How I Escaped Being Caught In Benin Republic Following Coup Attempt - Dele Momodu Reveals

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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A post shared by AARE DR DELE MOMODU (@delemomoduovation)