Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has been accused of turning activism into a business following his constant call for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu is being detained and tried for charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony as his IPOB group tries to pull the Southeast region out of Nigeria.

Sowore recently staged a protest in Abuja, demanding Kanu's release despite an ongoing federal high court case against the IPOB leader.

In a new post on X, he likened Kanu to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed for fighting against the degradation of the environment by oil spills.

Sowore said, "Thirty years ago, Nigeria witnessed the tragic loss of Ken Saro-Wiwa, a distinguished environmentalist, and eight other Ogoni individuals who advocated for environmental dignity and preservation of rights in the Niger Delta region. He was cruelly hanged by the Nigerian elite through a concorted sham trial by the Gen Sani Abacha regime in 1995.

"Despite this incident, Nigeria and its leaders have not learned from their past mistakes, and this November, another life may be compromised in the pursuit of self-determination. A judge is scheduled to rule on Nnamdi Kanu's case on November 20, 2025, potentially perpetuating a cycle of violence and injustice. We honour the memory of Ken Saro-Wiwa and that similar tragedies will not be tolerated ever again!"

However, some X users didn't buy Sowore's comparison, saying Kanu caused untold pains to people through the activities of his IPOB group.

An X user, @lollylarry1, said, "No...Uncle Yele, you are wrong again. Your comparison of Nnamdi Kanu to Ken Saro-Wiwa is deeply misplaced and frankly offensive to the memory of a true hero. Ken Saro-Wiwa was a peaceful activist who fought for environmental justice and the rights of his people without resorting to violence or incitement. Nnamdi Kanu, on the other hand, leads a separatist movement that has been linked to terrorism, killings, and threats to national unity. Equating a terrorist agitator with a non-violent human rights icon not only distorts history but also disrespects the struggle and sacrifice of genuine patriots. Let’s honour Ken Saro-Wiwa by remembering him for what he truly was. A man of peace, intellect, integrity and not by using his name to defend lawlessness. E jo now...take this twerking for Nnamdi Kanu small small as you can see, it didn't even favour your party in Anambra."

@sureBigbro said, "Comparing Ken Saro-Wiwa’s struggle to Nnamdi Kanu’s case is a false narrative. One fought for the environment; the other led a violent separatist movement. Sowore should stop using noble history to push his paid agenda. Nigeria is wiser now."

@OloruntoGabrel said, "This is a black and white case and doesn't align in any way.I doff my hat to the 9 Ogonis. But for the man on trial let him argue his case before the Nigerian and Nigeria law."

@iamAhmadOlolu said, "Sowore has turned activism into a business. Always shouting “Free Nnamdi Kanu” while ignoring the pain and division caused by his actions. You’re not fighting for justice, you’re doing a paid job for those funding chaos. Nigerians see through the performance."

ASA