Dirt Speckles On A King: Trial Of Richard Mofe Damijo

jonathan

October 16, 2013 2:29 PM

Spotting a smile worthy of a benign ancient emperor, and a dual-coloured beard that bears testimony of his graceful senescence, Nollywood veteran idol and Delta State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism appeared dismissive of recent rumours about his embezzlement of N50 million.

Reported by a myriad of hasty national news and social media, Richard Mofe Damijo was alleged to have misappropriated public funds with a helpful hand from Mrs Philo Nkem Ajufo, a minion of his.

The headlines grew grave, as the media vultures, forever happy to encircle a dying prey and bide their time, fed full on the anticipation of swooping on a messy carcass. A hack or two might have stalked key EFCC offices, entertaining fancy thoughts about being the first journo to announce the apprehending of RMD, our kingly hero whose life had been dedicated in servitude of our household recreational needs. Who was a crucial fountain of delight to many a faint-hearted, weary or lost Nigerian soul.

And yet it festered. RMD did no service to his image by refusing to publicly discredit the attack on his lofty personality. Preferring to wallow in peaceful reclusive as the media dogs created a messy meal to the detriment of his lengthy years of reputation building. And so the merry-go-round of lies and intrigue spun at a pace worthy of besting Usain Bolt. Word exchanged custodians, whispers grew louder, screens lay crowded, and the printing houses turned up volumes of devastating paper work. Nothing like kicking a man when he’s down, right?

And so right it felt until the show began. The stage was set, the tickets speedily exhausted and the acts were all on alert. Glitterati and paparazzi fed off themselves. One providing accommodation for the other’s ego, while the other offered a means of essential livelihood. The Cream de la cream rolled in, congregating for a night of Iyanya’s spectre at the Expo Center, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. And there he was, with open arms, inviting their surprise.

Oh my! There he is! A paragon of class and refinement playing host to a motley crowd of the privileged. A calm and easy demeanour he bore, co-hosting with Toolz of OAP fame. Absent hounding journalists, absent EFCC detractors. Just peace and an atmosphere of delightful entertainment.

Show over. And he was stoic in adversity. Fingering his chief source of recent inconvenience, with a circumspect eye for the future.

“I won’t respond to Sahara Reports. When it’s time, I will. And I’m sure you know it’s not true”

And so he walks away, head held high in proclaimed innocence, his kingly robe of reputation still in brilliant white, save for temporary speckles of dirt. A politician he is. Although amongst a breed of deceit and depravity, he is set on a mission to be the exception to a decadent rule.

And I’ll put my last naira on his honour…

jonathan