‘Sowore Fought So We Could Afford School’ — Journalist Post Ignites Reactions

Journalist and founder of Objectv Media, Segun O’Law, has sparked conversations on social media after publishing a lengthy defence of human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, arguing that many Nigerians have benefited from his decades of activism without realizing it.

O’Law was responding to a social media user who questioned Sowore’s relevance, asking: “What has Sowore ever achieved with his many years of protests?”

In his response, the journalist recounted his personal educational journey, saying he was able to complete his studies at the University of Lagos because tuition fees were affordable at the time.

According to him, after earning a National Diploma in Business Administration from Lagos State Polytechnic in 2009, he gained admission into the University of Lagos, where tuition was below ₦20,000. He said the low tuition enabled him to finance his education, complete the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and later obtain a Master’s degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

O’Law argued that affordable public university education was made possible through years of sustained student activism led by figures such as Sowore, Mayegun, and Segun Okeowo of the historic “Ali Must Go” struggle, whom he credited with resisting tuition hikes and advocating accessible education for ordinary Nigerians.

Beyond education, he listed what he described as several of Sowore’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

According to him, Sowore played a significant role in the pro-democracy movement that contributed to ending military rule, helped expose the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s prolonged absence from office, opposed the proposed social media bill, challenged alleged abuses by the Department of State Services (DSS), campaigned for the promotion of more than 70,000 police officers whose careers had allegedly stagnated, and intervened in cases involving alleged abuse of power against ordinary Nigerians.

He argued that Sowore’s legacy should be measured by the institutional reforms he has championed over the years rather than by short-term or populist gestures.

“Sowore targets and achieves institutional reforms, some of which take a great deal of time and sacrifices,” O’Law wrote, adding that dismissing the activist’s decades of work was “myopic and lazy.”

Reactions

O’Law’s post quickly attracted widespread engagement, with many social media users praising his defence of Sowore and agreeing that the activist’s contributions are often overlooked.

One commenter, OdunAyomi Arowodeju, applauded the journalist, writing, “Take your flower, Segun O’Law,” in appreciation of the post.

Another user, Wasiu Adekoya, declared his support for Sowore, commenting: “I stand in solidarity with Sowore. Bring back our kids and their teachers. Campaign must go on. #RevolutionNow.”

When another commenter questioned why Sowore was being mentioned alongside other public figures, O’Law clarified that his post was not intended as a comparison.

“We’re simply answering the question, ‘What has Sowore’s protests achieved over the years?’ to educate the teeming mass of ignorance,” he replied.

Other supporters echoed similar sentiments. Olubunmi R. Adewale urged others to read the post, while Adesegun Adetomiwa Arisekola Salam described O’Law as “an inspiration” and likened his admiration for the journalist to his respect for Sowore.

The exchange has continued to generate debate online, with supporters arguing that Sowore’s activism has produced long-term institutional reforms, while critics continue to question the extent of his impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.