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The Magic of Joseph and Jacob, and Modakeke Edifices: The Dele Momodu Legacies

Published

10 months ago

June 10, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The cities of Modakeke in Osun State and Ihievbe, in Edo State, will never be the same again as the influential Chairman of Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu, added a touch of class and magic to their ambience with the construction two Dubai-styled two magnificent and exquisite family homes in the two states.

The imposing mansions, unveiled to commemorate the 65th birthday of accomplished journalist, Dele Momodu, are situated at Ihievbe in Edo State and at Modakeke in Osun State. With these, Aare Dele Momodu has proven without doubt that one can be successful irrespective of family background leveraging on his consistency, determination, prayers and the grace of God.

The Modakeke home is an expansive edifice beautifully built for the comfort of residents and has a mausoleum dedicated for his deceased father and an area for church purposes included.

Speaking on the reasons behind the project, Aare Dele Momodu expressed gratitude to God and his family in Modakeke whom he has built the magnificent home for in appreciation for raising and taking good care of him since his father’s passing.

He said, “My biological father was buried outside but today, this man seated here is my father. If you are happy and grateful to God, you will cry, people think these are tears of pain but they are tears of gratitude and joy. When my father died, we were living in Ore in Benin side. He got this land after they chased him from his original land as they began constructing the road, so they gave him money as compensation and he bought this land but unfortunately, he passed on.

“I was 13 when my brother was abroad, he was my greatest inspiration. When people say I write well, I only said thank you. I started living with him at age of 16 when he came back from America after completing his PhD in 1975. I used his name to brag everywhere that in our family, we are family of scholars. I lived with Mama Adeniran of the blessed memory, and she took care of me and I kept praying within myself that one day, I will make this place (Modakeke), a place of worship and I want to tap blessings from this family and today, I believe we have achieved that.

“In Nigeria, a lot of people have lost hope and believe that every politician is doing some magic of stealing money, and I have never been involved in that.”

He revealed that the completion of the beautifully built houses in Edo and Osun States was through the help of God and his cousin Friday Arogha, who is also a builder in Lagos, adding that he has learnt discipline from his family and whoever has discipline and is determined and consistent, can conquer the moon.

He went further to pay glowing tribute to the builder, who fits the description of Man Friday for his thoughtfulness, loyalty, and above all, prudence in the management of resources to see to the successful completion of the project.

“My cousin Friday saw to the building of this mansions from start to finish, including the fittings and furnishings, and is worthy of celebrating,” Momodu said.

Arriving at his Ihievbe mansion in Edo State, Momodu flanked and ably supported by family members, was warmly welcomed and received by the people of the community, comprising men, women and children, who sang praises to God, and to their successful son, Momodu.

The reception did not only concentrate on heartfelt songs, but considered more of sumptuous dishes, elaborate dances and free flow of beverages to the satisfaction of guests and well wishers.

Describing the project as a symbolic return to his hometown and a personal milestone decades after the death of his father, Momodu wrote via his social media handles: “THIS IS NOT BANANA ISLAND LAGOS BUT MY COUNTRY HOME IN IHIEVBE, OWAN EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, EDO STATE…

“This is a journey of about 52 years since my Dad passed on.

“Today is the first time I’m stepping into the house my cousin built for me in absentia… From Foundation to Completion, I never visited here. I only gave instructions and paid intermittently in trickles.

“I fixed the concrete Road and the solar powered street lights, painted the entire street, trying to replicate the White House in Washington DC. Please, don’t laugh…IHIEVBE is no longer a village but a township in Lagos.

Momodu

“Massive thanks to the uncommon builder, FRIDAY AROGHA, my cousin who made this magic possible… And MRS SIMI ALEGBE, who decorated the property so brilliantly for a befitting retirement from the hustle and bustle of Lagos…”

Momodu’s 45 years of steadfast hardwork and professionalism has paid off as he has other property in Lagos, Ibadan, Oyo State, Accra, Ghana and London, United Kingdom.

