At just 31, Olumide Oworu has already carved out a name for himself in two very different arenas: the bright lights of Nollywood and the high-stakes world of Nigerian politics. From memorable roles on screen to his growing voice in youth advocacy, Olumide is redefining what it means to be a young leader in a country where politics has long been dominated by older generations. His journey isn’t just about fame or ambition, it’s about opening doors for a new generation ready to shape the future.
Early Life & Acting Career
Born on December 11, 1994, Olumide Oworu grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, attending King’s College before furthering his studies at the University of Lagos and graduating from Babcock University in 2017 with a degree in mass communication.
Olumide’s acting journey began remarkably early. At just six years old, he made his debut on the television series Everyday People, kick-starting a steadily rising career in Nollywood. He became widely recognized for his role as Tari on the Africa Magic sitcom The Johnsons and appeared in series like The Patriot, The Men In Her Life, Hammer, Stolen Waters, Far From Home and New Son.
One of his early breakout roles was portraying Weki in MTV Base’s Shuga series, which helped him connect with a broader, younger audience. Beyond acting, Olumide explored television presenting, modeling, and even rapping. His talents earned him several awards, including “Mr. Popularity” at the Model of Africa contest (2012), “Nollywood Revelation of the Year” at the Scream Awards (2014), “Most Promising Youth Actor” at the Ping Awards (2014), and Best Supporting Actor at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for his role in A Soldier’s Story.
Entry into Politics
Olumide Oworu’s transition from acting to politics was motivated by a deep concern for Nigeria’s governance and the future of his generation. He has explained that poor policymaking and a lack of youth representation made him realise that watching from the sidelines was no longer an option. He wanted to contribute directly to decisions that impact everyday life.
In February 2023, Oworu formally declared his candidacy for the Surulere Constituency 1 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, running under the Labour Party (LP). His campaign emphasized youth inclusion, transparent governance, and opportunities for young Nigerians. Despite losing to a long-standing incumbent, Oworu’s candidacy highlighted the growing demand for fresh voices in Nigerian politics.
Like many young entrants, he faced challenges of credibility and experience in a political landscape dominated by older leaders. Yet, he used his platform to show that youth can participate meaningfully in governance and influence national discourse.
Youth Engagement & Advocacy
Even as a political newcomer, Olumide has remained focused on amplifying the voice of young Nigerians. He believes that the youth deserve a central role in decision-making, particularly on issues like education, economic empowerment, and community development.
His campaign messaging highlighted the importance of transparent governance and inclusive policymaking, underscoring that the younger generation often faces unique challenges that older leaders may not fully understand. Even after the election, Oworu continues to advocate for youth participation, framing engagement as a responsibility for nation-building rather than just a political opportunity.
Balancing Fame and Politics
Navigating fame and politics is no easy feat, but Olumide has managed to maintain his dual identitywith professionalism. While fans remember him for his memorable Nollywood roles, he has shown that his political involvement is driven by purpose, not celebrity clout.
Oworu continues to celebrate and contribute to the growth of Nollywood while simultaneously raising his voice on governance and civic issues. He demonstrates that fame can be a tool to amplify important messages, but sustaining political influence requires dedication, credibility, and a clear vision qualities he continues to display.
Conclusion
Olumide Oworu’s story is more than fame or political ambition; it is a testament to the power of youth, talent, and purpose converging to shape the future. From a child actor to a Nollywood star, and now an advocate for youth representation in politics, he has shown that passion paired with action can transcend traditional boundaries.
His journey underscores the growing importance of young voices in Nigerian governance, reminding the nation that change is possible when fresh perspectives are empowered. Whether on screen or in the public arena, Olumide continues to inspire his generation to speak up, take part, and contribute to a better Nigeria — proving that the next wave of leaders can come from unexpected places, ready to redefine leadership itself.
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