Prominent journalist and publisher Chief Dele Momodu has sharply criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose over recent remarks about poor families. Fayose, during an interview with Channels TV on Monday, suggested that poor men with multiple wives and children are impeding Nigeria’s progress, based on his experiences in the North.
In response, Momodu questioned whether the real threat to the nation is the poor man with many dependents or the politician who squanders public funds on lavish lifestyles, including expensive private jets and multiple high-maintenance relationships. He argued that the latter may be more destructive.
Momodu further challenged the notion that the poor are less productive, contrasting their contributions, such as farming to support communities, with the alleged corruption of politicians. He urged Fayose and others to recognize collective failures and seek a fundamental reset rather than engaging in blame-shifting.
In his statement, Momodu emphasized the need for national introspection and unity, concluding with a call for forgiveness and reflection.
