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

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.

“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.