Man on a Mission: The Homecoming that Shook the World

By Eric Elezuo

When one talks about the audacious approach to situations, there is one man who fits the description perfectly well. He is the indefatigable Chairman/CEO, Ovation Media Group, a seasoned journalist and world class philanthropist whose impact is felt across the length and breadth of Nigeria, and the global world. He is Aare Dele Momodu, a frontline presidential aspirant under the umbrella of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and whose sole intention, as he has said in many fora is to be the President of Nigeria.

Flagging off what bookmakers have termed mother of all consultation tours towards realising a lifelong desire of bringing succour to the Nigerian public as its president, Momodu undertook an audacious journey down to his roots of Ugba Village in Ihiebve Community, Onwa East Local Government Area of Edo State, where a grandiose homecoming reception, like never before, was accorded him and his entourage.

Killing two birds with one stone, Momodu, who could not hide his emotions at the naked show of love and acceptance from his people on his return 49 years after his father, Jacob Obo Momodu, a notable son of the community died and was buried in far away Ile-Ife, Osun State, made his intentions of running for the presidency of the Presidency of Nigeria.

On the day, the ancient community of Ihievbe, in Owan East Local Government of Edo State was on lockdown as the tumultuous crowd that stepped out to receive the illustrious son, who had traversed through time and space, thick and thin to conquer his field of endeavour, was excited to just catch a glimpse of their own.

Accompanied by his beautiful wife, Mobolaji, and a host of entourage, Momodu made a stop over at the home of Senator Yisa Buraimah, who facilitated the homecoming, where he was reunited with his age mates, the Umalame Age Grade, as a prelude to his total acceptance back to the community and among his kindred.

Speaking on behalf of the age grade, while receiving Momodu into their fold, the chairman of the age group, Yesuf Tijani, announced that the worthy entrepreneur and accomplished journalist was well accepted, promising him all the privileges and rights of membership. He said the group was proud to have a man of his calibre as their member.

He was thereafter initiated and robed in the attire of the age grade to the admiration of all present.

In his remarks, the host, Senator Buraimoh, who doubles as the Seriki Musulumi of the community, confirmed and described the homecoming of Momodu as a symbol of the prayers said for the sons and daughters of the community in the Diaspora to come home.

Responding, an emotional Momodu, who was practically overwhelmed by the show of love and massive reception giving to him by his people, thanked members of the community, and his age group members in particular, saying he had wished his father was alive to witness the joy of the day

“As you can see, I am not a lost child. See the way I returned home triumphant. I cried at this, and I know I will still cry. And again, I wished my father was alive to see this day,” Momodu said.

The homecoming train thereafter moved to Momodu’s place of birth, Ugba village, followed by a retinue of admirers, where another unprecedented number of persons were waiting to catch a glimpse of the accomplished presidential hopeful.

Welcoming him, the village head, Mr. Rufus Aigbevbole noted that it was a rare privilege to have the person of Momodu’s status to come from the village. He informed that though it had been easy for Momodu to come home all these while, he was given a native name Ovbare by his grandfather, which means ‘coming home is worth it’, stressing that the name has been fulfilled by the actions of the day.

Expressing their profound gratitude at reuniting with their son, the villages showered gifts on Momodu including yams, plantains and livestock.

At the palace of the Paramount ruler of the community, where Momodu paid homage, he was honoured with a chieftaincy title as the haihai if the community.

In his speech, Momodu recounted his journey of 62 years, declaring that by the time the 50th anniversary of his father’s death is celebrated, he would have been the president, commander in chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

“I don’t want to be a senator; I don’t want to be a minister – I’m not interested. All I want to be is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

The homecoming was graced by notable citizens of the community and the rank and file of the PDP in the senatorial zone.

Momodu, who first declared his Intention to be president shortly after joining the PDP insisted that he remained the most qualified among those aspiring to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29, 2023.

He noted that his presidential ambition is a function of the fact that though he had never been an elected official, he has a private individual interacted with the high and mighty of the world including presidents, opinion leaders and eminent personalities across the globe.

“I reached out to many without being a president. Now, I can actualise much more when I occupy the position,” he said.

OBASEKI RECEIVES MOMODU, PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT

The train, in full force, moved to Benin, the Edo State capital, berthing at the Dennis Osadebe office of the number citizen of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who pledged his support for the presidential aspirations of Aare Dele Momodu, saying that though the road may be tough, he will surely surmount all obstacles.

