Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has launched a scathing criticism against former Edo State governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, following the circulation of a viral video showing the lawmaker aboard a private jet with a young woman.

The footage, which has continued to trend widely on social media, has reignited national debate over political excesses, elite privilege, and the widening gap between Nigeria’s ruling class and ordinary citizens grappling with economic hardship.

Viral Video Triggers Public Scrutiny

Akahi News gathered that the short clip, which surfaced online on Monday, shows Senator Oshiomhole appearing relaxed and jovial inside a luxury private aircraft while rubbing the leg of an unidentified woman. The video has since drawn sharp reactions from Nigerians across social media platforms.

The development has renewed scrutiny of the personal conduct, lifestyle, and sources of wealth of public office holders, particularly against the backdrop of rising inflation, fuel price hikes, and worsening living conditions across the country.

Adeyanju Questions Source of Wealth

Reacting to the viral footage, Adeyanju took to social media platform X to criticise what he described as a stark contrast between Oshiomhole’s past as a labour activist and his current lavish lifestyle.

According to Akahi News, Adeyanju questioned the senator’s sudden affluence, arguing that there is no publicly known evidence suggesting that Oshiomhole inherited wealth or built a major business empire outside politics.

“Politics money is sweet. A former textile worker living like Pablo Escobar. No evidence he inherited money from rich parents or that he is a successful businessman or actively doing anything progressively as at today aside politics,” Adeyanju wrote.

He further likened the situation to what he described as political hypocrisy, suggesting that some politicians accumulate wealth almost exclusively through public office.

Nigerians React: Sympathy, Anger, and Accusations

The controversy has also drawn thousands of reactions from Nigerians online. Akahi News learnt that while some expressed disappointment, others accused political leaders of being disconnected from the struggles of the masses.

An X user identified as Everest wrote, “When Oshiomhole is done living this way, why won’t food be cheap in his eyes? I pity poor Nigerians.”

Another commentator, Emma Ik, alleged misuse of public resources, stating, “Just look at what Oshiomhole and his special friend are doing with Nigeria’s resources. It’s well.”

Others focused on public tolerance of political extravagance. A user known as Ikemba remarked, “The funny thing is his constituency people will tell you he deserves it and more.”

Labour Roots Resurface in Public Debate

Several users also recalled Oshiomhole’s history as a labour leader, accusing him of betraying the ideals he once championed while serving as president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

A social media user, Global, wrote: “I remember when this man was the NLC President. Fuel price was increased and labour went on strike. Now fuel is how much and he is busy chopping life.”

Another commentator described the episode as hypocrisy, noting that the same man who once preached civic responsibility and tax compliance now appears to enjoy the privileges funded by those same taxes.

Spotlight on Political Extravagance

Akahi News observed that the controversy comes at a time of heightened public anger over economic hardship, with many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities amid inflation and subsidy-related price increases.

Analysts believe the viral video has once again exposed deep-seated frustrations about governance, accountability, and moral leadership, especially when political leaders are perceived to be living in excess while citizens face hardship.

Oshiomhole Yet to Respond

As of the time of filing this report, Senator Oshiomhole has not issued any official response to Adeyanju’s comments or the public backlash surrounding the private jet video.

Oshiomhole, a former president of the NLC, rose to national prominence as a labour activist before serving two terms as governor of Edo State. He later became national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently represents Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate.

His transition from labour activism to high-level politics has long made him a subject of public discourse on leadership, ideology, and accountability.

As reactions continue to trail the video and the sharp criticisms it has provoked, many Nigerians say the incident reflects broader concerns about political morality and the urgent need for transparency in public life.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org