| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dino Daniel Melaye |
| Date of Birth | 7 January 1974 (some sources list 1 January 1974) |
| Age (2025) | 51 years |
| Place of Birth | Kano State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State |
| Tribe / Ethnicity | Okun-Yoruba |
| Languages | English, Yoruba (Okun dialect), Hausa (basic), Nigerian Pidgin |
| Education | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria — B.Sc. Geography |
| Occupation | Politician · Lawyer · Public Figure |
| Political Affiliations | Former PDP member · Now with ADC (African Democratic Congress) |
| Children | 5 Children (3 with Tokunbo Melaye, 1 with Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, 1 with Alero Falope) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Known For | Outspoken politics, flamboyant style, vocal activism |
| Current Focus (2025) | Criticizing Tinubu’s government, economic policy, and party defections |
This Dino Melaye biography offers a detailed insight into one of Nigeria’s most controversial yet captivating politicians. From his student-union days to his time in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye’s life story is one of activism, ambition, and relentless political motion.
In 2025, he continues to command public attention through bold statements, social-media commentary, and active participation in Nigeria’s political debates.
Early Life and Origin
Dino Daniel Melaye was born on 7 January 1974 in Kano State, northern Nigeria. Despite his northern birthplace, his roots trace to Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State a region known for its Okun-Yoruba people.
His father, Mr Jonah Melaye, and mother, Mrs Comfort Melaye, raised him with strong moral and cultural grounding. Growing up in Kano exposed him to Nigeria’s diverse languages and cultures, helping him develop fluency in English, Yoruba, and Hausa.
Education and Youth Activism
Melaye attended Abdulaziz Attah Memorial College in Okene (Kogi State) before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography.
While at ABU, his strong voice for youth empowerment earned him leadership roles:
- President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
- Secretary-General, African Youth Council
- Secretary-General, Commonwealth Youth Council
These early leadership roles set the stage for a life in politics. His passion for youth inclusion and national reform quickly caught the attention of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who later appointed him as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youths.
Political Career and Occupation
Early Political Journey
Dino Melaye began his political career as a Member of the House of Representatives, representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
His fiery debates and fearless criticism of corruption made him a household name.
Senate Tenure
In 2015, Melaye was elected Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC). During his time in the 8th National Assembly, he served as:
- Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT
- Member, Aviation Committee
- Sponsor of key bills related to security, human rights, and infrastructure.
Party Movements
Over the years, Melaye has switched affiliations between major parties:
- PDP → APC → PDP → ADC (2025)
This reflects both his evolving political ideology and Nigeria’s dynamic party landscape.
Origin, Ethnicity, and Language
Although born in Kano, Dino Melaye’s ethnic identity is Okun-Yoruba, a subgroup of the Yoruba people native to Kogi State.
He proudly associates with Yoruba heritage while embracing Nigeria’s multiculturalism.
Languages Spoken:
- English (official and parliamentary language)
- Yoruba – Okun dialect (native)
- Hausa (learned during upbringing in Kano)
- Nigerian Pidgin, widely used for political communication
Family, Marriage, and Children
Melaye’s personal life has often drawn media attention.
He was married to Tokunbo Melaye for ten years before they divorced.
He has five children:
- Israel Asiwaju Melaye
- Joshua Oluwakimbati Melaye
- Ruth Melaye — (all with Tokunbo Melaye)
- Destiny Okiki Oluwajomiloju Melaye — with Nollywood actress Bisi Ibidapo-Obe
- Unnamed child — with Alero Falope
His mother, Comfort Melaye, passed away in 2019 a loss he described as deeply personal and transformative.
Recent Developments and 2025 News
As of October 2025, Dino Melaye remains highly vocal in Nigeria’s political scene.
Here are the latest highlights:
1. Resignation from PDP and Move to ADC
In mid-2025, Melaye announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing its “lack of potency and direction.”
He formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aiming to build what he calls a “people-centric alternative for Nigeria’s future.”
2. Criticism of Tinubu’s Administration
Melaye recently condemned the Tinubu-led Federal Government, calling it “reckless and insensitive to Nigerians’ suffering.”
He accused the administration of excessive borrowing and worsening hunger across the nation.
3. Response from the Presidency and APC
In response, the Presidency and APC Lagos chapter criticized his comments, describing him as “dramatic” and “comic.”
4. Opinion on Political Defections
Dino Melaye declared that mass defections of governors to APC ahead of 2027 would not help President Tinubu, arguing that “voters are now independent-minded.”
5. Praise for Delta State Governor
In October 2025, Melaye praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, describing the region as “a construction site” due to massive infrastructure development.
Controversies and Public Image
Dino Melaye is known for his outspoken personality and flamboyant fashion, often combining political rhetoric with entertainment.
Notable controversies include:
- Certificate Scandal — questioned authenticity of his alleged Harvard & LSE degrees.
- Political Feuds — frequent clashes with rivals, including Yahaya Bello and APC leaders.
- Viral Moments — dramatic songs, comic videos, and memes that trended across Nigerian social media.
Despite criticisms, supporters hail him as a fearless voice for the masses and a defender of Nigeria’s democracy.
Achievements
- National Youth Leadership — Headed NANS, African Youth Council, and Commonwealth Youth Council.
- Legislative Bills — Sponsored multiple bills on anti-corruption, citizens’ rights, and governance transparency.
- Advocacy & Public Speaking — Known for public lectures and youth empowerment campaigns.
Timeline of Dino Melaye’s Life and Career
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Born in Kano State, Nigeria |
| 1990s | Studied Geography at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria |
| 2000s | Youth activist; appointed Chairman, Presidential Advisory Council on Youth |
| 2007 | Elected to House of Representatives (Kabba/Ijumu Constituency) |
| 2015 | Elected Senator for Kogi West (APC) |
| 2019 | Lost Senate seat amid political controversies |
| 2023 | PDP Gubernatorial Candidate for Kogi State (unsuccessful) |
| 2025 | Resigned from PDP; joined ADC; criticized Tinubu’s government |
Conclusion
The Dino Melaye biography is a story of resilience, reinvention, and relevance. From his Okun-Yoruba roots in Kogi State to his outspoken role in national politics, he has remained one of Nigeria’s most colorful figures.
As of 2025, Dino Melaye’s shift to ADC and his ongoing criticism of the federal administration suggest that his political journey is far from over. Whether admired or criticized, he continues to shape conversations in Nigeria’s democracy.
Also Read: Joe Igbokwe Biography: Age, Life, Net Worth, Origin & Achievements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Dino Melaye in 2025?
A: He is 51 years old, born on 7 January 1974.
Q2: What is Dino Melaye’s state of origin and tribe?
A: He hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State, and belongs to the Okun-Yoruba ethnic group.
Q3: What political party is Dino Melaye in now?
A: As of 2025, he has resigned from PDP and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Q4: How many children does he have?
A: Dino Melaye has five children — three with his ex-wife Tokunbo, one with actress Bisi Ibidapo-Obe, and one with Alero Falope.
Q5: What are his most recent statements?
A: He has criticized the Tinubu administration for excessive borrowing and economic hardship, and argued that defections to APC won’t benefit the party in 2027.