Nigerian politician and publisher Omoyele Sowore has launched a sharp critique of British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua, accusing the sports icon of repeatedly showing deference to political leaders in Nigeria. Sowore’s remarks came after Joshua’s recent high-profile visits to Nigerian leaders, including a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, prompting an online response from the activist.
Joshua, who arrived in Nigeria just ahead of the New Year, was warmly welcomed by Governor Abiodun of Ogun State. On December 30, 2024, the governor honored the boxing star by naming a new boxing hall in the state after him. The gesture was a tribute to Joshua’s efforts in promoting Nigerian heritage and his strong ties to Ogun State. In addition to this honor, Governor Abiodun also conferred a Yoruba name, “Omobowale,” on Joshua, which means “the child who has come home,” in recognition of his commitment to celebrating his Nigerian roots.
Following this, on January 1, 2025, Joshua made a visit to Lagos, where he paid a New Year’s homage to President Bola Tinubu at his residence. During the meeting, Joshua presented the president with a personalized autographed boxing glove, inscribed with the message: “To the Great Asiwaju Jagaban, Borgu of Africa, ‘Bola A Tinubu.’” President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the gesture, calling the boxing glove a “symbol of perseverance and excellence.”
This meeting marked the second time Joshua had met with a Nigerian president, having previously had an encounter with former President Muhammadu Buhari in London in 2020. During that meeting, Joshua was photographed prostrating before Buhari, who appeared delighted to hold the boxer’s championship belt. Joshua had expressed his commitment to standing up for Nigeria whenever needed, a sentiment that seemed to resonate with the former president.
However, Omoyele Sowore, a vocal critic of Nigeria’s political establishment, took to social media to voice his displeasure over Joshua’s behavior. In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sowore expressed disdain for the boxer’s frequent displays of deference to Nigerian political leaders. “And @anthonyjoshua is always genuflecting on the altars of evil Nigerian leaders as if his boxing career depended on it. Shame!” Sowore wrote, sharing photos of Joshua’s meetings with both Tinubu and Buhari.
Sowore’s criticism centers on the boxer’s apparent subservience to political figures, which he views as an attempt to ingratiate himself with the country’s leadership for personal gain. The publisher’s comment suggests that Joshua’s public displays of respect for Nigerian leaders might be motivated by a desire to maintain his career and influence within Nigeria, rather than out of genuine admiration for the leaders themselves.
This sharp critique from Sowore has ignited debate online, with some social media users supporting the politician’s views, while others defend Joshua’s actions. Proponents of the boxer argue that his visits to Nigerian leaders are a reflection of his pride in his heritage and his desire to foster positive relationships within his home country. They also pointed to his charitable works and ongoing support for the development of boxing in Nigeria.
On the other hand, critics like Sowore argue that Joshua’s actions are symptomatic of a broader issue in Nigeria, where celebrities and influential figures often appear to defer to political elites, even when those leaders have been accused of corruption or poor governance. Sowore’s statement underscores his long-standing stance against the current Nigerian political system, which he frequently describes as corrupt and self-serving.
Peace OdekunleJanuary 4, 20252 Mins read
