Media entrepreneur and politician Dele Momodu has shared his experience of struggling to find shelter while in exile in London in 1995 following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was a key ally of Moshood Abiola, recounted his ordeal during an interview on the latest episode of Deep Dive, a podcast hosted by Teju Babyface.

In response to the perception that exiles lived comfortable lives, Momodu clarified that his experience was far from glamorous.

He described his darkest moment as the time he and his family were unable to afford rent while living in a Nigerian woman’s home in London.

"I had the misfortune of renting a house from a hardworking Nigerian woman. I must give her credit because it is not easy for a lady working in London to buy a beautiful flat in Essex," he said.

"We were able to pay rent for some time, but eventually, we couldn’t afford it. I loved the place—it was beautiful. Then, one Sunday, she came with a Jamaican man, apparently intending to have me beaten up because I owed rent. Fortunately, my wife and kids had gone to church. Otherwise, there could have been a physical altercation because she started throwing our belongings into the garbage can. I was crying and begging her."

Momodu recalled that it was the woman’s cousin who intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.

"He called her name and told her, ‘You can't watch an older man like this, a very popular figure in his country, crying. If he had the money, he would pay.’ That saved me from a calamity that day. Eventually, we left, and I had to structure a repayment plan."

Momodu used his experience to encourage Nigerians abroad to reconsider their priorities, emphasizing that financial stability and opportunities exist in their home country.

He argued that with ₦30-40 million, a person could live comfortably and establish a thriving business in Nigeria.

"Instead of struggling abroad, Nigerians should consider returning home to start their own businesses, ranches, or farms," he suggested.

While acknowledging that living overseas may initially seem appealing, Momodu noted that the financial burden of paying bills can quickly become overwhelming.

"The reality is that having ₦30-40 million in Nigeria should not make anyone feel poor. That amount is enough to establish a proper business and secure financial independence," he concluded.




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