Just Like That:Dele Momodu Is 65!
By Femi Akintunde-Johnson
How time dances past! It feels like only yesterday we were teasing “Bob Dee” for hitting the big 6-0. Now, here we are – on 16th of May, 2025, the ever-animated, irrepressible Ayobamidele Abayomi Ajani Ojutelegan Momodu clocked 65!
Permit me a moment of nostalgia. I still recall with clarity our early camaraderie – two wordsmiths lured by lofty dreams and late-night ideas, often fuelled by nothing more than bread from Wonderloaf and the warm company of kindred spirits. Dele, always the dreamer and doer, seemed to operate with an internal generator that never ran out of fuel – a burst of energy, ideas and ambition. He wore his passions like his signature Ankara jumpers – boldly, proudly, without apology.
Many knew Dele before our paths crossed in the late ’80s – from his days at Ife where his “madness” (in the most affectionate sense) earned him the nickname Dele Mad. That “madness” was simply an unrelenting drive to rise, to conquer poverty, and to live life with flair. Whether quoting obscure Yoruba proverbs or cracking ribald jokes with his trademark grin, Dele was always an experience.
Our journeys intersected professionally at Classique magazine under the legendary MEE (May Ellen Ezekiel), and later at FAME Weekly where he played an integral part in our early planning sessions. Though he never laid claim to boardroom titles, he was always right there – writing, thinking, connecting, building. And when the time came, he moved on, founding Ovation International, a platform that would spotlight Africa’s brilliance with an audacity few dared at the time.
What many don’t see is the kindness behind the flamboyance. I’ve witnessed it – in silent acts of generosity, in timely support, in that uncanny ability to call just when life gets stormy. Dele gives, and he gives big – laughter, love, opportunity.
Of course, we’ve disagreed. Sparred even. I once flayed him on air for veering Ovation into ‘Owambe alley’ after its glorious run of thought-provoking journalism. He took it with grace, as always – no grudges, just a chuckle and a handshake. That’s the thing about Dele – he takes life in stride. Through the chaos of NADECO days, political headwinds, exile, comebacks, and campaigns, the man has remained… well, Dele.
So, here’s to 65 years of grace, gumption, and good humour. You’ve earned your stripes, dear Bob Doo. May your laughter remain loud, your heart ever generous, and your pen forever potent.
Raise a glass, my friends – to the Rain-Catcher, the Storyteller, the Bridge-Builder… Gbogbo ará kìkì ìjà!
Belated Happy 65th, Dele. Just like that… and still going strong.