Featured

2027: ADC’ll Lose Presidential Poll If Obi is Not Fielded, Fayose Warns

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Eric

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will lose the 2027 elections if a former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is not on the party’s ticket.

Fayose made the remark while also assessing the performance of President Bola Tinubu in office.

He spoke on Sunday at the PDP’s national convention holding in Abuja.

“I’m happy with what Asiwaju is doing. You don’t have to have 100 percent of any issue before you are said to be doing well; but when you relate our past with our present, he is not doing well,” the former governor said.

On the opposition, Fayose suggested that the ADC’s chances depend heavily on Obi’s participation.

“I told you that if Obi is not on the ballot of ADC, that is the end of ADC. It looks like now that Obi will not; Atiku will get the ticket,” he stated.

He also cast doubt on Obi’s political path ahead of the election.

“It’s impossible for him to go back to the Labour Party. Obi is a good guy; he’s a fantastic guy, but to become the president at this time is difficult,” Fayose added.

Featured

Wike-led PDP Faction Holds Convention, Reelects Abdulrahman, Anyanwu

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

Eric

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has re-elected Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu as national chairman and secretary, respectively.

The duo secured their positions by consensus on Sunday during the faction’s elective national convention held at the Velodrome of Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

The affirmed officers include Aaron Chukwuemeka (Deputy National Chairman, South), Yusufu Nya Akirikwen (SAN) (Deputy National Chairman, North), Kolawale Olabisi (Deputy National Secretary), Odeyemei Mackson Oladiran (National Treasurer), and Lado Dan Marke (Deputy National Treasurer), among others.

Also listed are Eyim Donatus Henry, Dr Grema Kyari, Umar Mohammed Bature, Efere Augustine, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, Egwu Goodluck Chidiebere, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Barr. Aloysius Chinemelu U. Uba, Osuoha Okechukwu Donatus, Dr Adaba Yatu, Ibrahim Bala Aboki, and Momoh Dejih Eugene Bashir, while Professor Ogunshe Adedayo and Hauwa Ahmed Shinge serve as National Women Leader and Deputy National Women Leader, respectively.

Featured

Tinubu Celebrates ‘Low-Key’ 74th Birthday Amid Economic, Security Challenges

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated his 74th birthday in a low key in line with his tradition of marking the day based on the mood of the country.

In a special birthday message issued on Sunday morning to mark his birthday, the President emphasised that “consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.”

Tinubu, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity given him to serve the nation thanked Nigerians for their show of love and prayers on his birthday.

The President assured that his administration will build a brighter future for Nigerians and generations yet unborn.

He also vowed to overcome challenges facing the nation with continued support of the Nigerian people.

The 11-paragraph special birthday message stated as follows:

“My dear fellow Nigerians,

“Today, as I clock another year on the journey of life, I’m filled with joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great nation. I want to take this moment to thank Nigerians for their messages, show of love and prayers on the occasion of my 74th birthday. I thank all our citizens for their patriotism, solidarity and support for our administration.

“To those who have taken space in newspapers or paid for air time on radio and television to wish me well, I thank you immensely.

“I must thank my wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for her kind and loving words. I also thank Vice President Kashim Shettima for all he said about me.

“Consistent with my tradition of marking my birthday in line with the mood of the nation, I resolved to observe this year’s birthday low-key.

“As I mark this special day, I am reminded of the challenges we’ve faced since we initiated our reforms. I’m glad that our sacrifices have not been in vain, as we can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, despite the temporary setback caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

“The credit for the positive outcomes we have achieved does not belong solely to me, our Renewed Hope team, or our government. We achieved the gains together.

“As we march towards the third anniversary of our administration, it is my deepest conviction that we shall succeed in building a brighter future for our citizens and future generations.

“We are determined to confront some of the challenges we face today, and with your continued support, we shall overcome.

“Let us continue to work together to build a stronger, prosperous and more resilient nation that will make Nigeria the pride of Africa.

“Thank you all, and happy 74th birthday to me!”