Monday, December 8, 2025 - Media personality Dele Momodu has recounted how a change of travel plans helped him narrowly avoid being caught in the unfolding coup attempt in Benin Republic, describing the experience as a moment of divine intervention.
In a detailed post shared on Saturday, December 6, Momodu
explained that he and his travel companion, Rotimi Obey, son of legendary
Nigerian musician Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, had planned to travel by road
to Accra, Ghana, through Benin early that morning, but a delay caused by
missing car documents forced a last-minute change to air travel.
In his words, Momodu wrote, “OUR GOD DID THIS FOR US… My
friend ROTIMI OBEY, the second son of legendary musician, CHIEF COMMANDER
EBENEZER OBEY and I were to head out to Accra, Ghana, by road, this morning.
All was set and ROTIMI went to bed early so that we can set out at 5am. But
something went wrong. Before going to bed, I asked my driver for the originals
of my car documents. He said he had only the copies with him. I searched the
Home Office in Victoria Island but I couldn't find it. I then went to the
Penthouse in Ikoyi to check my other office. Still no luck. So, I called ROTIMI
at 10:38 PM to give him the decision to fly instead of driving. He agreed.”
He also revealed that a Beninese friend, Alex Dalmeida, had
already arrived to accompany them across the French speaking borders, but was
subsequently informed that the road trip had been cancelled. “Meanwhile, my
Beninese friend and mentee, ALEX DALMEIDA, was already in town waiting to
accompany us through the French speaking borders. So I called him at 23:02 last
night to abort our road trip,” Momodu added.
Momodu said flight arrangements were secured shortly before
midnight, and it was only when they arrived at the airport that they became
aware of the political crisis unfolding in Benin Republic. “I called PRECIOUS,
my travel consultant, to check available flights. She got us tickets at
11:15PM. It was at the airport we received the news of the coup in Benin
Republic… We barely missed it by the whiskers…,” he wrote.
Quoting early reports on the takeover, Momodu added,
“Soldiers led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri announce that they have taken over the
country. They have suspended all political parties and announced the closure of
land, sea and air borders. Benin is one of West Africa's most peaceful
countries.” He further noted the political backdrop to the upheaval, stating,
“The Benin’s President changed the constitution just last month to allow him
extend his presidential term, this morning the military has overthrown him.”
He wrote:
"OUR GOD DID THIS FOR US...
My friend ROTIMI OBEY, the second son of legendary musician,
CHIEF COMMANDER EBENEZER OBEY and I were to head out to Accra, Ghana, by road,
this morning. All was set and ROTIMI went to bed early so that we can set out
at 5am. But something went wrong. Before going to bed, I asked my driver for
the originals of my car documents. He said he had only the copies with him. I
searched the Home Office in Victoria Island but I couldn't find it. I then went
to the Penthouse in Ikoyi to check my other office. Still no luck. So , I
called ROTIMI at 10:38 PM to give him the decision to fly instead of driving.
He agreed.
Meanwhile, my Beninese friend and mentee, ALEX DALMEIDA, was
already in town waiting to accompany us through the French-speaking borders. So
I called him at 23:02 last night to abort our road trip.
I called PRECIOUS, my travel consultant, to check available
flights. She got us tickets at 11:15PM. It was at the airport we received the
news of the coup in Benin Republic... We barely missed it by the whiskers...
"Soldiers led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri announce that
they have taken over the country. They have suspended all political parties and
announced the closure of land, sea and air borders. Benin is one of West
Africa's most peaceful countries."
"The Benin’s President changed the constitution just
last month to allow him extend his presidential term, this morning the military
has overthrown him."
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