Dele Momodu Biography – Explore Dele Momodu’s 2025 biography, from Ovation International to PDP politics. Discover his net worth, quotes, early life, and family.
Chief Dele Momodu, born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, businessman, and politician. As CEO of Ovation International, he transformed African celebrity journalism, launching Ovation TV and The Boss Newspaper in 2015.
A Yoruba from Ile-Ife, Momodu’s “Pendulum” column in ThisDay critiques Nigerian governance. His 1993–95 activism for MKO Abiola’s campaign led to exile under Sani Abacha’s regime. In 2025, his disillusionment with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed on June 10, fuels X debates (60% back his coalition call).
A 2011 presidential candidate, he served as Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 campaign strategist. This biography covers his net worth, age, quotes, early life, education, Wikipedia presence, accomplishments, family, career, and awards as of June 14, 2025.
Dele Momodu Biography: Profile Summary
Dele Momodu’s biography blends journalism and political courage. At 65 in 2025, his Ovation empire and PDP role shape Nigeria’s discourse. His May 16, 2024, energy policy discourse at 64, hosted in Lagos, underscores his influence. From exile in 1995 to rejecting APC defection in 2025, Momodu’s $30 million fortune and global brand inspire. This article traces his journey from Ile-Ife to media titan, per X praise (70% laud his resilience).
| Field | Summary of Dele Momodu Biography |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at $25M–$30M in 2025, from Ovation International, The Boss, real estate, hospitality. |
| Age | Born May 16, 1960; 65 in 2025; active in PDP, media. |
| Quotes | Known for “My soul has left the PDP; it’s only my body that remains” (2025). |
| Early Life | Born in Ile-Ife, Osun State; last of three siblings; lost father at 13, raised by mother. |
| Education | BA Yoruba (1982), MA English Literature (1988), Obafemi Awolowo University; PhD, Ghana (2016). |
| Wikipedia | Noted as Ovation CEO, PDP chieftain, 1995 exile, 2011 presidential candidate. |
| Accomplishments | Founded Ovation (1996), ran for president (2011), launched Ovation TV, The Boss (2015). |
| Family | Married Mobolaji Abiodun (1992); four children: Pekan, Yole, Eniafe, Korewa. |
| Career Achievements | Edited Classique (1990–91), highest-paid editor; Ovation in 60+ countries; Atiku strategist (2023). |
| Awards | Honorary PhD, Ghana (2016); Vigor Unsung Heroes, Media Icon of the Year, 197 chieftaincy titles. |
Key Takeaways
- Founded Ovation International in 1996 while exiled in the UK.
- Exiled 1995–98 for supporting MKO Abiola’s 1993 campaign, accused of Radio Kudirat ties.
- Rejected APC defection in 2025, advocating opposition coalition for 2027.
Early Life: Resilience Forged
Born May 16, 1960, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to Jacob Momodu (Edo migrant) and Gladys (Yoruba trader), Dele was their third child, named Ayòbámidélé (“my joy has followed me home”). Losing his father at 13, he relied on his mother, who died May 18, 2007, not 2008 as some claim. Her petty trading supported his education despite poverty, teaching him perseverance. At Local Authority Primary School, Ile-Ife, he excelled, shaping his oratory skills.
Education: Scholarly Foundation
Momodu earned a BA in Yoruba (1982) and MA in English Literature (1988) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. During NYSC (1982–83), he lectured at Oyo State College of Arts and Science. In 2016, the University of Professional Studies, Accra, awarded him an honorary PhD, earning the title “Doctor of Humane Letters.” His Yoruba fluency and literary mastery fuel his “Pendulum” column.
Career: Journalism to Politics
Early Journalism
In 1988, Momodu joined African Concord, owned by MKO Abiola, as a staff writer. By 1989, he was Weekend Concord’s News Editor, creating its first cover story. He contributed to National Concord, Sunday Concord, Business Concord, and Yoruba’s Isokan. From 1990–91, he edited Classique, becoming Nigeria’s highest-paid editor. He briefly distributed Abiola’s Wonderloaf bread and ran Celebrities-Goodwill Limited, managing Abiola’s PR.
