By Eric Elezuo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has declared that the desires of Aare Dele Momodu as regards his intentions for the 2023 presidential election, will be manifested. The Ooni, who is also the head of Obas in the entire Yoruba race, also said that he will use his throne to pray for Momodu for the realization of his heart desires.

The Ooni made these remarks when Momodu, who is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), paid him a courtesy call in his palace Saturday.

Speaking in Yoruba, the Ooni declared Momodu as a symbol of hard work and diligence, noting that emulating the aspirant will surely lead one to success at the end. He traced the trajectory of the chairman/CEO of the Ovation Media Group, whose brand keeps making waves across the globe, from his early childhood and as a child whose father left when he was only 13, saying that for any determined person, nothing shall be impossible.

The Oodua of the Source warned that nobody should look down on the veteran journalist, as he has conquered many terrains in life, adding that his courage and daring attitude can fetch him all he ever desire.

Consequently, the Ooni unleashed prayers from the bottom of his heart upon the celebrated Nigerian, who was accompanied on the journey by his wife, Yeye Aare Mobolaji Momodu and a host of associates drawn from across all walks of life.

“Nobody should underrate Dele Momodu cause he is destined to achieve what he has set his mind to achieve. I will pray for you with this throne,” Ooni said.

Earlier in his speech, Momodu has appreciated the Ooni for honouring him with his presence, tracing how as a typical Ife citizen with Edo blood, has lived all his life in Ife.

He narrated how he attended Local Authority Primary School in Ile-Ife, for his elementary education, before proceeding to Saint John’s Secondary School where he wrote his West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams, and then to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language.

The reception was spiced by performances by palace dancers to honour the presidential aspirant.

Dele Momodu had in October 2021 declared his Intention to pitch tent with the PDP, and subsequently announced that he will be contesting the presidential seat in 2023.

Earlier in February, the aspirant undertook an audacious homecoming tour to his roots in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, where he integrated with his people, receiving the anointing of his Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in the quest for the presidency.

Aare Momodu has Kick-started the presidential sensitisation tour of Osun State with an emotional visitation to the gravesides of his mother, Mrs Gladys Arike Momodu in her Gbongan, Osun State, and father, Pa Jacob Momodu in Modakeke also in Osun State.

The celebrated journalist was received by a crowd of well wishers and villagers, who trooped out in their numbers to welcome the ‘son of the soil’.

On arrival at the separate gravesides, which were made more attractive, and adorned with modern marbles and decorations, brief services were conducted with Bible reading, hymns and short exhortation in addition to eulogies to the memory of the departed.

In his speech, Momodu reminded the gathering how his mother, who died in 2007, showed him the way of life through steadfast academic training.

We’ll Support You, Olufi of Gbongan Tells Momodu

The team thereafter, left for the Olufi of Gbongan’s palace, where he was given a royal welcome.

Addressing his majesty, Momodu reiterated that he was not interested in becoming a senator, Minister or any other position in the electoral or appointment process, but the president, which he said is meant for someone cerebral and with the interest of the nation at heart.

Dele Momodu said time has come for people like him to quit sitting on the fence, and take up the mandate to rescue the nation from imminent collapse.

Responding, the Olufi of Gbongan, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi 1, who spoke in Yoruba, pledged his support and that of his kingdom for Dele Momodu, and his presidential ambition.

“We will support you. You are our own and we believe in your abilities,” Olufi submitted.

Also present at the meeting was Chief Ezekiel Fatoye, who is Chief Momodu’s major benefactor.

The People of Modakeke Are Solidly Behind You – Oba of Modakeke

During his visit to the ancient city of Modakeke, Momodu was thronged by a crowd of supporters, including PDP stalwarts and members, who sang his praises, urging him on as the best the country can offer at the moment.

In his speech, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Moses Oladejo Oyediran, who hails from Ajombadi Compound in Modakeke, advised Momodu to always document his ambitions in a diary because they will all come to pass. He reiterated his support, and said the entire kingdom is solidly behind his ambition.

Dele Momodu is a Thoroughbred Nigerian – Prof Ogunbodede, OAU VC

The Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, has said that Aare Momodu is a thoroughbred Nigerian, who has taken it upon himself to become a symbol of educational inspiration to the young ones.

Speaking when Momodu paid him a courtesy visit in the University premises, Ogunbodede said the university is proud to have Momodu as an alumnus of the institution, and prayed that every product of the university will occupy the best of positions in the country.

He said that periodically, the school has used Momodu as a case study to advise students as regards course of study, saying that anyone can be anything he wants to be, noting that having studied Yoruba Language, Momodu still became what God wanted him to be.

In her remarks, the Registrar of the institution, Prof Margaret Idowu Omosule reiterated the VC’s assertion as regards Momodu’s status as a veritable reference point in career guidance, saying the aspirant’s personality has helped the school in admonishing students for career choice.

The highlight of the visit was the decoration of Momodu as an alumnus, and presentations of gifts to him.