04/09/2025
Continue to Rest in peace Legend
May Ellen Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo (MEE): The Trailblazer of Nigerian Entertainment Journalism
Early Life and Career Beginnings
May Ellen Ezekiel, fondly known by her initials MEE, was one of the most dynamic figures in Nigerian journalism during the 1980s and 1990s. From the onset of her career, she stood out for her bold writing style, fearless editorial choices, and ability to capture the pulse of Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment scene.
She began her career working with top Nigerian publications, including Sunday Concord, where she earned recognition for her engaging human-interest stories. Later, she joined Newswatch, one of Nigeria’s most influential news magazines, and subsequently rose to become Editor of Quality magazine, cementing her reputation as a versatile journalist with a keen eye for culture and celebrity reportage.
Founder of Classique Magazine
MEE made history as the founder and publisher of Classique magazine, a groundbreaking lifestyle and entertainment publication. Launched during an era when celebrity journalism was not widely recognized in Nigeria, Classique quickly became a household name.
The magazine was known for its bold storytelling, glamorous cover features, and in-depth interviews with Nigerian celebrities, politicians, and social figures. Through Classique, MEE shaped the glitterati culture of Lagos and beyond, creating a platform where entertainment, lifestyle, and society reporting thrived.
Television and Media Influence
Beyond print, MEE also brought her charisma and intellect to television. She hosted the talk show “Mee and You” on NTA 2 Channel 5 in Lagos, which became widely popular in the early 1990s. The show provided a unique blend of interviews, lifestyle discussions, and conversations on topical issues, further solidifying her as a pioneer of media diversification in Nigeria.
Author and Storyteller
MEE was also a talented writer and author. She published works such as:
Dream Maker
Center Spread
These books showcased her storytelling ability and further established her as a voice that bridged journalism, literature, and entertainment.
Personal Life
MEE was married to Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors. Their marriage placed her firmly within Nigeria’s entertainment elite, but she was more than just a spouse of a star—she was a media mogul in her own right.
Tragic Death
In 1996, May Ellen Ezekiel tragically passed away at the young age of 39 due to complications from fibroid surgery. Her untimely death shocked the Nigerian media and entertainment industry, cutting short the life of a woman who had redefined journalism and publishing in Nigeria.
Legacy
MEE’s contributions remain deeply influential:
She pioneered celebrity and lifestyle journalism in Nigeria.
She opened doors for many young journalists, particularly women, to pursue careers in publishing and entertainment reporting.
Her magazine, Classique, set the tone for later Nigerian entertainment media platforms, from lifestyle magazines to celebrity blogs.
Even decades after her passing, MEE is remembered as a visionary media entrepreneur, a woman who dared to create her own space in a male-dominated industry and whose work shaped how Nigerians consumed entertainment journalism.
