10 Questions with Tolu Ogunlesi

After Tolu Ogunlesi's SSRP discussion of his book Conquest and Conviviality, we sat down with the writer for a quick interview. Read on to find out which Nigerian national hero he most identifies with, the special talent he wishes he had, and more.
1. Who are your favourite authors?
They are so many but I will say a few: Chinua Achebe, Aleksander Hemon, Niyi Osundare, and Enid Blyton.
2. Who are your three favourite literary characters?
Okonkwo, Ugwu, and Tintin in Things Fall Apart, Half a Yellow Sun, and The Adventures of Tintin respectively.
3. If you could have any talent in the world (aside from writing), what would you choose?
Painting, because it requires a unique skill. There is something that fascinates me about it; it’s a remarkable talent.
4. What’s your favourite literary quote?
"We see things not as they are but as we are." - H.M. Tomlinson
5. What literary work do you wish you could say you wrote?
Anthills of the Savannah because it touches on themes I am interested in such as power, politics and journalism. Also, it is a satire.
6. If you could invite three figures – historical or literary, real or fictional – to your last supper, who would you pick?
Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and [Abubakar] Tafawa Balewa, because of the important role they played in shaping Nigeria.
7. Who do you consider the funniest person in the world (that we would know)?
Frank Dungan - his comedy features what it is to be a Nigerian.
8. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Nnamdi Azikiwe, because he started as a journalist before venturing into politics and business.
9. What is your most treasured possession?
My laptop, it contains my life.
10. What is the last thing you do before going to bed?
Look at phone to check e-mails and social media - basically to be updated.
Read more 10 Questions interviews with Tade Ipadeola, Sola Alamutu, and Declan Iheanacho.