A public feud has erupted among three prominent Nigerian figures following comments by publisher Dele Momodu about former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The dispute began with a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter) by Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine. He alleged that Fani-Kayode was preparing a contingency plan, described as a “Plan B,” should he not receive a political appointment from President Bola Tinubu. Momodu further claimed Fani-Kayode was seeking support from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar through intermediaries, characterizing him as a “fish out of water” when outside government.
Fani-Kayode responded forcefully on his own X account. He dismissed Momodu’s claims with personal criticism, referring to him with derogatory terms and suggesting Momodu was emotionally unstable. Fani-Kayode defended his political relevance, stating he had been involved in national power structures for over 30 years and was born into political circles. He also attacked Momodu’s career, referencing his past association with the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and his short-lived presidential bid, while asserting his focus was on national service.
In a separate post, Reno Omokri also targeted Momodu, calling him “too immature for politics” and advising him to concentrate on entertainment. Omokri directly refuted Momodu’s implication that he had sought private reconciliation, stating he never did. He recounted a previous call where he advised Momodu on health precautions related to frequent travel. Omokri highlighted his endorsement by President Tinubu, state governors, senators, and a federal minister, contrasting this with Momodu’s background and suggesting he lacked the resilience required for political discourse.
The exchange highlights the sharp personal and political divisions within sections of Nigeria’s elite, particularly among those aligned with or jockeying for position within the current administration. The public nature of the insults underscores the intense competition and lack of consensus among former allies and associates. The confrontation may reflect broader tensions regarding appointments and influence in President Tinubu’s government, with each figure staking a claim to relevance and access to power.
