Sowore was also a Presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 Nigeria Presidential elections under the African Action Congress (AAC). His campaigns focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and economic reforms. He was the Initiator of a protest tagged “Revolution Now,” which aimed to bring attention to the country’s pressing issues and push for meaningful change.
Over the years, his continuous agitation for a better Nigeria and utter hatred for looters of Nigeria’s wealth have seen him arrested, detained, and sometimes brutalized. Despite these challenges, Sowore remains a prominent voice in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement.
Omoyele Sowore Net Worth, Biography, Political and Family Background
| Full name: | Omoyele Sowore |
| Nickname: | Yele |
| Gender: | Male |
| Date of birth: | 16 February 1971 |
| Omoyele Sowere’s Age: | |
| Ethnicity: | Yoruba |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Zodiac Sign: | Aquarius |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Omoyele Sowere’s Husband (Wife): | Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore |
| Omoyele Sowere’s Parents: | Mr Sowore and Madam Esther Kehinde Sowore |
| Siblings: | Felix Olajide Sowore |
| Omoyele Sowere’s Net worth: | $10 million |
| Famous for: | Sahara Reporters |
| Omoyele Sowere’s Instagram: | @yelesho |
| Twitter: | @yelesowore |
Omoyele Sowore’s State of Origin
Omoyele Sowore is a native of South West Nigeria’s Ese-Odo, Ondo State. Sowore, one of his father’s sixteen children, grew up in a polygamous household. His father, Mr. Sowore, had numerous wives, including his mother, Madam Esther Kehinde Sowore. Growing up in a large family with diverse perspectives likely shaped Sowore’s worldview and informed his commitment to social justice.
Sowore’s roots in the Niger Delta region have also influenced his perspectives on issues affecting the area, such as environmental degradation and economic marginalization. His experiences growing up in the region have driven his advocacy for resource control and environmental sustainability.
Sowore’s Educational Background
From a basic elementary school, Omoyele Sowore started his official education. He later attended Kiribo Community High School in Ondo State and Okitipupa Ofedepe Comprehensive High School in Ondo State, where he eventually earned his WAEC diploma. Sowore studied geography and planning while attending the University of Lagos from 1989 to 1995.
Sowore’s viewpoint was formed by the diverse range of academic and extracurricular activities he experienced while attending the University of Lagos. He was an active member of the student community, participating in debates, protests, and activism. These experiences laid the foundation for his future as a pro-democracy campaigner.
Omoyele Sowore Net Worth, Biography, Political and Family Background
Activism and Student Protests
In 1989, while still an undergraduate, Sowore took part in student demonstrations against the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditional loan of $120 million for an oil pipeline in Nigeria. Nigeria must reduce its 28 universities to five in order to meet the IMF’s requirements for obtaining these funds. This policy sparked widespread outrage among students, who saw it as an attack on the country’s education system.
Sowore also led a 5,100-student demonstration against the Nigerian government, which led to the death of several students and his arrest in 1992. This incident marked a turning point in Sowore’s life, solidifying his commitment to democracy and human rights. On June 12, 1993, he partook in the democratic administration to replace military rule, further cementing his resolve to fight for democracy.
Academic Achievements and Teaching Career
Despite facing challenges due to his activism, Sowore eventually earned his degree from the University of Lagos. He furthered his education by pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from Colombia University. Sowore’s academic credentials have enabled him to teach Modern African History at the City University of New York and Post Colonial African History at the School of Art, New York.
As a teacher, Sowore shares his knowledge and experiences with students, inspiring them to think critically about Africa’s challenges and opportunities. His teaching career is a testament to his passion for education and his commitment to empowering future generations. RECOMMENDED; Omoyele Sowore Net worth, Biography and Political career.
Omoyele Sowore Net Worth in 2025
Omoyele Sowore’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. As his business and political career progressed, he accumulated his wealth from a variety of sources. He is among the richest persons in Nigeria thanks to his rapidly increasing net worth, which is evidence of his success as an entrepreneur and politician. Forbes’ placement of Sowore in its 2019 edition of “Africa’s 50 Richest People” serves as proof of this.
Sowore’s wealth can be attributed to his various endeavors, including his role as the founder and CEO of Sahara Reporters. With well over 3 million page views each month, the New York City-based news agency has grown to be a well-known information source and has brought in a sizable sum of money for Sowore. The Omidyar Foundation and the Ford Foundation have contributed $450,000 and $175,000, respectively, to support Sahara Reporters.
Sahara Reporters: A Source of Income
Sahara Reporters is a website dedicated to providing independent news coverage of Nigeria and the African continent. The website has earned Sowore a reputation as a vocal advocate for transparency and good governance in Nigeria. Through Sahara Reporters, Sowore has exposed corruption, human rights abuses, and government malfeasance, earning him both praise and criticism.
His Political Career
Sowore is a well-known personality in Nigerian politics and has gained international prominence for his support of democracy and human rights. His dedication to justice and courage in opposing the government and its policies have been hallmarks of his political career. Sowore entered the Nigerian general election in 2018 as a candidate for president. He was viewed as a strong contender to replace the current administration and ran on a platform of reform. Despite his eventual failure as a candidate, he gained national respect and appreciation for his campaign.
Sowore’s desire to make a difference in people’s lives is also evident in his teaching career. He accepted a position as a lecturer in Post-Colonial African History at the School of Art, New York, as well as Modern African History at the City University of New York. He can inspire students to think critically about Africa’s prospects and challenges by sharing his expertise and experiences in this role.
All things considered, Sowore’s wealth is a reflection of his diligence and commitment to his many interests. He has established himself as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and beyond thanks to his dedication to democracy, human rights, and good administration.
Controversies Involving Sowore Over the Years
Omoyele Sowore has been involved in several controversies throughout his career as a human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner. One notable controversy surrounds allegations that he accepted payments from President Buhari during the 2014 general election to make fun of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
On August 3, 2019, Sowore was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) after leading a nationwide protest called #RevolutionNow. This detention sparked widespread criticism from fellow activists and human rights groups. After many tussles with the Nigerian government, Sowore officially regained his freedom on December 24, 2019, with the Federal High Court ordering the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja to pay him 2 million Naira by December 8, 2021.
Facts about OmoYele Sowore’s Wife and Children
Sowore is happily married to his wife, Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore, and their marriage is blessed with children, including a son and a daughter. Sowore’s wife is a 52-year-old Nigerian-American and the Vice President and head of Consumer Engagement at Teladoc Health. She holds a BA from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1995 and an MBA from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester in 1997.
Conclusion about Omoyele Sowore Net Worth, Biography, Political and Family Background
In conclusion, Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner, blogger, and writer with an estimated net worth of $10 Million. He is best known as the founder of the news site Sahara Reporters. Sowore was also a Presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 Nigeria Presidential elections under the African Action Congress (AAC), and he was the Initiator of a protest tagged “Revolution Now.” Despite the controversies surrounding him, Sowore remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and activism.
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