By Milcah Tanimu
Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has made shocking claims about Adams Oshiomhole, the Edo North Senator, stating that Oshiomhole secretly met with former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) to support the first fuel price hike in Nigeria in 1992. Sowore also accused Oshiomhole of continuing these efforts by allegedly approaching former President Olusegun Obasanjo to push for further fuel price increases.
Sowore made the revelations during an appearance on a podcast by Glitch Africa Studios, where he claimed, “Oshiomhole was never an activist. You can check this out anywhere. In 1992, Oshiomhole and Pascal Bafial, a former NLC President, had a deal with Babangida to increase fuel prices and supported it.”
He also recounted how, during Obasanjo’s presidency, Oshiomhole allegedly worked behind the scenes to push for higher fuel prices. “We will fight small and you will bring it back to where it is supposed to be. You are happy, I’m happy. That was what Oshiomhole was doing,” Sowore said.
The activist further criticized Oshiomhole’s past actions, alleging that during the annulment of MKO Abiola’s election, student protesters targeted the NLC secretariat in Yaba due to Oshiomhole’s alleged ties with the military. Sowore accused the former labour leader of complicity in the political landscape, asserting that Oshiomhole’s dealings were at odds with his public image as a champion of workers.
These claims have sparked a renewed debate about Oshiomhole’s role in Nigeria’s labour movement and his political career.
