Sowore Criticises Oshiomhole Over Private Jet Lifestyle, Questions Credibility on Inflation Claims

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has sharply criticised Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, accusing him of being out of touch with the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. Sowore’s comments followed the circulation of a viral video showing the former Edo State governor aboard a luxury private jet, a development that has intensified public debate around political privilege and economic hardship in Nigeria.

Sowore’s remarks were triggered by a report published by SaharaReporters, which drew attention to the video footage of Senator Oshiomhole seated in a private aircraft while appearing to massage the foot of a female companion. The video, which quickly gained traction across social media platforms, prompted widespread reactions, particularly against the backdrop of persistent inflation, rising food prices, and declining purchasing power across the country.

In a strongly worded response, Sowore described the senator as someone who speaks from a position of extreme privilege, far removed from the lived experiences of the average Nigerian. He argued that Oshiomhole’s recent claims that food prices were declining lacked credibility, given his apparent lifestyle.

“When ‘Comrade’ Oshiomhole says food prices have dropped, he is not speaking from the marketplace; he is speaking from 30,000 feet,” Sowore said. “A man who can casually rent a private jet for personal indulgence exists in a completely different economic universe from the majority of Nigerians.”

Sowore further questioned how a public official insulated from everyday hardship could accurately assess the cost of living, particularly the prices of staple food items such as garri, rice, and cooking oil. According to him, the realities of inflation and hunger are often invisible to those who operate within elite social and economic circles.

SaharaReporters later clarified that the woman featured in the video was not Oshiomhole’s wife, as initially speculated by some social media users. The media outlet identified her as a South African lifestyle influencer and adult-oriented content creator. The clarification, however, did little to calm public criticism, as many Nigerians continued to question the appropriateness of such displays by an elected official at a time of widespread economic distress.

The controversy has also revived scrutiny of Senator Oshiomhole’s recent public defence of the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In December 2025, Oshiomhole publicly endorsed the government’s economic reforms, acknowledging that while Nigerians were experiencing significant hardship, the policies were necessary for long-term recovery.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, the senator admitted that the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms had led to increased cost of living and business closures. However, he urged Nigerians to remain patient, arguing that the government inherited a severely mismanaged economy burdened by massive liabilities.

Oshiomhole likened the reform process to a surgical operation, stating that while pain was inevitable, the outcome would ultimately be positive. He maintained that the unification of the exchange rate, though painful, was a critical decision to prevent deeper economic collapse. According to him, postponing such measures could have resulted in a crisis similar to what occurred in Zimbabwe.

“There is no magic to governance,” Oshiomhole said. “Anyone who understands the macroeconomic environment inherited by this government would not expect that all problems would be resolved within 24 months.”

Despite these explanations, critics argue that Oshiomhole’s credibility on labour and economic issues has been undermined by his perceived lifestyle choices. Once celebrated as a vocal labour leader and former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oshiomhole built his reputation opposing fuel price hikes and anti-worker policies. His transition from labour activism to staunch defender of policies widely criticised as anti-people has drawn disappointment from many of his former supporters.

Analysts note that the controversy highlights a broader issue in Nigerian politics: the growing disconnect between public officials and the citizens they represent. At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to meet basic needs, images of luxury and excess among political leaders often fuel public resentment and erode trust in governance.

While Senator Oshiomhole has not officially responded to Sowore’s remarks or the public backlash surrounding the video, the incident continues to dominate political discourse. It has reinforced calls for greater accountability, modesty, and sensitivity among public office holders, particularly in periods of national economic hardship.

As inflation persists and economic reforms continue to test public patience, critics insist that leadership must be defined not only by policy explanations but also by conduct that reflects empathy and shared sacrifice.