Niko Omilana
Niko Omilana | |
|---|---|
| Born | Niko Omilana 1997 or 1998 (age 26)[1] |
| Occupations |
|
YouTube information | |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Genres |
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| Subscribers | 7.5 million |
| Associated acts | Sidemen |
Last updated: 12 June 2024 | |
Niko Omilana is a British Youtuber, comedian and internet personality. He is known for running as an independent candidate in the 2021 London mayoral election and the 2024 United Kingdom general election.[1] Omilana has also competed in several charity soccer matches, including Soccer Aid[2] and multiple Sidemen charity matches.
Youtube career[edit]
Omilana rose to prominence for posting prank videos, including sneaking into KSI vs Logan Paul and KSI vs Logan Paul II[3] and pretending to be an employee at major companies including Apple, Asda, Ikea, McDonald’s, Subway and Tesco.[4]
In 2020, Omilana was nominated for a Shorty Award for Breakout YouTuber at the 12th Shorty Awards, eventually losing to Alexandra Mary Hirschi.[5][6]
Omilana was the subject of controversy in 2022 due to a 2021 video showing conditions within a poultry farm. Animal rights activists investigated the same location two months later and found living conditions for chickens to be considerably worse than those depicted in Omilana's video. Omilana's agency said “Whilst we take these allegations very seriously and will speak with KFC about these claims, the filming that our client took part in accurately reported the conditions he saw and experienced on the day.”[7]
2021 London mayoral election[edit]
In the 2021 London mayoral election, Omilana ran as an independent candidate. During the campaign, Omilana was quoted as saying 'The system is broken for young people'.[8] Omilana received over 49,000 votes in the election,[1] or around 2% of the total votes cast.[9] Among his campaign pledges, Omilana suggested turning McDonalds restaurants into social housing and removing the teeth of racists.[2] Omilana also attempted to run at the 2024 London mayoral election, but his nomination form was declared invalid.[4]
2024 United Kingdom general election[edit]
In the 2024 United Kingdom general election, Omilana received attention after candidates named "Niko Omilana" registered as candidates in at least 11 different constituencies,[4] prompting a police investigation.[9] According to the Electoral Commission, it remains an offence to provide false information on nomination papers. Standing as a candidate in more than one constituency is also an offense.[9] One of the constituencies where a Niko Omilana was registered as a candidate is Richmond and Northallerton, the constituency where Rishi Sunak was the incumbent member of parliament.[9] Each Niko Omilana is resident at a different address and have nomination papers which have been signed by different members of the public.[4]
Charity football matches[edit]
Omilana has participated in several charity football matches, starting with the 2022 Sidemen charity match.[10] Omilana participated in Soccer Aid 2023.[2]
Personal Life[edit]
In 2021, Omilana lived in North London.[11]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Nichol, Joshua (12 June 2024). "YouTuber announces he will take on Rishi Sunak in Richmond and Northallerton". the Northern Echo. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ a b c Coyle, Simon (11 June 2023). "Soccer Aid 2023: Who is Niko playing for World XI?". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Hale, Jacob (13 November 2019). "YouTuber sneaks into the ring during KSI vs Logan Paul 2". Dexerto. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d Savage, Claudia (12 June 2024). "Police aware as 11 'Niko Omilanas' stand for election in 11 constituencies". Evening Standard. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ "NIKO OMILANA Finalist in Breakout Youtuber". shortyawards.com. Shorty Awards. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Perelli, Amanda. "Exclusive: The full list of nominees for the Shorty Awards, including Jeffree Star, Sophie Turner, and Baby Yoda Sipping Tea". Business Insider. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Wasley, Andrew (12 April 2022). "KFC faces backlash over 'misleading' portrayal of UK chicken farming". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ "Niko Omilana: 'The system is broken for young people'". BBC. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d Rack, Susie (12 June 2024). "YouTuber named as candidate in 11 constituencies". BBC. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Walker, Timothy (7 September 2022). "Sidemen charity football match: When is it, who is playing and how can I watch it?". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Onibada, Ade (30 April 2021). "Meet Niko Omilana: The YouTuber Who Wants To Be The Mayor Of London". Buzzfeed News. Retrieved 12 June 2024.