Dino Melaye is a well-known Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as a senator representing the Kogi West Senatorial District in Nigeria’s 8th and 9th National Assembly. He is recognized for his dynamic public presence, activism, and business ventures.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Barrister Dino Melaye |
| Date of birth | January 7, 1974 |
| Place of birth | Kano State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of origin | Kogi State |
| Partner | Tokunbo Melaye |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupations | Lawyer, Politician, Businessman, Author, Socialite |
| Net worth | $800 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on January 7, 1974, in Kano State, Nigeria, Dino Melaye attended Abdulaziz Attah Memorial College in Okene for his secondary education.
He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2000 with a degree in Geography.
During his university years, he actively engaged in student leadership, serving as president of the National Association of Nigerian Students and later as Secretary-General of both the African Youth Council and the Commonwealth Youth Council.
He was also appointed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to chair the Presidential Advisory Council on Youths.
Career
Melaye began his political journey in the House of Representatives, where he represented the Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
In 2015, he was elected as a senator under the All Progressives Congress (APC) but returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2019 elections. He chaired the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory and briefly the Aviation Committee.
Melaye was an active legislator who sponsored numerous bills and motions, including initiatives to establish a federal university in his constituency.
Personal Life
Dino Melaye was married to Tokunbo Melaye for ten years, with whom he has three children. Their marriage ended amid domestic disputes.
He is widely known for his unique fashion style, often seen wearing his trademark “SDM” branded hats and luxury streetwear.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Melaye has been involved in various controversies:
- Allegations of holding foreign bank accounts, which violated Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau regulations.
- Questions surrounding his academic credentials including claims about degrees from Harvard University, which were publicly challenged but later cleared by his alma mater, ABU.
- Public disputes and confrontations with fellow senators, including physical and verbal altercations.
- Multiple arrests on diverse charges, from alleged illegal arms dealings to attempts to evade law enforcement.
Dino Melaye Net Worth
As of 2025, Dino Melaye’s net worth is estimated at approximately $800 million, accumulated through his political career, influential business dealings, real estate investments, and endorsements.
Awards and Recognitions
Melaye has earned several accolades, including:
- African Parliamentarian of the Year (2005, USA)
- Best Honourable Representative of the Year by Global Youth Awareness and Development Initiative
- Protector of the Youth by PDP National Youth Vanguard
- Icon of Good Leadership by Kogi Peoples Forum
- Many other awards recognizing his leadership and advocacy efforts.
