A public disagreement has erupted between a media publisher and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri over President Bola Tinubu leadership.

The clash started after Momodu appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday and compared Tinubu’s leadership style to that of former military ruler, Sani Abacha, a remark that drew sharp criticism from Fani-Kayode.

Reacting on his social media pages on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said he was disappointed in Momodu and urged him to step back from political commentary.

He described Momodu as “completely unhinged” and accused him of acting out of emotion rather than logic.

“Dele’s lies, duplicity, and shameless perfidy have finally been exposed,” Fani-Kayode said.

He added that Momodu was “badly diminished” and “a shadow of his former self.”

Fani-Kayode also defended his loyalty to Tinubu, saying, “Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign, but I have remained loyal and committed to him and his cause since then, and I have no apology for that either.”

He accused Momodu of hypocrisy, saying that even after benefiting from a long-standing relationship, Momodu did not support Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

“Unlike Dele, I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years… and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President,” he stated.

Fani-Kayode warned Momodu to be careful, saying, “He should stay in his lane, otherwise I will give him plenty to write about,” adding that comparing Tinubu to Abacha was wrong.

“For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong, and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is, both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail. He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster,” he added.

Momodu, responding on Thursday via X, fired back at Fani-Kayode and questioned his suitability for a diplomatic role.

“He went to Cambridge University… but became an enfant terrible, fighting anyone and anything in sight. All supplications and intercessions by friends and family on his behalf have failed to cure his strange malady,” Momodu wrote.

“And this is the man President Bola Tinubu is about to unleash on Germany as an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for God’s sake,” he said.

Momodu claimed Fani-Kayode had long expected a political appointment and had previously expressed frustration over delays. “Femi without power is like a fish out of water,” he added.

In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Fani-Kayode slammed Momodu for referencing his father and his educational background.

“Dele Momodu has got his knickers in a twist yet again. Poor soul. He is clearly tormented. He calls me a thug, speaks about my father and family, and claims that I wanted to work with Atiku even though I left PDP in 2021.

“No matter what you say about me, I have been active in the corridors of power for over 30 years,” he said.

He also criticised Momodu’s career and family background, saying, “All I know about you is that you were once a journalist, you followed Chief MKO Abiola around like a court jester and collected crumbs from him for much of your life.

“You became a hustler and a photographer after he was incarcerated, and you ran for President a number of years back and got only one vote, which came from your wife.

“Outside of this, I do not have your time. I have been called to serve my country once again, and that is where my focus lies. The only thing that matters is Nigeria.”

Earlier, Momodu had said that Fani-Kayode and Omokri had contacted him to reconcile after their past disagreements.

However, in a post via his X handle on Thursday, Omokri criticised Momodu, calling him “too immature for politics” and denying contacting him to reconcile.

“I have never reached out to you privately for reconciliation. NEVER. If you have evidence about that, please publicise it now.

“The last time you and I had an exchange, I did not reach out to you privately to arrange a settlement or ask for publicity, as you claimed. Rather, I called you to warn you to always travel with aspirin or any other blood thinner to avoid sudden death syndrome caused by frequent air flights.

“Dele, you should focus on hyping fading Big Brother contestants and leave politics to those with a thick enough skin to take barbs and give back in good measure,” Omokri wrote.

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King Charles III on Wednesday hosted President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at a state banquet in Windsor Castle.

The event was part of activities marking Tinubu’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, which is expected to boost bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The British monarch, delivering his speech in St George’s Hall, expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s rise, its people, and the nation’s influence in the UK.

He even closed with a flourish in Nigerian Pidgin that drew smiles from guests, saying, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” (Nigerians Never Come Last), as he proposed a toast to the President and people of Nigeria.

Here are 10 highlights from his speech:

Nigeria has arrived

Reflecting on his 2018 visit and earlier trips, the King said Nigeria “hasn’t merely changed… it has arrived.”

He described Nigeria as a nation of over 230 million people, half under 18, full of “energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve” to tackle global challenges.

Afrobeats, Nollywood, and Premier League stars

King Charles highlighted how Nigerian culture has enriched Britain, from Afrobeats in concert halls to Nollywood on screens.

He also mentioned Nigerian stars competing in the Premier League and adjudicating in courts.

The monarch said, “From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria.”

Nigeria as interfaith example and global leader

Praising Nigeria’s model of peaceful coexistence among faiths, he referenced support for Nigeria’s Quick Reaction Forces and aid in Northern Nigeria.

