Dele Momodu

Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu (known as Dele Momodu) was born on May 16th, 1960 in ancient town of Ile-ife, Osun State, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, polemicist, businessman, philanthropist, actor and motivational speaker.

Dele Momodu Age

Dele Momodu is 64 years old.

Dele Momodu Early Life

Momodu lost his father at the age of 13. He is the last of three siblings and who all had to be trained by a single mother. Dele had to rely on his mother immensely who passed away on the 18th of May 2007. He often talks about the golden upbringing he received from his mother which has played a major role in shaping him up into what he has become. She taught him to always weather the storms of life and never despair when the chips are down.

He is a graduate of University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) 1982, where he earned a degree in Yoruba and a master’s 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 Youth Service.

Dele Momodu Career

In May 1988, 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.

Also in 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, 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.

In 1993, Momodu resigned to join the Moshood Abiola Presidential Campaign Organisation, 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. For three agonizing years, Dele Momodu could not re- enter his homeland, Nigeria. He has since been absolved of all charges made by the Abacha administration.

Momodu started Ovation International in 1996 while still in exile. After the death of MKO Abiola in prison and subsequently, the death, Sani Abacha ended Dele Momodu exile. Since then, Dele Momodu has expanded Ovation International, and it is now one of Africa’s most popular celebrity magazines. Ovation International is also reputed for being the only bi-lingual magazine in Africa, having editions printed in both English and French.

Momodu has held an annual event every year since 2008 (except in 2010, due to the impending presidential elections), known as the Ovation Red Carol (later changed to Ovation Carol and Awards). The Red Carol is held every December, and has become one of West Africa’s most popular annual Christmas events, often involving musical performances, drama, fashion shows and award presentations for varying charitable causes. From 2008-2012 it was held in Lagos, but was held in Accra, Ghana in December 2013. In 2013, former president of Ghana J.J. Rawlings attended, with Wyclef Jean as the headline act, along with many other international performers, including M.I, Ice Prince and Burna Boy from Nigeria.

Momodu announced his intention to run for the presidential election of his homeland Nigeria, which was held in 2011. On 12 January 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.

Dele Momodu Personal Life

Momodu’s marriage with Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu on December 19th, 1992 is blessed with four children - Pekan Momodu, Yole Momodu, Eniafe Momodu, and Korewa Momodu.

Dele Momodu Awards

On October 2nd, 2015 Momodu became the 1st recipient of 9jaMentors Awards for his outstanding and unquestionable role toward empowering the Nigerian Youth. A role that has spanned over a decade and still counting. And some other awards.

Dele Momodu Net Worth

His net worth is not available.

Dele Momodu on Social Media