Sowore Blasts Culture Of Calling Failed Politicians ‘Your Excellencies,’ Labels It Social Disease
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed Nigerian leaders and citizens who glorify underperforming politicians with titles like “Your Excellencies,” describing the practice as a “social disease.”
In a post on X on Saturday, Sowore said Nigerians often celebrate leaders who cannot deliver basic responsibilities, stating, “Nigerians often refer to individuals who are incapable of accomplishing the simplest of tasks as ‘Your Excellencies.’ THAT IN ITSELF IS A SOCIAL DISEASE.”
Sowore, a consistent critic of Nigeria’s political class, accused them of weaponising poverty, entrenching corruption, and thriving on titles and sycophancy rather than genuine performance.
His comments come amid a recent confrontation with the Department of State Services (DSS), which issued him a one-week ultimatum to retract social media remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a letter dated September 7, 2025, signed by DSS Director of Legal Services, Uwem Davies, the agency accused Sowore of making “false, malicious and derogatory” comments in an August 26 post where he accused Tinubu of lying after claiming in Brazil that corruption no longer existed under his government.
The DSS argued that Sowore’s words amounted to an attack on national security and public order, warning that his remarks could “incite public disturbance, disunity, and even insurrection.”
The security agency directed Sowore to withdraw his comments on X with the same level of visibility, issue a public apology in at least two widely circulated newspapers and on two national TV stations, and submit a formal representation to its headquarters in Abuja or through its official email within one week.
Failure to comply, the DSS warned, would leave it with no option but to “explore all lawful means to protect national security and public order.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
