Here’s a more detailed biography of Reno Bemigho Omokri, including his background, activism, controversies, and recent developments:
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Early Life & Education
Reno Omokri was born in 1974.
Some sources indicate his birthday is January 22, 1974.
He is from Delta State, Nigeria, and was reportedly raised in Warri.
He comes from a Christian family background.
Regarding his legal education: he studied law and was called to the bar (typical path in Nigeria).
He also obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of Wolverhampton in the UK.
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Career & Public Life
Government & Political Involvement
Reno served as Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, handling media, communication, and social media engagement.
Before that, he had involvement in political consulting internationally — he was a Vice President at Joe Trippi & Associates, a U.S. political consulting firm.
After leaving government service, he has often taken a role as a political commentator, especially critiquing policies and acting as a voice of opposition to administrations he disagrees with.
Writing, Media & Activism
He has authored several books. Some of his published works include:
• Poverty Is A Choice
• Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God (2013)
• Why Jesus Wept (2015)
• Apples of Gold (a book of Godly wisdom) (2017)
• Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years, Chibok, 2015 and the Conspiracies
He hosted a Christian teaching program called Transformations With Reno Omokri, which aired in the U.S. via platforms like Comcast, DISH, and Roku.
He is known as an adventure traveller. For example:
• On New Year’s Day 2025, he abseiled down Victoria Falls and climbed back up using ropes and a harness — a stunt meant to promote intra-African travel.
• He has hiked the Inca Trails in Peru, the slopes of Phnom Kulen in Cambodia, travelled in Nepal, and even flew over Mount Everest in 2019.
He also led civic initiatives; for example, #BusesForDemocracy to transport voters during elections when polling dates changed.
He has campaigned for social and moral causes, such as calling for a ban on sports betting in Nigeria (arguing it undermines the naira and social welfare).
He has also been involved in #BuhariForPrison2023, a petition urging the prosecution of then-President Buhari for the #EndSARS / Lekki-tollgate events.
In January 2025, a court vacated a remand order against him that had been filed by Pastor Paul Enenche, related to comments Omokri made about partisan politics from the pulpit.
In April 2022, he won the Business Influencer of the Year award at the Business Insider Africa Awards, with over 74% of votes from 200,000+ participants.
On December 21, 2024, he was ranked the 21st most talked about person in Africa by Top Charts, via Google metrics.
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Controversies & Criticisms
Reno Omokri has been a polarizing figure. Here are some of the more significant controversies:
1. Natasha Akpoti allegation
In October 2021, Natasha Akpoti (a female political candidate in Kogi State) alleged that Omokri propositioned her during a state banquet in May 2014.
Omokri denied the claim, and he offered a US$50,000 reward for evidence (photo or video) placing him at that state banquet.
He also presented travel documents, passport stamps, immigration records, etc., to argue he was not in the country on that date.
Akpoti later deleted related posts from her social media.
2. Statements on bride price, virginity, etc.
At some point he stirred backlash by saying that bride price should only be paid for virgins. This triggered public debate and negative responses.
3. Ethnic/Rhetorical Accusations
He has been accused of inciting ethnic tension, especially through provocative historical commentary. For instance, in January 2025, Dr. Josef Onoh accused him of using “habitual profiling of Ndigbo” and stoking sentiments targeting the South East.
Some have claimed that his rhetoric contributes to division among the masses.
4. First wife’s accusations / family issues
In August 2025, his first wife publicly accused him of abandoning a son with special needs, and called for “real parenting, not staged photos.”
There are reports and rumors about strain and disputes in his marriage, including issues about child parentage, abandonment, and domestic life. (As is common in the public sphere, many of these claims are contested.)
However, earlier investigations (in the U.S.) into allegations of abuse had reportedly been closed as “inconclusive” by authorities in Contra Costa County, California.
5. Political rhetoric & alliances
He has dismissed opposition coalitions (e.g. the ADC alliance) as “losers’ conventions,” arguing they lack credibility and structure.
He has on multiple occasions criticized political figures, including Peter Obi (for example, questioning Obi’s phrasing “my dear brother” in addressing the Olubadan).
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Recent / Ongoing Activities & Influence
Omokri remains an active voice on social media (especially X, formerly Twitter). His commentaries, critiques, and campaigns frequently attract attention (and backlash).
He has recently criticized Peter Obi’s diplomatic style in addressing traditional rulers.
He continues to weigh in on Nigerian political realignments (e.g. dismissing certain coalitions) as the 2027 election season approaches.
His family disputes are still in public discourse, especially the accusation from his first wife about neglecting a special-needs child.
He also keeps pushing his travel / adventure activism, linking it to his broader message of African self-esteem, intra-continental tourism, and social change. (The Victoria Falls abseiling is a good example)
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If you like, I can prepare a timeline of his life and controversies, or compare how public perception of him has changed over time. Which would you prefer?
