By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A United Kingdom-based Nigerian legal practitioner, Barrister Adesanya Oluwasegun, has praised human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, for his enduring dedication to justice and good governance in Nigeria, despite his privileged background and comfort abroad.
In a recent Facebook post, Barrister Oluwasegun described Sowore as a rare example of patriotism, noting that although he enjoys legal residency in the United States and his family members are U.S. citizens, he continues to risk his safety advocating for reform in Nigeria.
“Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian, yet he holds legal residency in the United States through his Green Card. His wife and two children are U.S. citizens. He is not poor; his family is not suffering. He is financially comfortable, even wealthy in both Naira and Dollars, and he lives a good life,” Oluwasegun wrote.
The lawyer questioned how many Nigerians in similar circumstances would be willing to risk their lives for their country, stressing that most would have “completely erased Nigeria from their hearts, minds, and souls.”
Despite his opportunities abroad, Sowore, he said, has remained unwavering in defending the oppressed and holding leaders accountable.
“We may not agree with everything he says — his approach is often confrontational and bold — but he deserves his flowers,” Oluwasegun added.
He also expressed disappointment at Nigerians who, despite being victims of poor governance, often criticize those who challenge the system.
“What is most painful is seeing poor and oppressed Nigerians using their own voices to badmouth someone who is fighting for them. Instead of support, they offer insults. Instead of appreciation, they spread hate,” he lamented.
Oluwasegun concluded his message with a prayer, asking God to “have mercy on them and restore their sense of right and wrong.”
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and long-time pro-democracy activist, remains one of Nigeria’s most vocal advocates for accountability and reform, known for his fearless criticism of corruption and entrenched political interests.