Lere Olayinka Accuses Sowore of Secret U.S. Mansion, Calls Him “Cashtivist”

Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore of secretly owning a mansion in the United States worth $552,000 (approximately ₦885 million).

In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Olayinka alleged that the 2023 presidential candidate purchased the multimillion-naira property abroad while presenting himself as an anti-corruption activist at home.

He further claimed that Sowore is effectively the sole proprietor of the African Action Congress (AAC), the political party he founded.

According to Olayinka, Sowore occupies multiple roles within the party, including chairman, financial secretary, and presidential candidate, suggesting a lack of internal democracy.

Quoting his post, Olayinka wrote:

“Sowore is the Chairman of AAC political party. He is Presidential Candidate of AAC. He is Financial Secretary of AAC. In fact, he is Sole Proprietor of AAC. He owns mansion worth $552,000.00 (about ₦885m) in the U.S. Na CASHTIVIST Sowore be that. Reason his party members suspended him for CORRUPTION.”

The allegation has triggered mixed reactions online, with Sowore’s supporters dismissing the claims as politically motivated, while critics demanded transparency regarding his finances.

Sowore, who has long been a vocal critic of government corruption, has not issued a formal response to the fresh allegations at the time of reporting.

The controversy adds to the activist’s turbulent political career, as his role in the AAC and his frequent clashes with authorities have kept him in the headlines since the 2019 elections.