According to a post on Instagram on Sunday, December 7, 2025, ADC Chieftain Dele Momodu has narrated how a last-minute change of travel plans prevented him and his companions from being on the road during the coup that erupted in the Benin Republic. Momodu explained that he and Rotimi Obey, the second son of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, had arranged to travel by road from Lagos to Accra early in the morning. He stated that all preparations had been made and that Rotimi had gone to bed early ahead of their planned 5 a.m. departure.
According to Momodu, an unexpected setback occurred when he asked for the originals of his vehicle documents. He said his driver informed him that he only had the copies. He added that he searched his office in Victoria Island and later checked another office in Ikoyi but was unable to locate the documents. He said he then contacted Rotimi at 10:38 p.m. to propose switching to air travel, and Rotimi agreed.
Momodu noted that his Beninese friend and mentee, Alex Dalmeida, had already arrived in Lagos to accompany them through the French-speaking borders. He stated that he phoned him at 23:02 to cancel the planned trip. He recounted that he subsequently contacted his travel consultant, Precious, to arrange flights. Momodu said she secured tickets for them at 11:15 p.m. He explained that it was at the airport that they learned of the coup in the Benin Republic, adding that they “barely missed it by the whiskers.”
He quoted reports stating, “Soldiers led by Lieutenant Pascal Tigri announce that they have taken over the country.” The reports also indicated that all political parties had been suspended and that land, sea, and air borders had been shut. Momodu cited further updates describing Benin as “one of West Africa’s most peaceful countries.” He also shared another report stating, “The Benin’s President changed the constitution just last month to allow him extend his presidential term, this morning the military has overthrown him.”
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