Dele Momodu Reflects on His Exile Experience in Nigeria

Dele Momodu, CEO of Ovat International Magazine, shared his ordeal of crossing the Seme border on foot during the military regime of Sani Abacha from July 22, 1995, to 1998. He described the emotional weight of leaving his infant son beside his wife, feeling immense grief as he embarked on the dangerous journey alone.

Upon arriving in Cotonou, Benin Republic, he faced fresh uncertainty about his future. Momodu's exile was a pivotal moment that shaped his subsequent involvement in Nigerian public life, including founding Ovat Magazine.

He had been targeted for his support of pro-democracy movements and was accused of being behind Radio Freedom, which later became Radio Kudirat, advocating for MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. During his exile, he collaborated with fellow activists, including Bola Tinubu, to address human rights abuses and restore civilian rule in Nigeria.