Long before audiences watched him in The Wedding Party or The Black Book, Richard Mofe-Damijo was making an impression on Nigerian television. His portrayal of Segun Kadiri in Checkmate became a defining early role—one he later described as his breakthrough television character.
Popularly known as RMD, he has built a career across acting, writing, production and public service. His professional life includes theatre training, work in journalism, a law degree and a period as Delta State’s commissioner for culture and tourism.
His screen career also spans different eras of Nigerian entertainment, from television dramas and home videos to cinema releases and streaming productions.
Profile at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Richard Mofe-Damijo |
| Full name | Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo |
| Popular name | RMD |
| Date of birth | 6 July 1961 |
| Age | 65 years old as of October 2026 |
| Hometown | Aladja, Udu Kingdom, Delta State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Actor, writer and producer |
| Education | Theatre Arts, University of Benin; Law, University of Lagos |
| Wife | Jumobi Adegbesan |
| Previous public office | Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Delta State |
| Notable productions | Checkmate, The Wedding Party, Castle & Castle and The Black Book |
| Net worth | Approximately $7 million |
His biographical details are documented in published profiles, interviews and coverage of his 65th birthday.
How Old Is Richard Mofe-Damijo?
Richard Mofe-Damijo was born on 6 July 1961. He turned 65 on 6 July 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria covered the birthday celebrations, while his biographical record identifies his birthplace as Aladja in Udu Kingdom, Delta State.
Early Life and Education
RMD’s education included Midwest College in Warri and Anglican Grammar School. He later attended the University of Benin, where he studied Theatre Arts.
Years into his working life, he returned to university to study law. He enrolled at the University of Lagos in 1997 and graduated in 2004.
In a 2023 interview with TheCable, he addressed questions about why he did not regularly appear in court. He explained that legal training does not require every lawyer to build a career around courtroom practice.
Acting remained the profession through which the public knew him best.
Journalism and Early Television Work
Before becoming a familiar Nollywood leading man, RMD worked in journalism. His background includes writing for publications such as Concord and Metro, alongside his developing acting career.
His early television credits included Ripples and Checkmate. In an interview published by City People, he recalled several productions from that period and singled out playing Segun Kadiri in Checkmate as particularly important.
The role helped establish his screen identity during the television era that preceded Nollywood’s expansion through home-video films.
Building a Career in Nollywood
RMD became one of the recognisable actors of the 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in films including Out of Bounds, Diamond Ring and Keeping Faith.
His later credits include The Wedding Party, Castle & Castle and Fine Wine. These productions placed him before newer audiences while extending a filmography already familiar to longtime Nigerian film viewers.
He also appeared in King of Boys: The Return of the King, alongside Sola Sobowale and other members of the political drama’s ensemble. Netflix lists him among the series’ principal cast.
Leading The Black Book
In 2023, RMD starred in The Black Book, an action thriller centred on a bereaved deacon seeking justice after his son is framed for a kidnapping.
The film placed him at the centre of a story involving corruption, grief and retaliation. Its cast also included Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello and Iretiola Doyle.
For viewers who primarily knew him through romantic dramas or family comedies, the production offered another side of his work as a leading actor.
Selected Movies and Television Series
| Production | Year | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Out of Bounds | 1997 | Film |
| Diamond Ring | 1998 | Film |
| Keeping Faith | 2002 | Film |
| The Wedding Party | 2016 | Film |
| The Wedding Party 2 | 2017 | Film |
| Castle & Castle | 2018 debut | Television series |
| Fine Wine | 2021 | Film |
| The Black Book | 2023 | Film |
| Radio Voice | 2025 | Film |
This selection covers different stages of his career rather than his complete filmography.
Production Work and Radio Voice
RMD’s involvement in filmmaking extends beyond acting.
He produced and appeared in Radio Voice, which opened in Nigerian cinemas on 11 April 2025. The distributor’s listing names Timini Egbuson, Nancy Isime and Deyemi Okanlawon among its cast.
Coverage of the premiere also identified his production role, making the film a useful example of his continuing work on both sides of the camera.
Public Service in Delta State
RMD served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State during the administration of Emmanuel Uduaghan. His tenure is generally documented as running from 2009 to 2015.
The appointment added public administration to a career already rooted in entertainment and media. After his period in government, he continued taking prominent acting roles.
Awards and International Recognition
RMD’s honours include recognition for individual performances and his wider contribution to African film.
| Year | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role |
| 2016 | Africa Movie Academy Awards Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2024 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards Industry Merit Award |
| 2025 | Silverbird Lifetime Achievement Award |
Africa Magic confirmed that RMD and Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, received its 2024 Industry Merit honours. His other awards are documented in biographical records and contemporary interview coverage.
In June 2023, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also named him among the professionals invited to join its membership. The Academy’s announcement cited Oloibiri and 30 Days in Atlanta beside his name.
That invitation was recognition of his film work; it was separate from receiving an Oscar nomination or winning an Oscar.
Wife, Marriage and Family
RMD is married to Jumobi Adegbesan, a former television presenter. They married in 2000 and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on 29 December 2025.
He was previously married to journalist and publisher May Ellen Ezekiel, popularly known as MEE, who died in 1996.
In interviews, he has spoken appreciatively about Jumobi’s support and the importance of making time for his family alongside his professional commitments.
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s Net Worth
RMD’s personal net worth has an estimated net worth of $7 million.
His long career includes acting, production and commercial work, but those activities do not provide enough public information to calculate his assets and liabilities. Specific wealth estimates circulating online should therefore be treated cautiously.
His Approach to Staying Relevant
Asked in a 2025 interview how established actors remain competitive as younger performers enter the industry, RMD emphasised continuing to work and adapting to different roles.
He described the transition from a younger actor to an older performer as part of the profession. That perspective fits a career in which television characters, romantic leads and action roles have each had their place.
