By Akinwale Kasali
Omoyele Sowore, former Presidential Candidate and Publisher, Sahara Reporters, has come under strong criticism from the Afenifere Youth Coalition, AYC, over what it described as his relentless attacks on Yoruba public office holders, particularly the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun.
At a press conference held in Lagos on Friday, the coalition accused Sowore of engaging in a campaign of defamation, blackmail, and cyberbullying, and called for legal action to hold him accountable.
According to the group’s spokesperson, Femi Mustapha, Sowore’s recent legal troubles, including a 16-count cybercrime charge, stem from his alleged misuse of social media to spread misinformation and incite unrest. They claimed his actions were part of a larger agenda to destabilize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The coalition’s spokesperson described Sowore as a “failed politician and professional troublemaker” who has built a career on controversy rather than genuine activism. They argued that his presidential ambitions under the African Action Congress (AAC) exposed his lack of leadership capacity, and noted his inability to secure significant electoral support.
“Sowore thrives on political blackmail and baseless activism. He is not fighting for the common man, but for his own selfish interests and those of his foreign sponsors.”
The group, however, commended IGP Egbetokun for taking the legal route rather than resorting to intimidation, stating that his response demonstrates professionalism and respect for due process. The group also urged the Judiciary to ensure that Sowore faces justice, warning that social media defamation should no longer be tolerated in Nigeria.
The coalition further criticized Sowore’s media platform, Sahara Reporters, and accused it of peddling falsehoods and functioning as a “blackmail factory” rather than a credible news outlet.
The group concluded by urging Nigerians not to be deceived by Sowore’s “theatrics.” It called on his supporters to rethink their allegiance, and urged security agencies to let the law take its course.
The statement reads: “Nigeria is bigger than any individual, and we will not allow one man’s selfish agenda to derail the progress of our nation.
“We have called this press conference to address the continued and unwarranted attacks by Omoyele Sowore against prominent Yoruba public office holders, particularly his recent verbal assaults on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, which have rightfully led to his arraignment in court.
“Apparently, Sowore has built a career out of harassing, defaming, and undermining public officials, and it is time to set the record straight. Recently he posted a self-indicting video evidence of himself where he was seen resisting and obstructing public officers doing their job, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and portraying actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests”.
Mustapha stressed that “his attack on the IGP is not just a random act of provocation; it is part of his larger agenda to destabilize the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is unacceptable, and as Yoruba youths committed to the peace and progress of our land, we refuse to sit idly by while such reckless behavior continues unchecked.
“It is undeniable that Sowore thrives on controversy, baseless activism, and political blackmail. His entire career revolves around inciting protests, misleading the public, and portraying himself as a hero of democracy while actually serving the interest of anyone readily available to pay his price.
“Moreover, he is nothing but a bitter loser who has failed repeatedly at the polls and now seeks relevance by attacking those in government. His inability to secure even a fraction of national support during his presidential run under the African Action Congress (AAC) exposed his lack of leadership capacity. Instead of engaging in constructive opposition, he has chosen the path of malicious falsehoods, cyberbullying, and outright defamation.
“Undoubtedly, his actions show that he is more interested in anarchy than governance. His threats to bring down President Tinubu’s Government are not just reckless but also a clear indication of his anti-democratic tendencies”.
Speaking further, AYC said Sowore’s penchant for false accusations and digital harassment has finally caught up with him.
“The 16-count cybercrime charges filed against him are evident to his continued abuse of online platforms to spread lies and incite chaos.
“Nevertheless, instead of addressing these charges maturely, Sowore continues to play the victim while misleading his gullible supporters. It is worth noting that while IGP Kayode Egbetokun has shown maturity and respect for the rule of law by taking legal action against him, Sowore has chosen to manipulate public sentiment by playing the victim card, and making unrepentant noises on his social media handles.
“It is laughable that a man who constantly accuses others of tyranny now finds himself answering to the law for his own tyranny in the digital space. The law must take its full course, and we commend the IGP for choosing legal redress rather than resorting to intimidation or abuse of power.
“No individual, regardless of their self-acclaimed status, should be above the law. The court, despite its imperfections, remains the rightful place to settle disputes, and we believe that Sowore’s trial is in order. His continued defamation of respected public figures must be checked.
“Apparently, his pattern of behavior is one that thrives on falsehood and mischief, which he masks as activism.
“However, he needs to be schooled out of his ignorance and be faced with the fact that, activism should be based on facts and sincerity, not personal vendettas and blackmail journalism.
“Indeed, the judiciary must ensure that justice is served and that this case sets a precedent that online defamation, cyberbullying, and targeted harassment will no longer be tolerated. The era where social media is used as a weapon of political sabotage must come to an end.
“Sowore has, over time, deceived and misled his followers into believing that he is fighting for the common man. However, a closer look at his activities reveals that he is nothing more than a hunger-driven activist, a false reporter, an anti-democracy campaigner, and an opportunistic agitator.
“Perhaps his supporters need to ask themselves a simple question: What tangible impact has Sowore made in improving Nigeria, apart from fueling chaos and propaganda? The answer is clear—none!
