Sowore, Atiku Mourn Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ as Tributes Pour In

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined the growing tributes to veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, following his death after a battle with cancer.

Sowore, in a condolence message, expressed sympathy to Ogogo’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Nollywood community, describing the actor as an extraordinary performer whose distinctive voice and commanding presence made him instantly recognisable on screen.

He noted that Hassan had spent more than four decades contributing to Yoruba cinema and Nigeria’s wider film industry.

“My profound condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nollywood community in Nigeria over the untimely passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan popularly known as Ogogo, who died today following a battle with cancer,” Sowore said.

According to him, Ogogo’s unique acting style and remarkable performances earned him a lasting place in Nigeria’s film history.

Sowore concluded his tribute by praying for the late actor to “rest in power” and adding, “May the force continue to be with him!”

Atiku also described the actor’s death as deeply saddening, particularly coming only days after Nigerians became aware of his battle with cancer.

“The news of the passing of celebrated Nollywood actor, Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, is deeply saddening,” Atiku said.

The former vice president said Ogogo was more than a talented actor, noting that he used his career to entertain, educate and inspire audiences across generations.

He said the actor brought laughter into countless homes and told stories that reflected Nigerian society while using his talent to promote social change.

Atiku said Hassan’s death had created a painful void in Nigeria’s creative industry and among the millions of people who admired his work.

He extended his condolences to the actor’s family, colleagues and admirers in Nigeria and around the world.

Atiku also prayed for Allah to forgive Hassan’s shortcomings, comfort his loved ones and grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.

The tributes come as Nigerians continue to mourn the 66-year-old actor, whose death followed an emotional appeal by his daughters for urgent medical assistance after the family learnt of the severity of his condition.

Ogogo was one of the prominent faces of Yoruba-language cinema, with a career spanning more than four decades as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

Sowore Accuses EFCC of “Hunting Down” Citizens Over Alleged Cyberbullying

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the detention and arraignment of two people accused of cyberbullying the agency.

Sowore said he attended two separate court proceedings involving the defendants before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where he alleged that both individuals had spent close to 30 days in detention before being brought before the court.

According to him, rather than being allowed to return home while their cases continue, both defendants were remanded in prison custody.

Sowore identified one of the defendants as Maryam Isa Shehu, a final-year student of Bayero University Kano (BUK). He said she was remanded at Suleja Prison, while the other defendant was sent to Kuje Prison.

He said both defendants are expected to remain in custody until August 31.

Sowore described Maryam’s situation as particularly concerning because she is expected to begin her final university examinations on Saturday.

“What makes Maryam’s situation even more disturbing is that she is a final-year university student who is due to begin her final examinations this Saturday,” Sowore said.

“None of that appeared to matter.”

The AAC candidate accused the EFCC, under its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, of going beyond its anti-corruption mandate by pursuing citizens over criticism and alleged cyberbullying.

“The @officialEFCC under Ola Olukoyede is inherently evil,” Sowore said.

He questioned why an agency established to fight financial crimes would be involved in the detention and prosecution of citizens over alleged cyberbullying.

“An anti-corruption agency should be fighting corruption, not turning itself into an institution for hunting down, detaining and prosecuting citizens over criticism or alleged ‘cyberbullying,’” he said.

Sowore further questioned the decision to keep the defendants in prison after they had already spent nearly a month in detention before their arraignment.

“What kind of institution detains a university student for nearly a month, arraigns her for allegedly cyberbullying the agency, and then seeks to keep her behind bars while her final examinations are about to begin?” he asked.

The comments come as the EFCC continues to pursue cases involving alleged online offences, while concerns over the use of criminal proceedings in response to criticism and social media activity continue to generate public debate.

Sowore’s comments are his account of the court proceedings and the circumstances surrounding the defendants’ detention. The allegations against the defendants remain before the court.

“I Don’t Even Know If I Will Make It to 85” - Sowore Replies Datti Baba-Ahmed

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has responded to Datti Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of his comments on former military ruler Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, saying he does not even know whether he will live to the age of 85.

Sowore made the remarks in a lengthy response to Datti after the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate criticised his comments on Babangida, who recently marked his 85th birthday.

Sowore said his criticism of Babangida was not motivated by the former military ruler’s age, but by his record in power and the consequences of decisions taken during his administration.

