Nigerian politics is never devoid of drama accusations and counterclaims Recently the public space was set ablaze when former Ekiti State spokesperson Lere Olayinka alleged that activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore pays a staggering ₦85 million per term and about ₦250 million annually for his 14 year old sons education abroad The allegation which has circulated widely on social media has ignited heated debates about hypocrisy elitism and the credibility of Nigerias political actors .
The Allegation by Olayinka
According to Olayinka Sowore who has often presented himself as a pro people activist fighting for justice equality and a corruption free Nigeria is allegedly spending hundreds of millions on his childs education overseas .
Olayinka known for his outspoken style framed the expenditure as contradictory to Sowores public stance as a revolutionary figure who condemns wastefulness in governance and fights for the plight of ordinary Nigerians .
- By breaking down the figures he claimed .
- ₦85 million per term .
- With three terms per year that translates to about ₦250 million annually .
For many Nigerians struggling with rising inflation harsh economic realities and failing public schools such a claim is difficult to ignore .
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Who Is Omoyele Sowore
Omoyele Sowore is a well known activist publisher and politician He rose to prominence as the founder of Sahara Reporters a platform that exposed corruption and promoted accountability in Nigerian politics Over the years Sowore became a symbol of dissent against government oppression especially under the administrations of Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari .
In 2019 and 2023 Sowore contested the presidency under the African Action Congress AAC advocating radical change people focused governance and a total overhaul of Nigerias political system .
It is this reputation as a voice of the oppressed that makes Olayinkas allegation so controversial Many are questioning whether the man who positions himself as a defender of the poor is living a lifestyle detached from the struggles he claims to represent .
Reactions from the Public
The claim has drawn mixed reactions across social media platforms .
Critics of Sowore argue that the alleged spending exposes hypocrisy They believe one cannot claim to fight for the masses while indulging in luxury expenses that 99 percent of Nigerians can never afford .
Supporters of Sowore dismiss Olayinkas statement as politically motivated propaganda They argue that as a private citizen and parent Sowore has the right to provide the best education for his children regardless of cost .
Neutral observers emphasize the lack of verifiable evidence Until proof is presented they see it as yet another case of political mudslinging common in Nigerias heated political space .
The Broader Debate Politicians Activists and Elitism
The allegation raises an important question about consistency between personal lifestyle and public advocacy Nigerians have long criticized politicians who send their children abroad for education while local schools remain underfunded and plagued with strikes .
If true Sowores alleged school fee payments would place him among the elite class he often criticizes This brings into focus a broader issue .
- Should activists who preach equality live modestly to reflect the struggles of the people .
- Or should their private lives be seen as separate provided their activism remains genuine .
- This tension between personal privilege and public responsibility has been a recurring theme in Nigerian politics .
The Cost of Education Abroad
Education in prestigious international schools particularly in the United States or the United Kingdom can indeed be very expensive Some elite schools charge between 60000 and 100000 per year excluding boarding travel and other expenses When converted to naira at todays exchange rate the figures can appear astronomical .
However Olayinkas claim of ₦85 million per term equivalent to more than 50000 dollars per term places the alleged fees at the extreme high end comparable to Ivy League or world class private institutions .
The Silence or Response from Sowore
As of now there has been no official response from Sowore debunking or confirming the allegation This silence has allowed speculation to spread unchecked fueling the controversy further
- In Nigerian politics silence is often interpreted in two ways
- As a refusal to dignify baseless allegations with a response
- Or as a subtle admission that the claims may not be entirely false
- Until Sowore speaks the issue remains a matter of speculation
What This Means for Sowores Public Image
For a man who has built his identity around fighting for ordinary Nigerians allegations like this are damaging even if untrue They cast doubt on his authenticity and provide ammunition for his opponents .
In a country where trust in politicians is already low any perception of hypocrisy can ruin political momentum Whether Olayinkas statement is factual or politically motivated it underscores the importance of transparency for public figures .
Conclusion
The allegation that Sowore pays about ₦250 million per year for his sons education is more than a personal matter it is a test of credibility Nigerians are increasingly demanding consistency between the words and actions of their leaders .
If true it raises questions about whether Sowore practices the values he preaches If false it shows how easily propaganda can sway public opinion in a politically charged environment .
Ultimately this controversy reflects a deeper issue the gap between Nigerias ruling elite and the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens Until public figures align their lifestyles with their advocacy skepticism and mistrust will continue to define Nigerian politics .