“This afternoon, I witnessed one such example of how we are learning from one another when we met leaders of the British Christian and Muslim communities.

“The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose,” King Charles said.

He described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice.”

Painful history between the two nations

The King addressed the “shadow” of shared colonial history.

“There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can.”

He, however, emphasised learning from history to build a better future.

Jollof rice

King Charles might have admitted Nigerians make the best Jollof rice in Africa, but he was diplomatic.

He shared a light-hearted anecdote about hosting a “rather lively group” of young Nigerians for a “Jollof and Tea” party at St. James’s Palace last week, joking diplomatically about the eternal Jollof debate.

“I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!”

Economic ties — Nigeria as UK’s biggest export market in Africa

The King highlighted growing investments, including Nigerian banks operating in the City of London, companies listing on the London Stock Exchange, and expanding tech partnerships.

He noted Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa in January 2026, with mutual tourism spending hitting £178 million each way in 2024.

“I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return.

“In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in U.K.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour,” he said.

Commonwealth pride and Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo wisdom

Quoting Yoruba (“rain does not fall on one roof alone”), Hausa (“when the music changes, so does the dance”), and Igbo (“Knowledge is never complete; two heads are better than one”) proverbs, the King endorsed expanding intra-Commonwealth trade and Nigeria’s central role.

He agreed with President Tinubu that the Commonwealth’s time “has come.”

Partnership of equals with deep spiritual bonds

The King described UK-Nigeria relations as a “partnership of equals” and a “deeply spiritual connection, beyond churches and mosques.”

He said the ties strengthen shared security, prosperity, and hope for the future.

Living bridge of Nigerians in the UK

He celebrated over half a million Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage thriving in Britain.

He described them as a “living bridge,” enriching UK culture across sectors including business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, arts, and public service.

‘Naija no dey carry last’

King Charles ended his speech with the popular Pidgin phrase, declaring, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” to applause and laughter.

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday stated that the country’s collaboration with the United Kingdom in addressing insecurity remained crucial, adding that he planned to discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism initiatives and challenges to regional stability during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday (today).

The President made the disclosure on Wednesday night at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, marking the first time a Nigerian leader has addressed a gathering at the historic British royal residence.

Wednesday’s dinner which began at 09:00pm (local time) was part of activities lined up for Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom.

On security cooperation, the President disclosed that he would discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability challenges during his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.

“In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow (today),” Tinubu said.

The President added that the United Kingdom provided him refuge during the military dictatorship of former head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha.

He said the Metropolitan Police placed his residence under surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the military junta.

In an expression of gratitude, Tinubu described the UK’s support during what he called “the dark years of military dictatorship” as deeply humbling, noting that the solidarity remains etched in Nigeria’s collective memory.

He said, “Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship.

“Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.”

The President’s comments refer to his years in exile during the military regime of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s, when he fled Nigeria as a pro-democracy activist and member of the National Democratic Coalition, which campaigned against military rule.

Tinubu was among several Nigerian pro-democracy activists who sought refuge in Western countries during the period, which was marked by severe human rights violations, including the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders in 1995.

In his speech at the banquet, which was attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, Tinubu emphasised the enduring bonds between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He described his appearance at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, as particularly historic, noting that he is the first Nigerian leader to speak at the venue.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic,” he stated.

The President traced the historical and institutional connections between both nations, noting that Nigeria’s courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law, while parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved in Britain over centuries.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic.

“Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law.

“Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries,” he said.

Tinubu also highlighted the significant contributions of the Nigerian diaspora community in the United Kingdom, particularly in the National Health Service.

“Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare.

“Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS,” he stated.

He cited sports personalities of Nigerian heritage who have excelled in the UK, including rugby player Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, as illustrations of the “remarkable human connection” between both countries.

He emphasised Nigeria’s role within the Commonwealth of Nations, describing the country as one of the largest nations within the 56-member organisation under King Charles III’s leadership.

“As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community,” he stated.

Despite security challenges, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the nation as one of “diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

He proposed a toast “to the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

The state visit, which runs from March 18 to 19, is the first by a Nigerian President to the UK in 37 years, with the last being in 1989 when former military President Ibrahim Babangida was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The visit is expected to result in several memoranda of understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation, including a £746m financing deal for the refurbishment of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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