“I do not even know if I will make it to 85,” Sowore said.

He, however, said that wherever he might be at that age, Nigerians would have every right to examine what he did with whatever power or influence he possessed.

According to him, reaching old age should not shield any public official from scrutiny over their past actions.

“If I betray the democratic will of Nigerians, they should say so. If I impoverish people through disastrous policies, they should say so. If I violate their rights, they should say so. If I leave behind institutions weaker than I found them, history should record it,” he said.

Sowore said the same standard he was applying to Babangida should also apply to him or any other Nigerian who eventually exercises political power.

He maintained that his position was not about wishing Babangida ill health, stressing that he did not wish illness on the former military ruler.

“I wish no illness upon Ibrahim Babangida, but I will not participate in rewriting his record simply because he has grown old,” Sowore said.

The AAC candidate argued that age does not erase history or the consequences of decisions taken while someone was in a position of enormous power.

He also rejected the idea that compassion for an elderly person should require Nigerians to overlook controversial aspects of their political record.

“Growing old is a privilege. It is not immunity from history,” Sowore said.

Sowore further argued that if he were to reach 85, Nigerians should not be expected to praise him simply because of his age. Instead, they should examine the impact of his actions and decisions.

He said that if he betrayed Nigerians, violated their rights, impoverished citizens through bad policies or weakened institutions, such actions should remain part of his historical record.

His comments were part of a broader response to Datti Baba-Ahmed, in which Sowore defended his criticism of Babangida and rejected what he described as attempts to rewrite the history of Nigeria’s military era.

Sowore particularly referenced the June 12, 1993 presidential election, arguing that Nigerians have a right to remember the annulment of the election and other events associated with Babangida’s time in power. Babangida ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993 and remains a controversial figure in the country’s political history. 

Sowore said his position was ultimately about accountability rather than hatred, insisting that Nigerians should be free to interrogate the records of those who have exercised power over the country.

He also criticised what he described as a political culture in which powerful figures are treated with excessive reverence, arguing that public office should never place individuals beyond scrutiny.

The exchange between Sowore and Datti follows a wider debate over how Nigerians should remember Babangida at 85, with political figures and members of the public expressing sharply different views about his legacy. 

For Sowore, however, the passage of time should not erase the responsibility of leaders to answer for the consequences of their decisions.

“History should record it,” he said, stressing that the same principle should apply to him if he ever becomes a holder of public power.

Sowore Accuses DSS of Discrimination at Presidential Peace Accord Event

African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of discriminatory treatment after he was reportedly stopped at the entrance of the National Peace Committee’s Peace Accord signing event.

Sowore said he arrived at the venue without a convoy of expensive vehicles or heavily armed security escorts but was stopped at the gate by DSS operatives.

According to him, one of the officers demanded to see his invitation letter, despite later acknowledging that he knew Sowore was a presidential candidate.

He said the situation became more concerning when another presidential candidate arrived with a long convoy and was allowed into the venue without facing similar checks.

Sowore said he was subsequently told that his staff would not be allowed into the venue, followed by another instruction that his camera crew could not enter either.

He described the treatment as discriminatory and said he refused to accept what he considered unequal treatment of presidential candidates.

“If this is supposed to be a ‘Peace Accord’ involving presidential candidates, then every candidate must be treated with equal dignity and respect,” Sowore said.

He argued that candidates should not be treated differently based on the size of their convoys, the number of security vehicles accompanying them or the level of privilege they display.

Sowore said he insisted on his rights and refused to submit to what he described as discriminatory conduct by the security operatives.

He further criticised what he described as a culture of intimidation, class discrimination and arbitrary treatment by Nigeria’s security agencies.

“This culture of intimidation, class discrimination, and arbitrary treatment by Nigeria’s security agencies must end,” he said.

The incident has raised questions about the treatment of presidential candidates at an event specifically organised to promote peaceful participation ahead of the election.

Shemariah Newsroom will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Peace Accord and the reactions from the parties involved.

Sowore Slams IBB on 85th Birthday, Says His Legacy “Ruined Nigeria”

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he marks his 85th birthday, accusing him of making decisions that damaged Nigeria during his time in power.

Sowore, in a message shared on social media, described Babangida as “the man who did Nigeria dirty” and questioned the celebrations surrounding the former military ruler’s birthday.

