In a dramatic turn of events during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing on March 25, 2025, former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North engaged in a heated verbal confrontation. The session was convened to address sexual harassment allegations involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Eyewitnesses report that tensions escalated when Senator Nwebonyi allegedly referred to Dr. Ezekwesili in a derogatory manner, prompting her to demand he "shut up." The confrontation quickly intensified, capturing the attention of attendees and subsequently going viral on social media platforms.
In response to the incident, prominent activist Omoyele Sowore took to Facebook to commend Dr. Ezekwesili's assertiveness. He criticized Senator Nwebonyi's conduct, questioning the efficacy of the current Senate composition. Sowore's remarks have ignited discussions about the decorum and productivity of legislative representatives.
The altercation has polarized public opinion, with some praising Dr. Ezekwesili for standing her ground, while others debate the implications of such confrontations within governmental proceedings. This incident underscores the heightened scrutiny on interactions among public officials and the broader implications for legislative conduct in Nigeria.
For a visual account of the exchange, you can view the following video: