Dino Melaye, a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, and author, has achieved remarkable success and garnered significant popularity. His estimated net worth stands at $800 million.
Born on January 1, 1974, in Kano, Nigeria, Dino Melaye has made a notable impact in Nigerian politics. He served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Kabba/Ijumu federal constituency. Initially a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he later returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the lead-up to the 2019 elections after a period of political struggle with the Kogi State governor.
In May 2016, Melaye published the book “Antidotes for Corruption: The Nigerian Story,” which further showcased his engagement with pressing issues in the country.
At the age of 49, Dino Melaye continues to leave a lasting impression on Nigeria’s political landscape. His public presence has grown in recent times, prompting our extensive research into various aspects of his life, including his cars, private jet, family, and sources of wealth.
In this blog post, we provide detailed information about Dino Melaye’s life, encompassing his age, assets, biography, wife, and the latest news concerning him. Additionally, we will explore the trajectory of his political career and delve into how he has generated his wealth.
Early Life/Education
Dino Melaye is a Nigerian politician born in Kano State, Nigeria. He attended Abdulaziz Attah Memorial College in Okene for high school. After that, he attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and studied geography, graduating in 2000.
Dino Melaye was actively involved in student organizations during his time as a student. He became the leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He later held prominent positions in international youth councils, serving as the Secretary-General of the African Youth Council and the Commonwealth Youth Council.
Due to his dedication and leadership skills, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Dino Melaye to chair the Presidential Advisory Council on Youths. This position allowed him to guide and advise the president on matters concerning young people in Nigeria.
Political Career
Dino Melaye used to be a senator and member of the House of Representatives. He belonged to the People’s Democratic Party. In 2015 Dino Melaye switched political parties and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected as a member of the House of Representatives representing the Kabba/Ijumu federal constituency. In the same year, he also won the Senatorial election and became a member of the Senate of Nigeria, representing the Kogi-West constituency.
Regarding legislative accomplishments, Dino Melaye sponsored around 20 bills and initiated 30 motions in the 8th National Assembly. He sponsored an outstanding bill establishing a Federal University of Agriculture in Kabba. He also supported bills related to the prohibition of lynching and mob action, disability integration, and protection against domestic violence.
During his time in the Senate, Dino Melaye supported Senator Bukola Saraki’s nomination for the position of Senate President. He was re-elected in February 2019 under People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to continue representing the Kogi-West constituency in the 9th Senate. However, his election victory was challenged by his main opponent from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who filed a petition to annul Melaye’s election. As a result, a re-run election was ordered by the Election Petitions Tribunal.
Despite several conflicts with the Federal Government and his State Government, Dino Melaye lost his appeal to retain his senatorial seat in October 2019. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled a re-run election separately from the state governorship election. Still, Melaye requested that both polls be held on the same day.
In the re-run election that took place on November 30, 2019, Senator Melaye was defeated by his political rival, Smart Adeyemi. Adeyemi was sworn in as the new senator representing the Kogi-West constituency.
After losing in the senatorial election, Dino Melaye contested the Kogi State gubernatorial election in November 2019 but was unsuccessful, finishing in third place in the primary election.
In the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Kogi state, Dino Melaye emerged as the winner.
How He Makes His Money
Dino Melaye’s sources of income and how he makes his money has been a subject of debate and controversy. Here are some of the ways he makes his money:
Politics
He has been involved in politics, one of the main sources of income for politicians. During his time as a member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye received a monthly salary of 800,000 as his basic pay. In addition to that, he also received various allowances such as newspaper allowance, furniture allowance, wardrobe allowance, vehicle allowance, utilities, accommodation, and more. With all these added, Dino Melaye’s total monthly earnings amounted to around N9.8 million.
Business Ventures
Melaye has also been involved in a venture contributing to his financial status. He has been involved in a business venture. Here are the details about his business venture:
Dino Melaye is also involved with The TOP Business, a magazine and global initiative focused on business, politics, and NGOs. The TOP Business is part of The TOP Person, an international charity that aims to help people improve their lives without any cost. Their mission is to empower one million people every year.
The TOP Business offers an accessible Ambassador program that helps people become influencers in their own lives. Participants in this program learn valuable skills to become influential in their personal and professional lives. They know how to connect with important decision-makers and achieve their goals.
Books Publishing
In May 2016, Dino Melaye published a book called “Antidotes for Corruption: The Nigerian Story,” which drew attention due to his controversial reputation. The public had mixed reactions to the book, especially when it was unveiled that two figures involved in corruption cases, Bukola Saraki and former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, were prominent guests at the book launch.
Real Estate
Dino Melaye says he is involved in real estate. He has shared pictures of different fancy houses on social media. While it’s not confirmed if he actually has real estate investments, it’s common for wealthy politicians, business people, and Nigerians, in general, to invest in real estate. It would be unusual if Dino didn’t have any real estate investments.
McDonald’s Investment
Dino Melaye invested in the popular American fast-food company McDonald’s during a difficult economic time in the United States. He shared that he put $350,000 into the company, and now his investment is worth around $1.2 million after taxes.
