Actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has revealed how persistence helped him gain the attention of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola during his transition from Nollywood to politics.
Speaking on the Morayo Afolabi-Brown Podcast on June 23, 2026, Elliot said he repeatedly sent emails to Fashola in an effort to express his interest in public service and establish connections within the political space.
According to the former Lagos lawmaker, his efforts eventually led to a memorable encounter with Fashola at the Lagos Continental Hotel, where the former governor acknowledged receiving the messages.
“He saw me on Lagos Continental one day and said, ‘Desmond, I have been seeing your mails o, thank you.’ He was trying to tell me, ‘Boy, cool down,’” Elliot recalled.
The Surulere politician said the experience reflected the determination that marked his early political journey. He noted that he understood the importance of remaining visible and consistently communicating his interest, even when opportunities were not immediately available.
Elliot said persistence and patience played a key role in helping him move from a successful acting career into public office, where he later served for eight years in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
