Former Minister of Works, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, has ignited a fresh debate in Nigeria by suggesting that Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty is a liability in politics.
He believes that her physical appearance draws attention from men, making it challenging for them to ignore her presence.
Ogunlewe expressed his views on Arise News’ “The Morning Show,” stating that female senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, are confident and assertive in political discussions.
He, however, noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty sets her apart and affects how men react to her.
When asked to clarify, Ogunlewe explained that men naturally notice attractive women, and it’s impossible for them to ignore someone as beautiful as Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Ogunlewe’s comments have sparked controversy, with some suggesting that his views are misogynistic.
However, he defended his stance, arguing that his observations are based on natural human tendencies.
According to Ogunlewe, it’s essential to acknowledge that physical appearance can impact how people perceive and interact with each other.
He said: “The female senators did not look at themselves as if they were inferior to men. They were even up to the task. If you even mention that Sen. Ita Giwa is a woman, the response you are going to get will make you ashamed of yourself because they will stand up to you.
“But the beauty of Distinguished Sen. Natasha is a problem to her.”
He further said: “You know, men, when somebody who is pretty passes by you, your attitude will change. You can smile, you can wink, but you may not talk to her. But her beauty is a problem, there is no doubt about that.”
On how beauty could be an issue, Ogunlewe pointed out: “To men, when she is passing, there is no way a man will not look at that woman.
“It is a natural thing for a man to look at beautiful women. How can you be a man, and a beautiful woman is passing, and you close your eyes?”
Undeterred by suggestions that his views were misogynistic, Sen. Ogunlewe maintained that his observations were rooted in natural human behaviour.
He said: “It may be, you might term it that way, but it is inbuilt.”
The disagreement between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Natasha began on Thursday, February 20, after her seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle caused by opposition members defecting to the majority wing without prior information.
She declined to move to her newly assigned seat, sparking a heated debate on the floor of the chamber.
While rejecting the arrangement, the Kogi senator raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.
She said: “I do not care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”
The Senate, deeming her outburst as disorderly conduct, referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation and reporting.
She further escalated the feud with an interview on Arise News programme,”The Morning Show” on Friday, February 28, where she publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Persecondnews had reported that the Senate, after reviewing the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Affairs regarding Natasha’s conduct, imposed a six-month suspension on her on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The committee recommended that her salary and security details should be withdrawn during the six-month suspension period.
It was also recommended that she should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during the period.
The suspension, which a majority of senators voted to uphold, was announced by Akpabio himself during a plenary session.
Immediately the suspension was pronounced, the Senator said before her microphone was yanked off:“This injustice will not be sustained.”
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