Dino Melaye is a name that resonates with many across Nigeria, not just for his political clout, but for his larger-than-life persona that blends prophecy, entrepreneurship, and even entertainment.
From his beginnings as a student activist to his time as a senator and gubernatorial aspirant, Melaye’s journey has been one of resilience and ambition.
As a man of many faces, he has built a reputation that stretches far beyond the political realm—transforming himself into a social media sensation, a musician, a vocal critic of corruption, and a successful businessman.
Known for his outspoken nature and a knack for stirring controversy, Melaye has carved an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
His story is one of ambition, struggle, and triumph — a testament to his enduring relevance in the ever-changing world of Nigerian politics writes JOHNNY EDWARD.
Dino Melaye, a prominent Nigerian politician, has built a multifaceted persona that spans politics, prophecy, business, comedy, music, and publishing.
Known for his colorful personality, Melaye hold an indelible spot on Nigeria’s political and social landscape. From his days as a student activist to becoming a senator and gubernatorial aspirant, his journey is a tale of ambition and resilience.
Melaye’s political career began with activism as the leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
He further cemented his presence in public service as Secretary General of the African Youth Council and the Commonwealth Youth Council.
His rise continued when he was appointed as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youths by former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Elected to the House of Representatives in 2007, Melaye represented the Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency. In 2015, he became a senator for Kogi West, succeeding Senator Smart Adeyemi. However, his senatorial career faced challenges, as Adeyemi reclaimed the seat in 2019.
THE PROPHET
Melaye has had tough times battling several political opponents but the one that will go down in history is his clash with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
He made several public statements criticising Bello and one of the most notable claims he made was predicting that the erstwhile governor would end up in jail after his eight year tenure.
His prophecy about Bello facing legal troubles after his tenure drew national attention and came to pass when the former governor was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on charges of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion on November 26.
He accused Bello of corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of office. He has frequently called for accountability and has been outspoken about the alleged misdeeds of the former Kogi governor.
His comments about Bello potentially facing jail time are often framed within the context of his belief that Bello’s governance has been fraught with corruption and legal issues.
The case underscores the intense political dynamics in Kogi State.
MOST POPULAR POLITICIAN
Beyond politics, Melaye has established himself as Nigeria’s most-followed politician on Instagram, with 3 million followers as of December 5, 2024.
This milestone places him ahead of prominent figures like President Bola Tinubu (1 million) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (885k).
Others are Yemi Osinbajo with 984k followers and Peter Obi completes the top five most followed politicians in Nigeria – with 958k thousand followers, among others.
His online presence reflects his popularity among Nigeria’s youth.
See Full List:
10 Most Followed Politicians On Instagram
1: Dino Melaye – 3m
2: Bola Tinubu – 1m
3: Babajide Sanwo-Olu – 885k
4: Yemi Osinbajo – 984k
5: Peter Obi – 958k
6: Abubakar Atiku – 730k
7: Bukola Saraki – 661k
8: Seyi Makinde – 598k
9: Muhammadu Buhari – 515k
10: Gov Adeleke – 485K
THE MUSICIAN
Melaye’s flair for entertainment emerged in 2016 when he released the viral “Ajẹkú Iya”- a Yoruba proverb that states that if you confront someone bigger than you, you are bound to be badly beaten up.
He later appeared in a music video by rapper Kach, showcasing his opulent lifestyle. Kach, is the son of former Nigerian petroleum minister Ibe Kachikwu,
In the video, Melaye also does his signature dance routine of pulling down his eye-lids and staring at the camera in defiance of his critics.
The song Dino, named after him, features lyrics like “100 cars in the parking lot like I’m Dino”. The video shows rapper Kach pretending to eat dollar bills, displaying expensive cars, a mansion, jewellery and shoes.
Other lyrics in the song include: “Popping bottles in the club is nothing like I’m Dino” and “Dino Melaiye k’oshi mi o raye”, meaning “Get out, I don’t have time for this,” followed by the chorus “Dino, Dino, Dino”.
Melaye has also used music as a political tool. In 2020, he also released a song to criticise Ibrahim Magu, the former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In the song, Melaye said that karma is inevitable and that he had warned former President Muhammadu Buhari about Magu.
His ventures into music highlight his unconventional approach to public life.
Author and Publisher
In his book ‘Antidotes for Corruption’, Melaye highlighted Nigeria’s corruption history, its impact, and potential solutions.
The work critiques systemic corruption and advocates reforms, earning praise as a comprehensive exposé.
The first two chapters of the book gives the reader answers to these queries and satisfy every nagging curiosity. It probes the evolution of corruption; its development into a complex monster that has killed nations – and is threatening to kill Nigeria.
The book discovers that Africa has developed its own brand of corruption, with Nigeria more or less at the helm. Some of the other chapters in the book include Systematic Corruption With Impunity In Nigeria; How Developed Countries Corrupted Underdeveloped Countries; War Against Corruption In Nigeria; and How To Overcome Corruption.
The book goes on to proffer solutions to the scourge – to free Nigeria from its stranglehold and set her on the road to achieving her full potential.
This is arguably the most comprehensive study and expose on the phenomenon of corruption in Nigeria yet according to Babatunde Faniyan a Lagos-based author, publisher and communication consultant.
The Businessman
From humble beginnings, Melaye built his wealth through entrepreneurship. Starting with goat breeding to fund his education, he eventually invested in a McDonald’s franchise during a U.S. recession.
Despite his political prominence, he credits hard work and divine favor for his wealth.
Today, his business empire spans real estate and franchises, with an annual profit exceeding $1.2 million.
At 50, Melaye harbors aspirations of becoming Nigeria’s president, underscoring his belief in transforming the country through leadership and innovation. His story exemplifies the blend of grit, controversy, and charisma that defines his public life.
