Sowore Biography: Politics, Education, Activist, Wife, Children, Age, Net Worth

Omoyele Yele Sowore (born 16 February 1971) is a Nigerian pro-democracy activist, journalist and the founder of the online news platform Sahara Reporters.

Over two decades he has become one of Nigeria’s most visible critics of corruption and state excess, mixing investigative citizen-journalism with street-level activism and formal politics.

Profile Data

• Full Name: Omoyele Yele Sowore
• Born: 16 February 1971
• Age: 54 years (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Ese-Odo, Ondo State, Nigeria
• State of Origin: Ondo State
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Occupation: Human rights activist, journalist, politician, founder of Sahara Reporters
• Religion: Christianity
• Spouse: Opeyemi Sowore
• Children: 2
• Net Worth: Estimated around $10 million

Early life and education

Sowore was born in the Niger Delta region and hails from Ese-Odo, Ondo State. He grew up in a large family and has often described formative childhood experiences that shaped his sense of justice and urgency for social change. Sowore studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos, where student activism became a major part of his life; his time in student politics led to expulsions and clashes with authorities, and he served as president of the student union during the early 1990s. Later he moved to the United States for further study and earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University.

Founding Sahara Reporters and journalism career

In 2006 Sowore launched Sahara Reporters in New York City, positioning the site as a platform for citizen journalism focused on exposing corruption and human-rights abuses in Nigeria and the African continent. Sahara Reporters aimed to bypass traditional gatekeepers, publishing eyewitness accounts, leaked documents and multimedia that larger official outlets were sometimes reluctant to run. The site’s editorial stance and method of sourcing have made it influential — and controversial — in Nigerian public life.

Activism and the “RevolutionNow” movement

Sowore’s activism moved beyond journalism into organizing and direct action. He convened mass protests under banners such as “RevolutionNow,” criticizing poor governance, corruption and economic mismanagement. His activities blurred lines between media, activism and politics, drawing admiration from many civil-society advocates and anger from some state actors. Human-rights groups have repeatedly highlighted Sowore’s arrests and detentions as emblematic of threats to press freedom and civic space.

Arrests, legal battles and international attention

Sowore’s public challenges to power have resulted in repeated confrontations with Nigerian security services. Notably, he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in August 2019 ahead of planned nationwide protests and faced serious charges that sparked local and international protests. Amnesty International and other human-rights organizations have drawn attention to his detention and court cases, arguing they represent attacks on freedom of expression. Sowore has also taken legal action against various state actors over arrests, seizures and alleged rights violations.

Political career — African Action Congress and presidential bids

Turning his activism into formal politics, Sowore founded the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2018 and ran as its presidential candidate in the 2019 general election. He later stood again in subsequent elections, campaigning on a platform of anti-corruption, governance reform and broader structural changes to Nigeria’s political economy. While his vote share has been small compared with major parties, his campaigns have served to amplify his policy proposals and keep issues of accountability in public discussion.

Personal life

Sowore is married to Opeyemi Sowore. The family has split time between the United States and Nigeria; Sowore himself has often divided his time between New Jersey (where his family has long resided) and Nigeria. His family life, especially during periods of detention and court battles, attracted international attention and public advocacy by family members and supporters.

Legacy and impact

Omoyele Sowore’s legacy is complex and multi-dimensional. He transformed citizen reporting in Nigeria, amplified whistleblower content, and mobilized a generation of political activists. Critics argue his tactics can be polarizing; supporters say he pushed important national conversations that established institutions ignored. Whether celebrated or criticized, his influence on Nigerian media activism and political activism is undeniable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who founded Sahara Reporters?

A: Sahara Reporters was founded by Omoyele Sowore in 2006 as a New York-based citizen journalism platform focused on exposing corruption and abuses.

Q: When and where was Sowore born?

A: Omoyele Sowore was born on 16 February 1971 and hails from Ese-Odo in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Q: What is the African Action Congress (AAC)?

A: The AAC is a political party founded by Sowore in 2018. He became its presidential candidate for elections following its founding.

Q: Has Sowore been arrested?

A: Yes. Sowore has been arrested and detained multiple times, most prominently in August 2019 by Nigeria’s security services in relation to planned protests; international groups cited concerns over freedom of expression.

Q: What did Sowore study?

A: He studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos and later completed a master’s degree in Public Administration at Columbia University.