Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has taken a swipe at Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for his vitriolic comments against former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), on the occasion of his 85th birthday.
Afegbua, a mentee of the retired General in a strongly worded statement obtained by Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), described Sowore’s tirade as “rabble-rousing theatrics” unworthy of serious political discourse. He noted that while Sowore was busy disparaging IBB online, the former leader was being celebrated by over 300 distinguished Nigerians across political, business, and social circles.
“This is IBB yesterday at 85, looking fresher than your rabblerouser Omoyele Sowore, and being celebrated by over 300 distinguished Nigerians who are well placed in society,” Afegbua said. “When next I see Sowore in Transcorp, drinking alcohol, I will remind him the place was built by IBB. Whenever I see him traveling on Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, I will remind him that was built by IBB. And so many other infrastructures across the country bear his imprint.”
Sowore had earlier taken to his verified X handle to accuse Babangida of “wickedness and selfishness” during his years in power, alleging that his decisions entrenched corruption and undermined democracy. He insisted that Nigeria’s current challenges were rooted in Babangida’s legacy.
But Afegbua countered that such remarks ignored the tangible contributions of the former military leader, including landmark infrastructure projects that continue to serve Nigerians decades later. He argued that history should not be reduced to one-sided narratives of condemnation but should also acknowledge the enduring structures and institutions Babangida left behind.
IBB, who governed Nigeria from 1985 until he “stepped aside” in 1993, remains one of the nation’s most debated leaders. His 85th birthday celebration rekindled familiar controversies, yet Afegbua’s spirited defense effectively punctured the vituperative criticisms and diatribes, portraying Babangida instead as a symbol of excellence, a genuine nationalist, and a detribalized nation-builder.