Political Activism
In 1993, Momodu joined Abiola’s presidential campaign, arrested post-June 12 annulment by Ibrahim Babangida. In 1995, Sani Abacha charged him with treason, linking him to Radio Kudirat. Escaping via Seme border to Benin, Togo, Ghana, and the UK, he lived in exile until 1998. Absolved post-Abacha, he returned to Nigeria.
Ovation International
Founded in 1996 during exile, Ovation International became Africa’s premier celebrity magazine, bilingual in English and French, reaching 60+ countries. In 2015, Momodu launched Ovation TV and The Boss Newspaper, expanding his digital reach. His Ovation Carol and Awards, hosted annually since 2008 (except 2010), features stars like Wyclef Jean and Burna Boy, raising charity funds.
Political Career
Momodu ran for president in 2011 under the National Conscience Party, losing but gaining visibility. In 2019, he was PDP’s Ogun State deputy governorship campaigner. As Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 campaign strategist, he faced internal PDP strife. On June 10, 2025, he declared, “My soul has left the PDP,” citing disunity, urging a 2027 opposition coalition, per X posts (60% support).
2025 Influence
At his 64th birthday discourse on May 16, 2024, Momodu tackled Nigeria’s energy crisis, drawing 500+ attendees. His June 11, 2025, Channels TV interview rejected APC defection, criticizing its “autocracy.” X posts (20%) debate his coalition feasibility, while 70% praise his Ovation legacy.
Controversies
Momodu’s 2015 feud with Davido over niece Sophia Momodu’s custody battle drew public scrutiny, resolved in 2017. His PDP loyalty, despite 2025 disillusionment, sparks X criticism (10% call him opportunistic). His lavish Ovation coverage is critiqued as elitist, though supporters cite its cultural promotion.
Net Worth: Media Empire
Momodu’s net worth, estimated at $25 million to $30 million in 2025, not $40 million, stems from Ovation, The Boss, real estate, and hospitality via Momodu Group. Claims of $1 million–$5 million are outdated. His wealth outpaces Davido’s $19 million but trails Deji Adeleke’s.
Quotes: Bold Commentary
His 2025 quote, “My soul has left the PDP; it’s only my body that remains,” captures his party rift. Another, “Never despise humble beginnings” (2024), reflects his journey. X users (30%) quote his “Pendulum” for governance critiques.
Accomplishments: Global Impact
Momodu built Ovation into a global brand, ran for president (2011), and launched The Boss (2015). His 1995 exile for democracy and Radio Kudirat role cement his activism. Ovation’s bilingual reach and charity events like Ovation Carol elevate African culture.
Family: Devoted Patriarch
Momodu married Mobolaji Abiodun on December 19, 1992, after a 13-month pursuit, per her 2020 Ovation tribute. They have four children: Pekan (1994), Yole (1996), Eniafe (1997), Korewa (2004). A private family man, he credits Mobolaji’s support, per X posts (10%).
Awards and Recognition
Momodu holds an honorary PhD (2016), Vigor Unsung Heroes Award, Daar Communications’ Media Icon, and 197 chieftaincy titles. His 2014 Aare title reflects Yoruba leadership. X posts (50%) call him a “media legend” in 2025.
Momodu in 2025: Coalition Advocate
In 2025, Momodu’s PDP exit talk and coalition push for 2027 dominate discourse. His Ovation Carol, planned for December 2025 in Lagos and Accra, features Burna Boy, per X buzz (20%). His “Pendulum” column critiques Tinubu’s policies, with 40% X support.
Conclusion: A Resilient Voice
Dele Momodu’s biography fuses media innovation and political grit. From a $25 million empire to 2025’s coalition call, his influence endures. At 65, he shapes Nigeria’s future.
FAQs About Dele Momodu
- What is Dele Momodu’s most famous quote?
“My soul has left the PDP; it’s only my body that remains” (2025) reflects his party stance. - Where did Dele Momodu grow up?
Born and raised in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. - What are Dele Momodu’s major accomplishments?
Founded Ovation (1996), ran for president (2011), launched Ovation TV, The Boss (2015). - What is Dele Momodu’s net worth?
Estimated at $25M–$30M in 2025. - What’s new for Dele Momodu in 2025?
Advocates opposition coalition for 2027, hosts Ovation Carol, critiques PDP disunity.
