Ronke Oshodi Oke, a renowned Nigerian actress in the Nollywood industry, has voiced her strong criticism against the ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of a woeful performance over the past eight years.
In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Oshodi Oke revealed that she had actively campaigned for the APC but was deeply disappointed by their failure and felt regret for supporting them, particularly due to the distressing events surrounding the EndSARS protest.
The EndSARS protest, which took place in October 2020, was a demonstration led by Nigerian youths to denounce the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a division of the Nigeria Police Force.
The protesters not only demanded an end to police brutality but also seized the opportunity to call for improved governance from the ruling class.
Oshodi Oke expressed her disappointment with the actions of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the protest. She criticized the governor for giving conflicting statements and denying any loss of life during the unrest.
The 48-year-old actress professed her admiration for the APC and her unwavering support for the party, both mentally and emotionally.
She explained that her involvement in their campaign was not driven by financial gain but rather her belief that the APC would lead Nigeria to a brighter future.
However, the actress’s optimism waned when the EndSARS protest unfolded. She admitted feeling disheartened and emotionally drained by the governor’s contradictory statements. She argued that if even one person lost their life, it symbolized the loss of countless hopes and dreams for their loved ones.
The recovery process for those affected would likely span several years, hindering their ability to rebuild their lives. Oshodi Oke witnessed numerous injuries during the protest, including individuals unable to walk and others with bullet wounds.
Reflecting on these events, the actress expressed not anger but profound disappointment. She expressed regret for dedicating her efforts to the APC, solely based on this one reason.