Family
Melaye is not currently married. He married Tokunbo Melaye for ten years, but they divorced. The divorce happened because of domestic violence. Tokunbo and Melaye have three children together.
Dino Melaye has five children from three different women. He has three children with his first wife, Tokunbo, one with his second wife, Alero Falope, and one with his ex-girlfriend, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe. All of his children were born in Nigeria. Out of all his children, his two sons, Joshua and Israel, are somewhat famous for getting into controversies.
Dino Malaye asset
Cars
Dino Melaye is known for owning a collection of luxurious and expensive cars. Here are some of the cars he owns:
- Lamborghini Gallardo: This sports car is valued at around $200,000. It’s a high-performance car that gained popularity from 2003 to 2013. Dino Melaye is one of the proud owners of this car, which is often seen as a symbol of prestige and speed.
- Harley Davidson: Dino Melaye also owns a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The price for these motorcycles starts at $100,000, and they are known for their iconic American style. Shipping such a vehicle to Nigeria would have likely incurred additional costs, and it’s safe to assume that Melaye didn’t opt for the cheapest model, making his Harley Davidson worth at least $150,000.
- Polaris Slingshot: This three-wheel motorcycle owned by Melaye has an estimated value of $24,000. While it may not be the most expensive vehicle in his collection, it’s still a notable addition to his impressive lineup.
- Classic Rolls Royce: Dino Melaye proudly showcases his classic Rolls Royce, a luxury car estimated to cost around $400,000. Owning a Rolls Royce symbolises extreme wealth and luxury, and Melaye makes sure to make a statement with this car.
- Porsche Panamera: Another high-end car in Melaye’s collection is the Porsche Panamera, which has a starting price of $80,000. This luxury vehicle is highly sought after worldwide, and Melaye is fortunate to be among its owners.
- Range Rover: Known for its off-road capabilities, it is a popular choice for those who want to tackle any terrain. Prices for this car start at around $100,000, but it’s unlikely that Melaye opted for the cheapest version. His Range Rover is estimated to be worth about $150,000.
Houses
Dino Melaye is said to own impressive houses in Nigeria and other countries. One of his most notable properties is his mansion in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. While details about his other properties have yet to be publicly released, it is suggested that Melaye has properties outside Nigeria.
Private Jet
According to Dino Melaye, he has claimed that the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, gave him a private jet as a gift while he was assisting him in the past. Melaye believes Governor Wike saw in him the qualities and trustworthiness needed to become a governor, which is why he gave such a valuable gift to him.
Controversies
There were allegations that Senator Melaye had violated Nigerian law by operating bank accounts with a US bank, which is prohibited for elected and public officials. Despite the evidence provided, Melaye avoided answering questions about these accounts. It was discovered that one transaction on his Bank of America debit card was a payment to a New York-based dermatology service.
Senator Melaye made controversial statements, including threatening to beat up Senator Oluremi Tinubu and make her pregnant on the Senate floor. In 2017, an attempt was made to remove him from the National Assembly.
Melaye accused the Kogi state governor of misusing funds and neglecting the welfare of the people. He was arrested in April 2018 at the airport, as his name was allegedly on the Interpol watchlist. He was arraigned in court and granted bail but was rearrested shortly after his release.
In July 2018, Melaye defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 13 other senators. He faced a seven-day siege at his residence and eventually surrendered to the police in January 2019. The police accused him of being involved in the shooting of a police officer in Kogi State.
Melaye had been involved in various certificate controversies, including his claims of obtaining a degree from Ahmadu Bello University and Harvard University. Some of his claims have yet to be verified, and his colleague, Senator Ali Ndume, called for an investigation into Melaye’s educational background. The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University eventually confirmed that Melaye graduated from the university but under a different name.
Also concerning his book, critics of the book pointed out grammatical errors, particularly the use of the word “for” instead of “to” in the title, which sparked further backlash. Some reviewers claimed that the book lacked original ideas and intellectual contributions, accusing Melaye of compiling newspaper articles without much original content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dino Melaye’s net worth remains a topic of speculation and controversy. While he has been known for his extravagant lifestyle, including luxury cars, properties, and other assets, the exact value of his wealth is $800 Million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Wike give Dino Melaye a private jet?
Melaye thinks that Governor Wike saw good qualities and trustworthiness in him, which is why he gave him a valuable gift.
What is the current position of Dino Melaye?
He is currently the gubernatorial candidate of Kogi state for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
What is the age of Dino Melaye?
Dino Melaye was born on January 1, 1974. Therefore, his age would be 49 years old.
Who won the governorship primary election in Kogi State?
Dino Melaye won the governorship primary election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi state in 2023.
Did Dino Melaye have children?
Dino Melaye has five children from three different women. He has three children with his first wife named, Tokunbo, 1 with his second wife named, Alero Falope, and 1 with his ex-mistress named, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe. All of his children were born in Nigeria. Among his children, his two sons, Joshua and Israel, are somewhat known for being involved in controversial situations.