trying to make a living.

“If you see me behind any politician, anybody, just see it as if she is looking for something to put food on the table. Just leave, let her eat. Do not insult or drag me.”

Her comments have generated reactions because of how openly she linked her association with political figures to financial benefits. Rather than presenting her political appearances as an indication of ideological support, the actress suggested that people should see them as part of her efforts to earn a living.

The actress also appeared to draw a distinction between accepting financial opportunities from politicians and telling the public who to support during elections. According to her, she is not asking Nigerians to vote for any particular candidate. Her remarks suggest that, for her, political association is more about personal financial survival than political ideology.

During the interview, the actress also spoke about several personal aspects of her life, including her health challenges, marriage, motherhood, religion and her journey through the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Her latest comments have now added another layer to the public conversation about celebrities and politics, particularly the reasons entertainers choose to associate with political figures. While some may criticise celebrities for accepting political patronage, Oshodi-Oke appears to have a simple response: if the association helps her put food on the table, she does not want to be dragged for it.

And in her own words, if Nigerians see her behind a politician, they should simply “leave, let her eat.”