If you’re a Nollywood fan, you’ve probably heard of the legendary actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, famously known as RMD. The Nigerian movie industry reveres him for his talent, charm, and charisma. But did you know that the thespian had his fair share of challenges, including being labeled a gold digger during his first marriage to the accomplished Nigerian journalist, May Ellen Ezekial (MEE)? Let’s dive into this intriguing revelation that RMD shared during a recent interview “With Chude.”
RMD’s passion for the craft led him to the bustling city, where destiny had a love story waiting for him. He met the captivating May Ellen Ezekial, who was three years older than him, and sparks flew. They fell head over heels for each other and tied the knot.
In those pre-social media days, soft-sell magazines had their heyday, and unfortunately, RMD and MEE’s relationship faced scrutiny. Some people couldn’t understand their connection and resorted to labeling the movie star a gold digger. But let’s stop for a moment and think – how much does an editor in a quality magazine really make? RMD questioned these accusations and rightfully so.
During the interview, he shared a heartwarming memory of MEE telling him, “If you will not be afraid of the stares of older colleagues, come be my date.” It was a prophetic statement, as he believed that no man could make him feel inferior. Their love transcended age and societal expectations. He said:
“Because, hey I’m a Warri boy, I came into this town, all I wanted to do was act. So teach, get a teaching job somewhere, close at 2 O’clock, from there I hustle my life, you know that was all I wanted.
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“I met a beautiful woman a few years later; 3 years older than me. We got married and not in the age of Social Media – in the age of soft-sell magazines and she too was a Queen, just that on a different level and they just couldn’t understand. You know it was ironic, I’ll say it here but you’ll see it in my book at some point.”
“She says to me if you will not be afraid of the stares of older colleagues; that note was so futuristic. If you are not going to be afraid of the stares of senior colleagues and all that, come be my date to… I think it was an occasion at Nightshift at the time. I was like they’ve not given birth to that man who will make me feel inferior in this world.
“There were people who didn’t understand what I was in about, so words like gold digger had been used for me and then there was a time that (I think it was in some interview) I said – Please can we pause for a minute? How much does an editor in a quality magazine take home on a monthly basis? She was an employee at News Watch.
“What is the highest amount of money a journalist can make, you one and then you can tell me the gold that I’m digging for? In fact, I’ll want to dig gold and I had to go marry a journalist? Come on!”
Through the ups and downs of fame, RMD remained steadfast in his love for MEE, even though they were from different worlds. She was a queen in her own right, and together, they shattered norms and built a strong bond.
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s candid interview reminds people that love knows no boundaries. True love sees beyond material possessions and embraces the essence of a person’s soul. His story with MEE is a timeless testament to the power of love, and it’s heartwarming to see how they overcame challenges and misconceptions together.
May Ellen Ezekial (MEE) sadly died in 1996 following complications that arose after a surgery on her to remove fibroid.
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