Omoyele “Yele” Sowore is a Nigerian journalist, human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner, and politician. He’s best known as the founder of Sahara Reporters and as a two-time presidential candidate under the African Action Congress (AAC), the party he founded.
Before Fame
Omoyele Sowore was born on 16 February 1971 in Ese-Odo, Ondo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a polygamous family and is the first of his father’s 15 children.
He studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he became a prominent student union leader and pro-democracy activist during the military era. He later earned a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Columbia University, New York.
Career
Sowore began as a student activist before evolving into a human rights and pro-democracy campaigner. In 2006, he founded Sahara Reporters, an investigative online news platform focused on corruption and governance in Nigeria.
He became a leading voice in movements like #RevolutionNow, calling for systemic political and economic reforms. He founded the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2018 and ran as its presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023.
He faced multiple arrests and a long-running treasonable felony case, which was discontinued in early 2026, allowing him to reunite with his family in the U.S.
Trivia
Sowore is often called a “rebel voice” for democracy due to his uncompromising stance against corruption. He started Sahara Reporters with just a $600 laptop, which he says he still keeps at home. His activism dates back to his teenage years at UNILAG. He’s a U.S. permanent resident, long based in Haworth, New Jersey, with his family.
Family Life
Sowore is married to Opeyemi Oluwole Sowore, a Nigerian-American professional. The couple has two children: Ayomide, who loves singing, and Komi, who is pursuing a professional career in soccer. After years of separation due to travel bans and court cases, Sowore reunited with his wife and children in the U.S. in 2026.
Net Worth
Sowore’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $10 million. His wealth comes from his media empire (Sahara Reporters), international foundation grants, speaking engagements, and political activities.