Special Feature
See What MKO Abiola Told Richard Mofe-Damijo
Young Richard Mofe Damijo in the 80s.
Richard Mofe-Damijo relocated to Lagos nearly four decades ago full of lofty aspirations.
Since then, RMD, as the celebrated actor is better known, has dabbled in acting, journalism, politics and law.
That journey from Warri to Lagos has earned for him national fame and successes.
According to the veteran actor, “I am just a simple Warri boy that came to Lagos and found some fame and I am grateful for it.”
The University of Benin-trained thespian admitted that despite having high dreams, he never imagined accomplishing everything he has achieved in the last few decades.
RMD was a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 up until 2015.
To achieve these succeses was not actually a walk in the park. However, he said he never let the difficulties along the way stop him from realizing his goals.
Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo has managed to be in the headlines since 1989.
He initially gained national attention because of his role in the now-retired TV drama Checkmate.
In the series, which ran from 1991 to 1995, RMD starred as Segun Kadiri, the arch-enemy turned lover of Ann Haastrup, played by Ego Boyo.
His persona as a lover boy in the TV drama was hard to erase from the minds of his teeming fans.
Off-screen, rumors about him being a gold digger also surfaced.
The accusations began when he started dating the late Ms. May Ellen Ezekiel, a prominent journalist who was older than him. She was in the prime of her career at the time.
According to RMD, dealing with the rumours and slander was difficult.
The criticisms increased further as he planned his wedding to MEE.
However, it was the counsel of renowned businessman and politician, MKO Abiola that saw him through.
RMD stated that the late M.K.O. Abiola, provided him with support during those trying times with pearls of wisdom.
According to the actor, “Abiola said to me, it is better that when they wake in the morning, they are searching the newspapers to see what else you have done.
“Don’t be one of those who would go and search the paper to see what others are doing.
“So, make sure you give them stuff to think about every day,” he disclosed.
M.K.O. Abiola contested for the Nigerian presidency in 1993, for which the election results were annulled by then military president Ibrahim Babangida because of allegations that they were corrupt and unfair.
MKO Abiola died in 1998. Since his death, he had become an unexpected symbol of democracy in Nigeria.