He described Dele Momodu as a household name in Nigeria, who needs no introduction in entrepreneurship and quality, and harped on the fact that administrative or political genealogy is not and should not be the prerequisite for running for government offices, but competence and service delivery, asking “how do we transist this country from what it is to what it should be”.

Obaseki frowned at those he called apostles of the old order, who know nothing about the new, stressing that the world is changing, and Nigeria must change alongside.

He applauded Momodu for taking up the challenge to contest, adding that time has passed when everyone sits in the comfort of his house and ‘comment and lament’ without doing anything.

“I want to congratulate you as it is not only those who have amassed so much wealth or has been in the corridors of power have the prerequisite to contest. You have given me joy. I am your governor and your leader, so I have no choice but to support you. If I don’t, how do I expect other people to support you. You are our own product…many more of us will come. And it will only help us towards producing an Edo president,” he said.

Earlier, Aare Momodu had outlined his desire to return to his roots and run for the presidency as major reasons he visited, stating that he is better qualified that anyone who has so far thrown his hat in the ring for the same purpose.

Also speaking while responding to questions from reporters, Momodu expressed confidence that he is picking the presidential ticket, and nothing other than the ticket is his plan A and B.

He noted that he is not a ‘serial contester’ and advised those who he said has been contesting in the last 30 years to take a break.

OBA OF BENIN GIVES HIS BLESSINGS, ADVISES UNITY OF THE NATION 

As part of the consultation and familiarisation tours, Momodu paid a courtesy call on the paramount ruler of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, in his palace.

Receiving the presidential hopeful and his entourage, the revered Oba pledged the peace and mercy of God on all Nigerians as they find unity, saying the right person to lead the country is that person that will unify her.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Ovation Media Group and seasoned philanthropist, has intimated the Oba of his intention to run for the presidency of Nigeria come 2023, saying that it is imperative that someone, who has the interest of the nation at heart; someone who has traversed the length and breadth of the country should be given the opportunity to lead the nation.

“The nation has been in long search for unity, and needs the one person that has made friends across the nation and beyond to be the unifying factor. I have decided not to comment from the sideline but join the fray to rescue our dear country as president. Unity is what this nation lacks most, and I am that person that came bring about the unity with your support,” Momodu told the Oba.

In his response, which was accompanied with prayers for the presidential aspirant and his entourage, the Oba said that the country’s challenge is lack of unity, coupled with human trafficking, noting that Nigeria needs the person that could be bring these scourges to an end. He agreed that these can happen if Nigerians all agree to work together as one entity. And as a result, needs someone who would lead the people to such agreement.

MOMODU MOTIVATES STUDENTS OF IGBINEDION EDUCATION CENTRE

The PDP chieftain and presidential aspirant, Momodu, made an indelible stopover at the home of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, whose family threw the doors of their homes open for aspirant, pledging total support. Momodu further paid a courtesy call at the Igbinedion Education Centre, where he inspired and motivated the students with the story of his life, career choice and while they should pay attention to their studies, informing that that his government, when he becomes the president in 2023, will not give freebies to politicians and as many that will work under him as aides or officials in other to curb wastages and rescue the country’s dwindling economy.

Responding to the questions raised by the students on curbing excessive borrowings and rescuing Nigeria’s comatose-like economy, Momodu said that his government will consciously avoid waste by doing away with politicians and hangers-on whose stock in trade and source of livelihood are just about politics, noting that there is nothing wrong with borrowing except when it is borrowed for the wrong reasons.

“I must tell you that there is nothing wrong with borrowing. The only wrong thing is not utilising the borrowed fund appropriately and for what it was meant for. This government is in the business of settling politicians with borrowed funds, thereby leaving behind matters of interest to settle.

“My government will not give freebies to politicians and government officials. We will ensure that government is about those who will do the job, and not those whose only intention is to come and eat,” Momodu emphasised.

Momodu visited the school on the invitation of the Deputy Chairman of the Igbenedion Education Centre, Mrs Cherry Igbenedion, to inspire the students on resilience and career choice.

Public opinion maintains that as at the present, Momodu remains the most acceptable aspirant gunning for the presidential seat come 2023.