Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian activist, journalist, and founder of Sahara Reporters, a news platform exposing corruption. He also founded the African Action Congress (AAC) political party and ran for president in 2019 and 2023. Sowore is known for his strong stance on human rights.
| Common Name | Omoyele Sowore (yelesho) |
| Full Name | Sowore Omoyele Stephen |
| Age | 53 years old (as of 2024) |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1971 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Human Rights Activist, Journalist, Politician |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| State of Origin | Ondo |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | $11 million |
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Omoyele Sowore Biography
Sowore Omoyele Stephen, born on February 16, 1971, in Ondo State, Nigeria, is a human rights activist, journalist, and founder of Sahara Reporters, an online platform exposing corruption in Nigeria. He also founded the African Action Congress (AAC) party and ran as its presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 Nigerian General Elections. Sowore’s activism has led to multiple arrests due to confrontations with the Nigerian government.
Hailing from Ese-Odo LGA in Ondo State, Omoyele Sowore was raised in the Niger Delta region, where he grew up in a large polygamous family with sixteen siblings. He currently resides with his family in Haworth, New Jersey.
Omoyele Sowore Educational Background
Omoyele Sowore attended the University of Lagos, where he studied Geography and Planning. His time at the university was marked by his involvement in student activism, which led to his expulsion twice, extending his academic program by two years. He served as the President of the University of Lagos Student Union Government (SUG) from 1992 to 1994. After completing his undergraduate studies, he earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York.
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Omoyele Sowore Career
Omoyele Sowore began his career as a student activist, leading protests against corruption, military rule, and IMF conditions. In 2006, he founded Sahara Reporters, an investigative journalism platform that focuses on exposing corruption and abuse of power in Nigeria. Apart from his journalistic work, Sowore has also lectured on Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post-Colonial African History at the School of Art, New York.
He entered politics in 2018, founding the African Action Congress (AAC) and running as its presidential candidate in both the 2019 and 2023 Nigerian elections.
Omoyele Sowore Awards
Omoyele Sowore has gained widespread recognition for his contributions to journalism and activism. His platform, Sahara Reporters, has been supported by grants from the Ford Foundation and Omidyar Foundation for its fearless reporting.
Omoyele Sowore Age
Omoyele Sowore was born on February 16, 1971. He is 53 years old as of 2024.
Omoyele Sowore’s Personal Life
Omoyele Sowore is from Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State in southwest Nigeria. He was raised in a large polygamous family with sixteen siblings. His upbringing in the Niger Delta region influenced his passion for social justice. Sowore currently resides in Haworth, New Jersey, USA, with his family.
Omoyele Sowore Arrest
Omoyele Sowore was briefly detained by immigration authorities on September 15, 2024, at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, following his return from the U.S. His passport was confiscated, and his arrest was reportedly based on directives from the Department of State Services (DSS). He later revealed this incident was linked to his planned protest movement, #FearlessInOctober. Sowore was released after a brief period in custody.
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Omoyele Sowore Tribe
Omoyele Sowore belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group, one of the major tribes in Nigeria.
Omoyele Sowore Wife
Omoyele Sowore is married to Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore, who has been supportive of his activism and political ambitions. She has also advocated for his release during his multiple arrests.
Omoyele Sowore Children
Omoyele Sowore and his wife, Opeyemi, have children, though the specific details about them are kept private.
Omoyele Sowore House
Sowore’s family resides in Haworth, New Jersey, where they have lived for several years. His home is located in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in the United States.
Omoyele Sowore’s Net Worth
Omoyele Sowore’s net worth is estimated to be around $11 million as of 2024. His wealth comes from his media platform, Sahara Reporters, and his various political and journalistic endeavors.
Omoyele Sowore Social Media Handles
Omoyele Sowore is active on social media, using platforms to promote his activism and engage with supporters. You can follow him on:
- X (Twitter): @YeleSowore
- Facebook: Omoyele Sowore
- Instagram: @yelesho
- LinkedIn: Sowore Omoyele