Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has publicly declared his support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, in her ongoing sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed during a television interview that Akpabio refused to entertain her motion regarding the Ajaokuta Steel Complex after she rejected his alleged sexual advances. The allegations have sparked widespread debate, with Akpoti-Uduaghan facing significant backlash, particularly from some of her female colleagues in the Senate.
During a recent Instagram live session, Seun Kuti expressed his solidarity with the Kogi senator, criticizing Nigerian celebrities and feminists for their silence on the matter. He compared the lack of support for Akpoti-Uduaghan to the widespread backing actress Annie Idibia received during her publicized marital issues with musician 2Face.
Kuti stated, “About the sexual harassment case in the senate, I stand with the Senator [Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan] 100 per cent. Because she isn’t even the first one to make such an allegation [against the Senate President]. It’s appalling that all these so-called women activists are all quiet.”
He further criticized celebrities, particularly Nollywood actors and actresses, for their reluctance to speak out on the issue, suggesting that their silence may be influenced by benefits they receive from the government. “Many of these celebrities, especially Nollywood actors and actresses, are benefiting from the government through fraudulent grants, so they can never come out to speak on this kind of matter,” Kuti said.
The musician called on Nigerian women to rally behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the seriousness of her allegations. “What that woman [Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan] is saying is very serious. And the celebrities will not come out to support her in this kind of matter, the way everybody had something to say to defend Annie against 2face. I can’t openly protest to demand justice for Natasha, but I implore Nigerian women to support her,” he added.
The allegations have intensified tensions in the Senate, with Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitting a petition against Akpabio, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation. Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied the allegations, describing them as false and urging the public to await the outcome of the legal process.
As the situation unfolds, Seun Kuti’s outspoken support for Akpoti-Uduaghan has added a new dimension to the controversy, drawing attention to the broader issue of accountability and gender-based harassment in Nigeria’s political and social spheres.