“He lived long but is no longer living well,” Sowore wrote, while arguing that Nigeria would not be facing some of its present challenges if Babangida had not, in his words, been “wicked and selfish” in the exercise of power.

Sowore accused the former military ruler of leaving behind a legacy characterised by decisions that, according to him, deepened corruption, weakened democratic institutions and created consequences that Nigerians continue to deal with decades later.

He argued that Babangida’s legacy should not be assessed solely through the birthday celebrations organised by his supporters and associates, but also through the impact of the decisions made during his years in power.

“History should remember not just the birthday celebrations, but the consequences of the choices he made while holding power that ruined Nigeria,” Sowore said.

Babangida, who ruled Nigeria as military president from 1985 to 1993, remains one of the country’s most influential and controversial political figures.

His administration introduced major economic and political reforms, including the Structural Adjustment Programme, while his decision to annul the June 12, 1993 presidential election remains one of the most controversial events in Nigeria’s political history.

Sowore’s comments reflect the continued criticism of Babangida’s administration by activists and other Nigerians who argue that the policies and political decisions of the military era contributed to some of the institutional and economic problems confronting the country today.

The former military leader, however, has continued to maintain his place as an influential figure in Nigeria’s political history, with former colleagues, politicians and associates celebrating his 85th birthday.

The contrasting reactions to Babangida’s birthday once again highlight the deeply divided assessment of his years in power and the lasting debate over his role in shaping modern Nigeria.

Sowore Blasts NDLEA Over Cannabis Farm Destruction, Demands Legalisation and Regulation

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the destruction of cannabis farms in Edo State, describing the action as a waste of economic opportunities amid Nigeria’s worsening poverty.

Sowore made his position known in a post on X on Tuesday, where he condemned the agency for destroying what he described as economically viable crops worth millions of dollars.

“It is idiotic @ndlea_nigeria wake up, put on uniforms, march into farms, and set economically viable crops worth millions of dollars ablaze while your country is drowning in multidimensional poverty,” Sowore wrote.

He called on the NDLEA to stop destroying cannabis farms and criticised what he described as a failed and outdated approach to cannabis control in Nigeria.

“Stop destroying cannabis farms. Stop wasting enormous economic opportunities in the name of a failed and outdated policy,” he said.

Sowore argued that Nigeria should instead legalise and properly regulate cannabis cultivation and its legitimate uses, saying the country could develop an industry capable of creating jobs and generating government revenue.

He also called for greater investment in research to explore the medicinal and industrial applications of cannabis.

“Legalize and properly regulate cannabis. Invest in research, harness its legitimate medicinal and industrial potential, create jobs, generate revenue, and build an industry Nigerians can benefit from,” he said.

The AAC presidential candidate concluded his message with a strong criticism of the government’s approach, declaring: “You cannot burn your way out of poverty, foolish people!”

Sowore’s comments followed reports of cannabis farm destruction by the NDLEA in Edo State. The agency has continued to conduct operations against cannabis cultivation and other illicit drug activities as part of its mandate to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

The NDLEA has maintained that cannabis cultivation and trafficking remain illegal under Nigeria’s current drug laws, while the agency continues to destroy illicit plantations and arrest suspected drug traffickers.

Sowore’s latest comments have therefore reignited the debate over Nigeria’s cannabis policy, particularly whether the country should continue with the prohibition and destruction of cannabis plantations or consider a regulated legal framework for medicinal, industrial and economic purposes.

His position is also consistent with his broader advocacy for changes to Nigeria’s drug policy and his argument that the country should explore economic opportunities from industries currently operating outside the legal framework.

Adeleke Endorsed Tinubu to Continue Destroying Nigeria - Sowore

 

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over his renewed endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore’s reaction followed Adeleke’s declaration that he remained committed to supporting Tinubu for a second term after the Osun State governorship election.

Adeleke had earlier expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as a free and fair election, before reaffirming his endorsement of the President ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

Reacting in a post on X, Sowore accused the Osun governor of backing what he described as a failed administration.

“Governor @AAdeleke_01 has endorsed the failed Tinubu @officialABAT presidency to continue its mission of destroying Nigeria beyond 2027,” Sowore wrote.

The AAC presidential candidate also alleged that the political relationship between the Adeleke and Tinubu families was largely motivated by personal and political interests.

