Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Photo Book, has come under fire from Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Olayinka accused Momodu of becoming obsessed with Wike, claiming he now sees the minister’s influence in nearly everything, including his dreams. He described Momodu’s condition as a case of psychosis and urged him to seek immediate rehabilitation before the situation worsens.
The response came after Dele Momodu made comments on a national television program questioning Wike’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, particularly around the June 12 movement. Momodu had asked where Wike was during the pro-democracy agitation and accused him of acting like a founding father of the country.
Reacting to this, Olayinka questioned Momodu’s own significance during Nigeria’s foundational periods. He argued that by Momodu’s logic, only those who fought for the nation’s independence or were part of the June 12 struggle have the right to comment on national affairs. He dismissed Momodu’s narrative, accusing him of exaggerating his role in the June 12 movement to gain personal benefits, including fleeing the country for self-preservation.
Olayinka further criticized Momodu’s use of the children of General Sani Abacha, the military ruler who jailed Moshood Abiola, as models in his photo book, saying that genuine activists would not glorify figures associated with the oppression of that era. He also accused Momodu of cozying up to military elites for content rather than advocating for real change.
He concluded by stating that people who allegedly used the struggle for personal promotion, rather than justice, should not impose themselves on the history of that movement.
