Verydarkman accuses Sowore of profiting from activism

By Ejire Folakunmi

Social media personality VeryDarkMan has accused activist and politician Omoyele Sowore of profiting from activism, sparking a fresh controversy in Nigeria’s activism space.

In a series of videos posted between April 15 and 16, VeryDarkMan (VDM) questioned the source of funds allegedly used to pay for Sowore’s son’s education at the prestigious Dwight-Englewood School in the United States. He claimed the total cost could exceed ₦500 million over several years, suggesting that such expenses may be linked to funds raised through activism, including political campaigns and grants.

The allegations quickly gained traction online, drawing reactions from both critics and supporters of Sowore. While VDM later appeared to soften part of his claims, acknowledging evidence of legitimate income streams, he maintained concerns about transparency in how activism-related funds are sourced and used.

Supporters of Sowore pushed back strongly, pointing to his long-standing career in journalism and advocacy, including his role in founding Sahara Reporters. They also cited reported revenues from the platform, his engagements as a lecturer in U.S. institutions, and his family’s independent income sources as explanations for his financial capacity.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong weighed in, urging caution in assessing the claims. While acknowledging that Sowore’s political views may be divisive, he defended the activist’s record, stating that his commitment to human rights and democracy should not be dismissed without credible evidence.

On the other hand, veteran entertainer and activist Charly Boy backed VDM’s assertions, alleging broader concerns about the commercialization of activism and recounting past disagreements involving funding disputes.

The dispute has also triggered counter-accusations, with Sahara Reporters alleging that VDM may have links to security agencies, claims that further deepen the already heated exchanges.

Beyond the personalities involved, the episode has reignited a broader conversation about accountability, funding transparency, and credibility within Nigeria’s activism ecosystem. Observers note that while scrutiny is essential in public advocacy, unverified claims risk undermining trust in individuals and institutions working within the civic space.