A fresh controversy has erupted involving Mr. Dele Momodu, former Director of Strategic Communications for the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Committee, who has vehemently denied owing ₦380,000 to a small food business in Abuja July 11, 2025
The allegation stems from a claim by a staff member of Black Diamond Kitchen, Ifeoma Obu, who accused Mr. Momodu of failing to pay for small chops supplied during the 2022 presidential campaign July 11.
The Debt Allegation: Small Business Suffers
In a video circulated on social media by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister.
Ifeoma Obu stated that Momodu contracted Black Diamond Kitchen to provide small chops and waiters for a political event in Abuja.
According to Obu, the food was delivered, but payment has not been made since 2022.
Obu said, “Up till date, there is no sign of payment.
My boss just contacted me yesterday that I should make this video and I would be glad if the payment is made.”
This public plea highlights the dire situation small businesses face when debtors fail to honor their commitments.
Impact on Black Diamond Kitchen and Staff
The debt has reportedly devastated the small food business.
Lere Olayinka revealed that Samson Ayinde, the owner of Black Diamond Kitchen, has seen his business collapse due to unpaid debts like this one.
Moreover, Ifeoma Obu, the staff member who managed the transaction, has relocated to her village, presumably due to the financial strain caused by the unpaid bill.
Olayinka has personally paid ₦200,000 of the ₦380,000 owed, urging Momodu to settle the remaining ₦180,000 within one week.
He warned that if the balance remains unpaid, he would cover it himself to clear Momodu’s name from the business’s list of debtors.
Dele Momodu’s Fiery Rebuttal
Momodu has dismissed the allegations outright.
He described the accuser as someone “having mental issues” and accused the food vendor of attempting to scandalize him.
He claimed never to have met Ifeoma Obu or even visited Black Diamond Kitchen in Abuja.
In a statement, he urged the vendor to take legal action if the claim were true, framing the entire episode as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
This defensive posture raises questions about accountability and the treatment of small vendors by prominent figures.
A Broader Reflection on Political Campaign Debts
This incident exposes a troubling trend where political operatives and campaign officials allegedly exploit small businesses during election seasons, only to leave debts unpaid.
The collapse of Black Diamond Kitchen symbolizes the harsh consequences of such financial negligence.
Small vendors often operate on thin margins, and unpaid debts can mean the difference between survival and ruin.
The fact that a senior political figure like Momodu faces such accusations is a stark reminder of the disconnect between political elites and grassroots businesses.
Who Bears Responsibility?
The story also reveals the role of intermediaries like Lere Olayinka, who has stepped in to pay part of the debt.
While his intervention is commendable, it underscores the failure of the debtor Momodu to fulfill his obligations voluntarily.
This raises uncomfortable questions about ethics and responsibility among political campaign staff.
If debts are not honored, who else suffers?
The answer is clear: small business owners and their employees, often the most vulnerable in the economic chain.
The Human Cost Behind Political Campaigns
Beyond the monetary figure, the ₦380,000 debt allegation tells a human story of hardship.
Ifeoma Obu’s relocation to her village suggests the personal toll of financial instability caused by unpaid bills.
The collapse of Black Diamond Kitchen reflects the broader economic damage that unpaid debts inflict on small enterprises.
Political campaigns should not become a breeding ground for exploitation.
When prominent figures like Momodu allegedly shirk their financial responsibilities, it undermines trust and perpetuates inequality.
Accountability and Transparency Needed
This controversy calls for greater accountability from political actors.
Debts owed to small businesses must be settled promptly to protect livelihoods.
Public figures should lead by example, showing respect for the vendors who support their campaigns.
Dele Momodu’s outright denial and personal attack on the accuser do little to clarify the situation.
Instead, it fuels suspicion and controversy, making it imperative for transparent investigation and resolution.
