Veteran Yoruba actor Yinka Quadri has explained his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing the president’s past financial assistance to entertainment practitioners and infrastructure projects in the South-West.
Speaking on the African A-List interview programme, Quadri said his position was based on what he described as Tinubu’s longstanding support for members of the entertainment industry, dating back to his tenure as Lagos State governor.
The actor rejected suggestions that his backing was motivated by personal gain, recalling instances in which Tinubu allegedly provided financial assistance to colleagues facing difficult circumstances.
“People do not understand it. It is not about what we want to eat. He has been taking care of those of us in the industry since he was the governor of Lagos,” Quadri said.
Quadri recalls assistance to Baba Suwe, Moji Olaiya
The actor cited Tinubu’s reported payment of medical bills for late comedian Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, during his illness.
He also recounted how he and other entertainers sought financial assistance following the death of actress Moji Olaiya in Canada in 2017.
According to Quadri, he visited Tinubu’s residence in Bourdillon, Lagos, alongside actresses Fathia Balogun, actor Yomi Fabiyi and other colleagues to request help with bringing Olaiya’s remains back to Nigeria.
“When Moji Olaiya died, I, Fathia Balogun, Yomi Fabiyi and others were trying to bring her back from abroad. We went to Bourdillon to seek financial support,” he said.
Quadri claimed Tinubu asked about the cost and subsequently paid $25,000 to cover the expenses.
He added that the president had continued to assist entertainment industry members who approached him for support.
Actor cites road projects and government programmes
Beyond the entertainment industry, Quadri pointed to road construction projects in the South-West, specifically the Papalanto-Sagamu and Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode roads, as part of his reasons for supporting Tinubu.
He acknowledged that more work remained to be done but said the projects deserved recognition.
“I know it is not enough, but I praise him,” he said.
Quadri also identified pension payments to retirees and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as initiatives he considered positive developments under the Tinubu administration.
Quadri’s previous support for Tinubu
The actor’s latest comments come as political discussions intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
In 2022, Quadri joined other Yoruba film industry figures, including Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun, Taiwo Hassan and Femi Adebayo, in publicly supporting Tinubu’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 election.
