It is 21 years since Nollywood superstar actor, Richard Mofe Damijo lost his first wife, May Mofe-Damijo (nee Ellen-Ezekiel) to complications related to fibroid surgery. The late May was the publisher of Classique Magazine, Editor of Quality Magazine and host of Mee & You Television Talk Show.
MEE (May Ellen Ezekiel) as she was fondly called was an amazing career woman, amiable talk-show host, mother and philanthropist whose affable personality endeared her to everyone who came across her.
It was no surprise then, when after her death on Saturday, March 23, 1996, RMD was quick to point out that she remained the great woman who polished him and helped his fledgling career.
As the people’s favourite actor stages a comeback to our screens after a long hiatus, Encomium.ng in this piece highlights some major changes in his life in the last 20 years.
1. MEE’s company collapsed
MEE’s publication, Classique Magazine, a publication that was doing pretty well before her untimely death disappeared from the newsstands shortly after her death.
2. RMD Floated Company, Whitewater
The Actor floated a PR outfit, Whitewater Ltd. with its office located at Ikeja, Lagos.
3. His acting career gained traction and he became a household name
RMD started acting heavily after May’s passing as he kept landing major roles back to back. Many still have fond memories of his roles in blockbuster movies such as Out of Bounds, Hostages, Diamond Ring, Private Sin and many more. Good times…
4. He remarried, tying the knot with Jumobi Adegbesan
He found love again in popular TV presenter, Jumobi Adegbesan and he wasted no time in tying the knot with her in year 2000, four years after MEE’s demise. Everyone agrees he loves Jumobi passionately after seventeen years of marriage. This was the post he wrote when they celebrated their 16th year wedding anniversary
Jumobi to the world, Aabike to me. The mother of my kids, love of my life, my rock, my shield, my baby, my woman, my everything. I want to say thank you but that’s not enough, I want to say I love you that’s still not enough, I want to say God bless you and that also seems inadequate for all you have been to me and the kids. You have kept me grounded, loved me unconditionally, prayed with me and for me and gone without to ensure I shine. You know how when close friends and family ask “How is bros?” and you respond with “He’s there, I still haven’t killed him in his sleep yet” they laugh at the humour but I smile with admiration because I know the truth. The truth is that you have consistently tolerated me and all my excesses and for that I am extremely grateful. I don’t know how I would have done all I have done and I’m doing without your support. Thank you for deliberately taking a back seat to make me shine. You know baby, God has put to shame those who said we wouldn’t last. It’s amazing how far we have come. 16years and counting ain’t bad is it now? Yea, I know they are not enough but I’ll still go ahead and say THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU and GOD BLESS YOU my ABK. Happy wedding anniversary baby.
5. He became a commissioner and served for two terms
RMD was appointed Commissioner For Culture & Tourism in Delta state where he served for two terms.
6. He shed weight significantly
HE caused a major stir in 2014 when pictures of him looking dangerously frail circulated on the internet, leaving many worried about his health. The din was so much that he had to explain the reasons for his new look. “I am not sick. I changed my lifestyle and lost weight and I am looking better than I have ever looked in my adult life.”
7. His son, OgheneKome got married
December 2013 produced one of RMD’s proudest moments as his son, Oghenekome Mofe Damijo got married to his beau, Eniola Oluwafunmilayo in a well attended ceremony. The handsome actor became a granddad in March, 2015 when his son and wife gave birth to a baby girl. Kome also welcomed a son some few days ago.
8. RMD became an ambassador for GLO
In 2014, telecoms giant, Globacom announced the signing of RMD alongside other top actors, including Pa Aluwe, Zebrudaya, Mr. Latin, Madam Kofo among others as the company’s brand ambassadors.
9. Slays Effortlessly In Collaborative Shoot With Nigerian Designer
Nigerian menswear designer, Temitayo Ilesanmi Nathan (T.I. Nathan) hooked up with the fashionable actor to tell a story that portrays the many sides of Mr Mofe-Damijo’s life and lifestyle. The result was a photoshoot that featured a line of bespoke pieces that convinced all that RMD could have become a successful international model if he had wanted to.
10. Staged a comeback to the screen with a major blockbusters
Fans of the superstar could hardly believe their ears when it was announced that their darling RMD was staging a major comeback to the screens via Africa Magic in a new telenovella, ‘Hush’. He has also been part of many blockbusters which include the “Wedding Party”, 30 Days in Atlanta, The Grudge etc
culled from Encomium
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