“You Have Become Mr Protester of Nigeria While Your Wife Is Slaving Away in America”: Joe Igbokwe Slams Sowore Over Tinubu Post
The ongoing feud between activist Omoyele Sowore and Nigeria’s political establishment took a personal turn as All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe unleashed a scathing attack, accusing Sowore of neglecting his family while relentlessly criticizing President Bola Tinubu. Igbokwe’s remarks, sparked by Sowore’s social media post calling Tinubu a “criminal,” follow a Department of State Services (DSS) summons, intensifying Nigeria’s heated debate over free speech and political accountability. As the September 15, 2025, deadline for Sowore to comply with the DSS looms, this clash highlights the personal stakes in Nigeria’s polarized political landscape.
Trending: Sowore-Igbokwe Spat Fuels Free Speech Firestorm
The controversy has set social media ablaze, with hashtags like #SoworeDSS, #TinubuCriminal, and #IgbokweVsSowore dominating X. Posts range from fervent support for Sowore’s activism to defenses of Igbokwe’s call for an apology, reflecting Nigeria’s deep divisions. One user, @NaijaVoice22, tweeted, “Igbokwe’s attack on Sowore’s family is low—focus on the issues, not personal jabs!” The DSS’s pressure on platforms like X and Meta to censor Sowore’s content has further amplified global attention, with #FreeSpeechNigeria trending internationally.
Key Details of the Controversy
On September 8, 2025, Joe Igbokwe, a prominent APC figure, posted on X, expressing dismay over Sowore’s tweet labeling President Tinubu a “criminal” amid critiques of corruption and economic policies. Igbokwe’s post took a personal tone, stating, “He has become Mr Protester of Nigeria while his American wife is slaving in USA with the Children.” He urged Sowore to retract the statement and apologize, arguing that insulting Tinubu equates to insulting Nigeria’s 200 million citizens. Igbokwe, referencing their shared University of Lagos roots, called Sowore’s actions “unacceptable” and a “dangerous game,” lamenting the loss of their past friendship.
The DSS, on the same day, summoned Sowore to its Abuja headquarters, demanding he delete the post within seven days or face “all lawful means” to enforce compliance. The agency also contacted X and Meta to remove the content, citing Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act of 2015. Sowore defiantly reposted the message, labeling the summons a “national disgrace” and vowing to stand firm. As of September 8, 2025, at 11:55 PM IST (6:25 PM WAT), neither X nor Meta has complied, and Sowore’s account remains active.
Voices from the Fray
Igbokwe’s full statement read: “Nobody living or dead in Nigeria has touched lives like Tinubu has in the last 30 years… I have asked you as a friend to retract this nonsensical effusions and openly apologize to the President and Nigerians.” He added the personal jab: “You have become Mr Protester of Nigeria while your American wife is slaving in USA with the Children.”
Sowore responded on X: “This is a national disgrace. They want to silence free speech instead of tackling insecurity and corruption.” Human rights lawyer Femi Falana weighed in, telling local media, “The DSS’s actions violate Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. Free speech is not a privilege—it’s a right.” Supporters on X, like @chi_chi_maria, rallied behind Sowore: “DSS is after Sowore for calling out Tinubu, yet Igbokwe attacks his family? Focus on the real issues!” Critics, however, echoed Igbokwe, with @LagosPatriot posting, “Sowore’s extremism is just noise—Tinubu deserves respect as our leader.”
Background: Sowore’s Activism Meets Tinubu’s Tenure
Omoyele Sowore, founder of Sahara Reporters and the #RevolutionNow movement, has been a relentless critic of Nigerian governments, facing arrest in 2019 for protests against former President Muhammadu Buhari. His latest clash stems from Tinubu’s administration, which, since May 2023, has faced scrutiny over economic policies like fuel subsidy removal, driving inflation to 40% and affecting 31.8 million Nigerians with food insecurity. Sowore’s “criminal” comment references unproven allegations against Tinubu from his time as Lagos governor, a recurring theme in opposition rhetoric.
Igbokwe, a staunch Tinubu ally, has a history of defending the APC, often clashing with opposition figures. His mention of Sowore’s wife, Opeyemi, who lives in the U.S. with their children, draws on Sowore’s transatlantic lifestyle, splitting time between Nigeria and the U.S. for activism and family. This personal attack mirrors past Nollywood scandals, like Segun Ogungbe’s, where public figures’ private lives become ammunition in disputes.
The DSS’s involvement reflects a broader crackdown on dissent, with the Cybercrimes Act used against critics like Deji Adeyanju in 2024. Recent protests, including #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, have heightened tensions, with the government citing security concerns to justify actions.
Possible Impact and Next Steps
Igbokwe’s attack risks escalating personal animosities, potentially overshadowing substantive debates on governance. For Sowore, the DSS summons—due September 15—could lead to arrest if he refuses to comply, sparking protests or international condemnation from groups like Amnesty International. The pressure on X and Meta may force tech platforms to navigate Nigeria’s censorship demands, impacting their policies in authoritarian regimes.
Sowore may seek legal recourse, possibly through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court, while rallies are planned in Lagos and Abuja. Igbokwe’s comments could draw backlash, especially if Sowore’s supporters highlight Tinubu’s own controversies. The government may issue statements defending the summons, while economic and security data could bolster Sowore’s critiques if unrest persists.
For Nigerians, this saga underscores the risks of online activism and the need for legal protections against state overreach.
Conclusion: A Personal Feud in a National Crisis
Joe Igbokwe’s personal attack on Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of neglecting his family while protesting Tinubu’s leadership, adds fuel to an already volatile clash over free speech in Nigeria. As Sowore faces a DSS summons for his “criminal” remark, the dispute reveals the intersection of personal vendettas and political battles in a nation grappling with economic and security challenges. The takeaway for observers is clear: Nigeria’s democracy hinges on balancing dissent with dialogue—ensuring voices like Sowore’s can challenge power without facing intimidation, while avoiding the distractions of personal attacks. With a critical week ahead, the nation watches to see how this showdown unfolds.