Dele Momodu debunks death rumors of billionaire Mike Adenuga

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has refuted circulating reports claiming that Nigerian billionaire businessman, Mike Adenuga, has passed away.

Adenuga, the fifth-richest person in Africa according to Forbes, is the founder of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator with operations in Ghana and Benin Republic.

Rumors online suggested that Adenuga, 71, had died, prompting widespread reactions. However, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night, Momodu assured the public that the business mogul is alive and well. He disclosed that he had a phone conversation with Adenuga, who confirmed he remains an active contributor to Nigeria’s economy.

“Ignore the fake news… The Spirit of Africa DR MICHAEL ADENIYI AGBOLADE ISOLA ADENUGA is hale and hearty. He’s right now at his desk working round the clock in support of the Nigerian economy… He just called me to thank everyone for their concern,” Momodu tweeted.

Adenuga, who made his first million in 1979 at age 26 through trading lace and distributing soft drinks, is celebrated as one of Africa’s most prominent entrepreneurs. In 2007, he was named African Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural African Telecoms Awards (ATA). Additionally, in 2015, he made headlines with a $600 million bid to acquire Ivorian telecom operator Comium Côte d’Ivoire.