Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu is currently in the middle of a messy online feud with a small business owner over an alleged unpaid debt of ₦380,000 for small chops supplied during the 2022 election campaign season.
The claim, brought forward by Ifeoma Obu, a staff member of Black Diamond Kitchen, alleges that Momodu contracted their services during his time as Director of Strategic Communications for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign. The job reportedly involved supplying small chops and providing wait staff for a political event in Abuja.
Interestingly, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, confirmed the story — revealing that he has personally paid ₦200,000 out of the ₦380,000 debt.
In his defense, Dele Momodu strongly denied knowing the business or being involved in any such deal.
In a viral video seen by DAILY POST, Ifeoma Obu called out Momodu, saying:
“In 2022, Dele Momodu contacted us for small chops and services for a political event. The food was delivered, and waiters were present. Till today, we’ve received nothing. My boss asked me to make this video in hopes of finally getting paid.”
The situation sparked outrage online, with many sympathizing with the struggling business. Obu claimed the outstanding payment nearly crippled the small catering brand, while she herself has since relocated to her village due to financial hardship.
“I’ve paid part of the debt because small businesses are collapsing due to issues like this,” Olayinka said. “If the balance of ₦180,000 isn’t paid within a week, I’ll cover it too, just to clear Momodu’s name.”
He added that Samson Ayinde, owner of Black Diamond Kitchen, has suffered major business setbacks due to the outstanding payment.
“I don’t know any Black Diamond Kitchen in Abuja. The only Black Diamond I know is at Eko Hotels. If they believe I owe them, they should go to court. This is clearly an attempt to smear my name,” he told DAILY POST.
He also questioned the logistics of the claim, stating:
“How can I, someone with a full team, be contracting food vendors directly? It doesn’t make any sense. This is pure character assassination.”
Despite his firm denial, the owner of Black Diamond Kitchen insists that Momodu was present during the 2022 event and that the services were delivered in good faith with no upfront payment — only verbal assurance.
“We did everything on trust. He sent someone and even showed up himself. We chased payment for months but gave up. Now that someone stepped in to pay, I feel relief.”
