‘You Are Illiterate Cobbler Turned Journalist’ Wizkid, Davido , Burna boy and others that smoke weed are more valuable than you and your entire generation– Ex-Governor Fayose’s Brother Blasts Lere Olayinka Over Comment On Sowore’s Plan To Legalise Cannabis
By Michael Mercy
Olayinka had mocked Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for his campaign vow to legalise cannabis as a means of revenue generation.
Prince Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, has taken a swipe at Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, following his criticism of activist Omoyele Sowore’s position on cannabis legalisation.
Olayinka had mocked Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for his campaign vow to legalise cannabis as a means of revenue generation.
In a Facebook post, Olayinka claimed Sowore wanted to turn Nigerians into “weed smokers,” adding in Yoruba, “Awon President Igbolabi” (meaning “president of smokers”).
Responding in the comment section, Isaac Fayose accused Olayinka of ignorance, stressing that cannabis has global economic value and is already an ingredient in pharmaceutical products such as pain relievers.
Fayose, while educating Olayinka, said cannabis is money anywhere in the world, noting that it is an ingredient in Panadol and other pharmaceutical products.
He further argued that Nigerian music stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy—who have been open about smoking cannabis
have achieved more value for the country than Olayinka “and his entire generation.”
Fayose concluded by describing Olayinka as an “illiterate cobbler turned journalist” who fails to understand the economic and medical importance of cannabis.
Fayose stated, “Local boy ….Weed is money anywhere in the world…
“It is in your panadol and other pharmaceutical products….Wizkid, Davido , Burna boy and others that smoke weed are more valuable than you and your entire generation….only illiterate cobbler turned journalist will see this as a big deal,” he added.
In 2023, Nigerian publisher and presidential hopeful, Omoyele Sowore, had declared that, if elected, he would turn the country into a hub for marijuana export.
A video of his remarks, delivered at a mid-week event organised by a non-governmental organisation, quickly went viral on social media.
Sowore argued that while many countries are generating billions from the cannabis industry, Nigeria continues to criminalise cultivation and possession through its drug enforcement agencies.
The fiery activist admitted that his position was controversial but said he was prepared to engage in detailed discussions on the subject.
“We have to start taking care of our weed (Igbo), such that we can also contribute to the GDP of the world,” he said.
“Some of the best weeds in the world are grown in Ekiti state. I’m very serious. People are making billions out of that particular plant that is very potent in Nigeria. We should be focusing on it.
“Our NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) should get the notice, memo in advance that Nigeria will be exporting weed to cure cancer in other parts of the world.
“Instead of chasing after people who are growing weed whereas we are not chasing after our politicians who are smoking cocaine in their houses.”
