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'.[
[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, ChiefAkin 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 AbachaGovernment. 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 was the Presidential candidate of the Candidate of the National
Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2011 General Election..