Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu (born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu; May 16, 1960) is a Nigerian Journalist/ Publisher. He is the publisher of Ovation International a magazine that has given publicity to many Africans.

Early life

Ayobamidele meaning "my joy has followed me home'^[1] is the last of three siblings. He lost his Dad at the age of 13 relying on his Mum, and relatives for support. Dele was taught by his late Mum, who died on the 18th of May 2007^[2] not to despair even when times are tough, this was exemplified by her continual support of him even when others had written him off, She had given him up to a third chance at passing his WAEC ( Senior Secondary Exams ) Although his Mum's source of income was from petty trading, and with two older children to care for, she laboured hard to sustain her family, and in the words of Dele Momodu 'She didn't give up on me'.^[3]

Education and Career

Dele Momodu is a graduate of University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) 1982, Dele holds a degree in Yoruba and a Masters degree in English Literature in 1988. He lectured at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982-83 while on National Service. Between 1983-85, he was private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo. In 1986, Dele Momodu served the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing the Motel Royal Limited owned by the monarch. Following Dele's resignation from the Motel Royal, he went on to study for his post-graduate degree in English literature. He was during this time contributing articles to the likes of The Guardian, Sunday Tribune and other Nigerian based publications.

Involvement with MKO Abiola

In May 1988, Dele Momodu got his first job as Staff Writer with the African Concord magazine, owned by late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. A year later, he was transferred to Weekend Concord as a pioneer staff. He wrote the first cover story for the paper in March 1989. He also contributed to other publications such as the National Concord, Sunday Concord, Business Concord and the Yoruba newspaper, Isokan. In May 1989, he became Literary Editor, within six months he became News Editor of the Weekend Concord. Between May 1990 and September 1991 edited May Ellen Ezekiel's Classique, a celebrity magazine an appointment which made him the highest paid editor in Nigeria. He resigned and tried his hands on doing business as a bread distributor for his mentor Chief Moshood Abiola, who owned the 'Wonderloaf'. Following this, Dele Momodu started a public relations outfit, Celebrities-Goodwill Limited, which managed the accounts of Chief Moshood Abiola, Dr Mike Adenuga, Mr Hakeem Belo-Osagie and other distinguished Nigerians.

Exile

In 1993, Dele resigned to join the Moshood Abiola Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dele Momodu was arrested and detained at Alagbon Close in Lagos, after the annulment of the June 12 Presidential election by General Ibrahim Babangida. He was severely punished for his views but was undeterred. He was to be arrested in 1995 and charged for treason by the Sani Abacha Government. He was accused of being one of the brains behind the pirate radio station, Radio Freedom later changed to Radio Kudirat, after the cold-blooded murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Dele Momodu managed to escape masquerading as a farmer through Seme border into Cotonou, in Benin Republic, from where he fled to Togo, Ghana and eventually to the United Kingdom.^[4] For three agonising years, Dele could not re- enter his homeland, Nigeria.

Ovation International

Dele Momodu started Ovation International in 1996 while still in exile. After the death of MKO Abiola in prison and subsequently, the death of his persecutor, Sani Abacha, Dele ended his exile.

Family and Personal Life

Dele Momodu is married to Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu.^{[citation needed]} They have four children known as Pekan, Yole, Eniafe and Korewa.^{[citation needed]}

Presidential Ambition

Dele Momodu has announced his intention to run for the presidential election of his homeland Nigeria, which is expected to hold in 2011. On January 12, 2011, he emerged Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) after a keenly contested party primaries between Dele Momodu, Chief Martin Onovo and Atei Beredugo. Dele Momodu polled 169 votes to clinch the presidential ticket whilst Onovo and Beredugo polled 8 and 14 votes respectively. ^[5]

References

1. ^ Link text, BEHIND THE NAME the etymology and history of first names.
2. ^ [1] NIGERIAN COMPASS June 19, 2010- My presidential mission - Dele Momodu
3. ^ [2], Nigerian Compass June 19, 2010
4. ^ [3] An African Icon at 50 by Kayode Mallami
5. ^ [4] Enchanting world of Dele Momodu

External links

• [5] www.goingontop.com
• Official website

Persondata
Name	Momodu, Dele
Alternative names	Bob Dee
Short description
Date of birth	May 16, 1960
Place of birth	Ile-Ife, Osun State
Date of death
Place of death