By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Veteran journalist and media entrepreneur, Chief Dele Momodu, has responded to the growing public outrage over his omission from the list of Nigerians honoured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
Dele joined MKO Abiola’s presidential campaign in 1993 and was later arrested after the annulment of the June 12 election. Even with his arrest, he was undettered.
He got arrested again in 1995 and charged with treason for alleged involvement with Radio Freedom. Then he later escaped detention by disguising himself as a farmer and fleeing to Benin Republic, then onward to Togo, Ghana, and the UK.
In a statement posted on his social media page, on Wednesday, Momodu said he disagreed with those accusing President Tinubu of deliberately excluding him from the June 12 National Honours list, noting that it remains the prerogative of any government to decide whom it wishes to recognise.
“Honorary awards are endless and can be given now, later, or never. There are well-deserving heroes whose names were clearly omitted,” Momodu stated.
The founder of Ovation International recalled his long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, particularly during and after the June 12, 1993 elections.
He described his personal and professional achievements post-exile as a form of divine compensation.
“June 12, 1993 has been extremely kind to me… I returned from exile with so many goodies as ordained by almighty God, including the global brand, Ovation International, a second address and citizenship in the UK, a third address in Ghana, worldwide fame and acclaim,” he said.
In a striking remark, Momodu said he would have felt embarrassed to be honoured by an administration he believes is undermining the very ideals of democracy the June 12 anniversary is meant to celebrate.
“I would have been embarrassed to be recognized by a regime that’s unapologetically trampling on tenets of democracy and dangerously leading our dear beloved nation down the slope of dictatorship and full-blown tyranny,” he said.
Still, he expressed personal regard for President Tinubu, calling him “my Big Brother and friend,” despite their political differences.
Momodu concluded by congratulating those who were honoured and thanked the President for what he described as an unintended favour.
“I wish to sincerely thank the President for rescuing me from what might have been misconstrued as compromise, arrogance, or disrespect,” he said.
The Presidential Honours List, released earlier in the day, recognised individuals who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic journey, but sparked criticism for notable omissions, including figures such as Momodu who were prominent voices during the military era.