“At the end of the day, the Adelekes and the Tinubus are looking out for their own personal and political interests, watching each other’s backs, protecting their political fortunes, and safeguarding their loot.”

Sowore further connected Adeleke’s endorsement to the violence recorded during the Osun governorship election, expressing sympathy for those who lost their lives during the electoral process.

“I feel sorry for the nearly 50 people whose lives were wasted in election violence during the #OsunDecides, all so these corrupt political families could prove how much they love and protect one another,” he added.

The AAC candidate also criticised Davido, who has been a prominent supporter of his uncle, Governor Adeleke, during the Osun political contest.

Sowore referred to the singer as a “political scion” of the Adeleke family and suggested that Davido could eventually return to his previous political associations.

“Even their lousy political scion, @davido, will soon return to his vomit, the #CityBoys that’s assuming he ever truly left it in the first place.”

Sowore’s comments add to a series of heated political exchanges surrounding the aftermath of the Osun governorship election, which saw Adeleke secure another term in office.

While Adeleke has now reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition, Sowore remains one of the President’s outspoken critics and is expected to continue campaigning against the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 election.

The development also highlights the shifting political alliances emerging ahead of 2027, with politicians and political parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a closely contested presidential election.

Sowore Leads AAC Campaign Walk in Osogbo, Says Osun Is Ready for Change

Omoyele Sowore has joined supporters of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Osogbo, Osun State, in a fresh campaign mobilisation for the party’s governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

Sowore shared images and a message from the campaign on Wednesday, August 12, saying the streets of Osogbo were filled with supporters who turned out to back Esan ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to Sowore, the turnout reflected what he described as a growing desire among Osun residents for a different political direction.

“Today in Osogbo, Osun State, the streets came alive as we turned out in force to give our powerful support to the AAC gubernatorial candidate, Olajide Esan,” Sowore said.

He described the atmosphere as energetic and said the campaign was taking the party’s message of what he called “revolutionary change” directly to residents.

“The energy was electric, the enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the message from the people was clear to the effect that Osun is ready for a new direction!” he added.

The latest mobilisation comes just three days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, which has generated intense political activity across the state.

Esan, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and geographer, emerged as the AAC governorship candidate in December 2025. He is contesting alongside his running mate, Bello Muideen Yekeen. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates included Esan among those cleared to contest the election. 

In recent days, Esan has continued to campaign around a message of citizen-centred governance, arguing that political leadership should serve the people rather than concentrate decision-making in the hands of politicians.

At a recent engagement in Osogbo, the AAC candidate said governance should return to the people and that leaders should be accountable to citizens. 

The campaign has also positioned Esan as an alternative to the major political parties contesting the election.

The AAC candidate has previously criticised rival candidates over their absence from a media-organised governorship debate, arguing that voters deserve the opportunity to hear candidates explain their plans and answer questions about the future of the state. 

Sowore’s appearance in Osogbo therefore adds another layer to the final stage of the AAC campaign. The activist and politician has remained one of the most prominent voices associated with the party since its formation, and his presence is expected to boost the party’s final mobilisation efforts.

In his message, Sowore insisted that the movement would continue taking its message directly to voters rather than relying solely on conventional political campaigning.

“We are taking the message of revolutionary change directly to the streets and to the people,” he said.

He also declared that there would be no retreat from the campaign.

“The movement is growing, and there is NO GOING BACK!”

The AAC campaign has consistently used its “Take It Back” message as part of its political identity, with Sowore calling on supporters to mobilise around demands for fundamental political and economic change.

The Osun election is expected to be closely watched because of the number of prominent political figures and parties involved. The contest includes incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and other candidates, including AAC’s Olajide Esan. 

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the competing parties have intensified their final campaigns across Osun.

For the AAC, Wednesday’s Osogbo mobilisation represents an attempt to demonstrate that the party has built a grassroots presence capable of challenging the established political forces in the state.

Sowore’s message also sought to frame the turnout as more than a campaign gathering, portraying it as evidence of growing public interest in an alternative political platform.

However, the ultimate test will come on election day, when Osun voters decide which candidate will receive their votes.

As the final campaign hours approach, all eyes are now on the state and whether the enthusiasm displayed at the various rallies will translate into votes at the polling units.

Sowore ended his message with the party’s familiar call to action: “AAC! TAKE IT BACK! ACTION!”