In a surprising twist blending politics and puff-puff, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has stepped in to partially settle a food debt allegedly owed by veteran journalist and politician, Dele Momodu.
The drama unfolded after a viral video surfaced on Thursday, posted by Ifeoma Obu, a former staff of Black Diamond Kitchen Services, an Abuja-based catering outfit. In the video, she accused Momodu, then Director of Strategic Communications for the 2022 Atiku Presidential Campaign, of owing the business ₦380,000 for supplying small chops and waiters at a political event.
Obu claimed the unpaid debt crippled the business and forced her to relocate to her village due to pressure from her employer.
Enter Lere Olayinka, who announced via social media that he had transferred ₦200,000 to Samson Adura Ayinde, the business owner, at 9:23 pm on Thursday — in a move many interpreted as a public relations rescue mission.
“In 2022, during the Presidential Election Campaign, Egbon Dele Momodu contracted Black Diamond Kitchen to supply small chops worth ₦380,000,” Olayinka wrote. “I have paid ₦200k to reduce the burden. If Dele doesn’t pay the remaining ₦180k by next week, I’ll clear it myself. Ko ju bee lo.”
The gesture, though praised by some as noble, has also stirred controversy over accountability and reputation in political circles.
Reacting to the claims, Dele Momodu denied ever dealing with Black Diamond Kitchen or owing them money.
“This is a deliberate attempt to scandalize my name. I’ve never met or done business with them. They can go to court if they have a case,” Momodu said. “The only Black Diamond I know is owned by the Chagourys at Eko Hotel. Whoever made that video clearly has mental issues.”
The small chops scandal has since sparked widespread discussion online, with many calling it “Chop-Gate,” while others say Lere Olayinka has unknowingly paid a deposit for Nigeria’s first Party Snacks Tribunal.
Black Diamond Kitchen is yet to respond to Momodu’s denial, but observers say legal fireworks might just be heating up.
