It is usually a headline grabbing event whenever a celebrity receives a political appointment.Over the years a good number of popular Nigerian celebrities have left the glamour of the showbiz world to serve in various capacities in government.
In this piece LEADERSHIP Weekend takes a look at some Nigerian celebrities who received political appointments.
Bob-Manuel Udokwu
Veteran Nollywood Bob-Manuel has featured in so many Nollywood blockbusters like, Living in Bondage, Rattlesnake, True Confessions,When the Sun Sets
Karishika, The Key for Happiness, Black Maria,among many others.In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement award at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards,and was nominated for Best Actor in a supporting role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards for his role in Adesuwa. In April 2022, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo, appointed Bob-Manuel Udokwu, as his Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism.The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.Bob-Manuel had previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Creative Media during the administration of Peter Obi, and as an aide to the immediate past governor, Willie Obiano.
Richard Mofe Damijo
Richard Mofe Damijo, popularly called RMD,is unaguably one of the most famous faces in Nollywood.And not a few eyebrows were raised when he was appointed as the Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to the then Delta state Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008, and later became the commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State, Nigeria in 2009.His tenure ended in 2015.RMD has since returned to his first love acting,after serving his home state government.
Onyeka Onwenu
Veteran Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress, human right activist, social activist, and former X Factor series judge.Affectionanely called the “Elegant Stallion”. After topping the Nigerian music charts in the 80’s and 90’s,took a dive in the murky waters of politics.She joined the People’s Democratic Party contested twice to become the Local Council Chairman of her local government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, and lost at both attempts.But was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim.
On 16 September 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development
Dayo Adeneye
Entertainment mogul,Dayo Adeneye popularly called ‘D1’, alongside his business partner Kenny Ogungbe,are famous personalities when it comes to the Nigerian music industry.Both of them are acclaimed to have changed the face of entertainment in the country.In 2014, D1 delved into politics and aimed to represent Odogbolu State Constituency at the House of Assembly, but lost at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary.He was eventually compensated with an appointment as Commissioner of Information and Strategy by the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun in 2015.
Nkiru Sylvanus
Nollywood actress Nkiru Sylvanus after serenading our screens with her acting skills,that saw her feature in over seventy movies and won the awards for Best Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.In 2011, former governor of Imo state Rochas Okorocha appointed Nkiru as his Special Assistant on Lagos State Affairs,and later became his Special Adviser on Public Affairs. In 2014, she was appointed as the Director-General of the Imo State Film Academy.
Hilda Dokubo
Veteran Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo,made her screen debut during her youth service in a 1992 film titled Evil Passion. She has since been featured in, and has produced several Nigerian films. including Gone Forever, End of the Wicked, My Goodwill, and The CEO Upon starring in a supporting role in a 2015 film titled Stigma, Dokubo won Best Actress in a Supporting Role and best actress in the comedy category.She was appointed as the Special Adviser to the former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili in 2003 till the end of his tenure in 2007.
Mercy Johnson
Nollywood diva Mercy Johnson, began actingafter her secondary education, she auditioned for a role in The Maid and subsequently acted in other movies such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America, War in the Palace. In 2009, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award ceremony for her performance in the movie “Live to Remember”, and Best Actress award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in the comedy movie Dumebi the Dirty.In 2017 She was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Kogi state governor on entertainment, arts and culture.
Iyanya
Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk popularly known as Iyanya,rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa, and is best known for his hit single “Kukere”. Iyanya co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011.He won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies 2013. In September 2021,the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, appointed singer Iyanya as the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment.The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, and Publicity, Christian Ita, confirmed the appointment in a statement, and said the appointment took immediate effect. Ubi Franklin, who occupied the position, took to his Instagram page to congratulate Iyanya on his appointment.
Credit: LEADERSHIP Newspaper
FilmOne Entertainment, the distributing company, shared the news in an Instagram post on Monday.
They revealed that the film marked the second biggest opening weekend for a Nollywood release in 2025.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Labake Olododo tells the inspiring story of a courageous woman who rises against oppression in her community.(NAN)
In a groundbreaking achievement for Afrobeats and Nigerian music, Davido has become the first living male artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa. This significant milestone was announced with the unveiling of Davido as the cover star for the March/April 2025 issue.
