Omoyele Sowore Biography
Full Name: Omoyele Stephen Sowore
Date of Birth: February 16, 1971
Place of Birth: Ese-Odo, Ondo State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Human Rights Activist, Journalist, Politician, Lecturer
Political Party: African Action Congress (AAC)
Known For: Founder of Sahara Reporters, Presidential Candidate, Activism against corruption and bad governance in Nigeria
Early Life and Education
Omoyele Sowore was born in the riverine area of Ese-Odo, Ondo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a polygamous home with many siblings, where he learned early the value of hard work by helping with fishing activities before going to school.
He studied Geography and Planning at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from 1989 to 1995 (his education was extended due to student activism). While at UNILAG, he became the President of the Student Union Government (SUG) in 1992 and was known for his strong stance against cultism, corruption, and the military regime.
Later, he moved to the United States and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York.
Career
Sahara Reporters
In 2006, Omoyele Sowore founded Sahara Reporters, a citizen journalism platform based in New York. The platform became famous for exposing government corruption, human rights abuses, and mismanagement of public resources in Nigeria. Sahara Reporters is widely known for its bold investigative reports and whistleblowing, despite numerous threats and attacks.
Activism
Sowore has been a vocal critic of military and civilian governments in Nigeria. His activism started during his university days and continued through various protests, including:
- The Fuel Subsidy Protests of 2012.
- Advocacy for transparency, accountability, and press freedom in Nigeria.
Political Career
In 2018, Sowore declared his intention to run for president in the 2019 Nigerian General Elections under the newly formed African Action Congress (AAC). Although he did not win, he gained national attention for his progressive agenda and campaign slogan, #TakeItBack.
He also contested in the 2023 Presidential Election again under the AAC.
Arrest and Detention
In August 2019, Sowore was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria over his planned protest tagged #RevolutionNow. He was charged with treason, money laundering, and cyberstalking President Buhari. His arrest and prolonged detention sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and international organizations, including Amnesty International, which designated him a Prisoner of Conscience.
Personal Life
Omoyele Sowore is married to Opeyemi Sowore, and they have children together. His family lives in the United States.
Legacy and Impact
- A fearless advocate of free speech, human rights, and democratic governance in Nigeria.
- One of the most notable figures in Nigeria’s modern activism and journalism landscape.
- Continues to inspire a new generation of youth advocating for a better Nigeria.