Yinka Quadri Explains Support for Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid

 

Veteran Yoruba actor, Yinka Quadri, has explained that his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid is based on the assistance the president has provided to members of the entertainment industry over the years.

Quadri made this known during an interview on the African A-List programme, where he recalled Tinubu’s support for entertainers dating back to his tenure as governor of Lagos State.

According to Naija News, the actor said Tinubu had consistently assisted practitioners in the entertainment industry who required financial support.

Quadri cited the reported payment of medical bills for late Nollywood actor Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, during his illness as one example of the president’s assistance to entertainers.

He maintained that his support for Tinubu was informed by personal experiences rather than expectations of immediate personal benefits.

“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.

The actor also recalled an incident following the death of fellow actress Moji Olaiya, when he and other entertainers reportedly approached Tinubu for financial assistance to bring her remains back to Nigeria.

Quadri said he visited Tinubu’s residence in Bourdillon, Lagos, alongside actresses Fathia Balogun, actor Yomi Fabiyi and others to seek support for the repatriation.

According to him, Tinubu asked about the cost and subsequently provided $25,000 to cover the expenses.

“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.

“He asked us for the cost and paid it. It was a total of $25,000. I know it is not enough, but I praise him,” Quadri added.

The actor’s remarks highlight the reasons he and some members of the Yoruba film industry have cited for supporting Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.