Nigerian-born U.S. Lawmaker, Oye Owolewa, Joins Budget Justice Protest in Washington, D.C.

Nigerian-born U.S. Representative for Washington, D.C., Dr. Oye Owolewa, on Wednesday joined dozens of community leaders, advocacy groups, and labour unions in a peaceful demonstration outside the Wilson Building to protest Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed 2026 fiscal year budget.

The protest, which took place at 8:30 a.m. on June 18 the final day for public input on the Mayor’s budget saw residents demand increased funding for affordable housing, healthcare, workers’ rights, and support for non-citizen residents in the District of Columbia.

Dr. Owolewa, a trained pharmacist and prominent voice in D.C.'s shadow congressional delegation, said he joined the protest “to show solidarity with those demanding more resources” for vulnerable communities across the city.

In a press statement released Thursday, Owolewa emphasized the urgent need for a more equitable budget that addresses the basic needs of all D.C. residents, regardless of citizenship status.

“As a public servant and advocate for marginalized populations, I believe it's crucial that our budget reflects justice and compassion,” he said. “We must protect those most at risk immigrants, workers, and low-income families especially at a time of rising living costs.”

The protest was organized by a coalition of grassroots organizations and local unions who argue that the proposed FY26 budget fails to meet the growing needs of underserved communities.

Demonstrators carried placards and made passionate appeals to D.C. lawmakers, urging them to reallocate funding toward affordable housing, community health centres, and immigrant services.

Owolewa, who made history in 2020 as the first Nigerian-American elected to U.S. federal office when he became D.C.’s Shadow Representative to Congress, continues to advocate for full representation for the District and policy changes that impact diasporan and minority communities.

The protest adds to mounting pressure on Mayor Bowser and the D.C. Council ahead of key decisions on the city’s budget priorities. No immediate official response has been issued by the Mayor’s office as of press time.