The renowned Nigerian afropop artist, celebrated for his global hits such as “If,” “Fall,” “Blow My Mind,” and “Unavailable,” has played an instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats and the international recognition of African music. Since his debut at the age of 19 with “Dami Duro,” Davido has established a multifaceted empire, excelling not only as a musician but also as a record label owner, mentor, and cultural ambassador. The Rolling Stone Africa cover story delves into his resilient journey, highlighting his forthcoming fifth studio album, *5ive*, and his enduring influence on the African music scene.
Obi Asika, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressed pride in Davido’s accomplishments.
“At the National Council for Arts and Culture, we are thrilled to embark on this expansive partnership with Rolling Stone Africa. It is fitting that our launch icon is Davido, one of the Kings of Afrobeats and a global ambassador for Nigerian music, culture, and fashion, who shares positive energy with his vast global audience,” Asika stated. He further added, “We take pride in Davido and all of our Ambassadors who continue to make Nigeria a focal point in global music, film, fashion, literature, sports, comedy, and more. Congratulations to him on his fifth album and to Rolling Stone Africa on their relaunch. Stay tuned for ‘Nigeria Everywhere’ and other unique collaborations with Rolling Stone.”
D.R. Bellegarde Smeralda, CEO of Rolling Stone Africa, also lauded Davido’s contributions to Afrobeats and Pan-Africanism.
“To kick off our partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture in Nigeria, which will introduce our monthly segment called Nigeria Everywhere, we could not have chosen a more fitting cover story than Davido’s,” Smeralda remarked. “Davido has long been a stellar ambassador for Afrobeats and Nigerian culture on a global scale, and it is inspiring to see what he and his team have accomplished in music and beyond, consistently promoting Pan-Africanism.”
Rolling Stone Africa, launched in August 2024, aims to celebrate African music, culture, and narratives, functioning through a joint venture between the Mwankom Group and Penske Media Corporation (PMC). A portion of the magazine’s proceeds supports charities focused on preserving African history and promoting children’s welfare, underscoring its commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond entertainment.
Follow Rolling Stone Africa on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest updates. Davido’s feature on the cover is not just a milestone; it embodies the unstoppable momentum of Afrobeats and the global influence of Nigerian culture.
The auxiliary nurse who treated the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, has revealed what transpired that led to his demise.
Testifying before Justice C.A. Shotobi at the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Friday, Ogedengbe recounted that after giving Mohbad the injection, he developed goosebumps. His wife, Omowunmi, allegedly described it as a “normal response” for him.
According to the nurse, she was called to treat Mohbad for a cut on September 11, 2023. The following day, she administered tetanus, paracetamol, and antibiotic injections.
After the third injection, Mohbad reportedly felt nauseous and threw up, leading to weakness and goosebumps.
Nurse’s testimony on how Mohbad died
“On Sept 11, 2023 I was at Cotonou to process my admission. As I was on my way back , I saw Spending’s missed call and I called him back. Then he told me I should come and treat his friend in the house who had a cut. I told him I was just coming back from Cotonou.
“I later missed his calls because I couldn’t pick up. As I got to CMS, a call came in from DJ Bami, he introduced himself that he was from Spending. I couldn’t go to the house that day. I got there the next day at about 2:30pm. I met a guy in the sitting room carrying Liam and DJ Bami led me upstairs.
“On getting to the room Mohbad was, I saw some water on the floor which Dj Bami mopped. We then moved Mohbad from the room he was to another room. It was only the 4 of us that were upstairs. Me, Mohbad, Djbami and Wunmi. As I was giving the first injection, Mohbad asked me the type of injection I wanted to give him and I told him Tetanus Injection, Paracetamol Injection and antibiotics. I first gave him Tetanus and Paracetamol Injection. After I gave him the paracetamol injection, Wunmi said he had ulcer.
“When I gave him the third injection, he started reacting and saying he wanted to throw up. Djbami and wunmi led him to the bathroom where he threw up. After throwing up, he sat down on the floor and was very weak. Then, goose bumps appeared on his body. Wunmi told me that is how he used to react to injection and I told her that she should have told me before.
“She then said that if they pour water on his head, he will calm down. Wunmi then poured water on him. When I saw the goose bumps, Dj Bami and I quickly went down to rush to the pharmacy so we could get an antidote. We got to the first pharmacy but they didn’t have what we wanted, we then went to another pharmacy. They called Djbami from the house that Mohbad was convulsing and I told them to rush him to the hospital.”
