Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has sparked controversy after suggesting that the beauty of suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, could potentially be an obstacle in her political career. Speaking on Arise News TV on Monday, Ogunlewe pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s physical appearance may affect the way male colleagues in the political arena view and interact with her.
Ogunlewe, a seasoned politician and public figure, made the comments while addressing questions about women in politics and their growing influence. While acknowledging the increasing confidence and assertiveness of female senators, he raised concerns that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty might cause distractions, affecting how her male counterparts perceive and relate to her.
“I recognise that female senators are no longer viewing themselves as inferior to men in political debates. They are standing up for themselves and making their voices heard,” Ogunlewe stated. “But in the case of Senator Natasha, there’s no doubt that her beauty is an issue. You know, men — when someone as pretty as her walks by, their attitude will naturally change.”
He added that while men may not openly approach or speak to attractive women, their reactions, such as smiling or looking at them, can have an impact. For Ogunlewe, it seems that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance may be causing some discomfort among male colleagues, despite her political capabilities.
“Beauty is a problem,” Ogunlewe continued. “There’s no way a man can see a beautiful woman pass by and not notice. It’s a natural instinct.”
Ogunlewe’s comments about Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty come at a time when there is growing recognition of the role women are playing in Nigerian politics. Over the years, female politicians have increasingly broken through traditional barriers, asserting their right to participate in the political process. Female senators, for example, are no longer relegated to passive roles, but are now more vocal and involved in political debates.
Senator Ita-Giwa is one example of a Nigerian female politician who has demonstrated strength and assertiveness in her role. Ogunlewe’s remarks highlighted the growing political presence of women like Ita-Giwa, who have earned respect for their skills and contributions, and their ability to compete with male counterparts in the legislative process.
Ogunlewe was careful to note that the female senators in Nigeria have made remarkable strides, refusing to be viewed as inferior to their male colleagues. “If you mention Senator Ita-Giwa’s name, for instance, the response you get will show you how much respect she has earned,” Ogunlewe said. “They are not taking a backseat anymore. Women in politics today are standing up to men in every sense.”
Yet, despite these strides, Ogunlewe’s comments suggest that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s physical appearance may be distracting to those around her, even though she may possess the same political capabilities as her colleagues.
Ogunlewe’s statement has sparked a mixed response, with many Nigerians questioning the relevance and appropriateness of his remarks. Critics argue that reducing a woman’s political career to her appearance undermines the progress women have made in Nigerian politics.
While some were critical of Ogunlewe’s comments, others, particularly those in his camp, defended his remarks as an honest observation of how men and women are often perceived differently in the political world. They argue that beauty may influence how people relate to or interact with one another, even in the professional sphere.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central, has been at the centre of political discussions recently, particularly after her suspension from the Senate in early March 2025. Despite facing political challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained a strong voice in Nigerian politics, advocating for her constituents and tackling pressing national issues.
Her suspension, which was tied to a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, raised questions about the treatment of women in Nigerian politics and whether gender-based biases are still prevalent in the political arena.
In a country where female participation in politics has been relatively low, Akpoti-Uduaghan is among the few women who have made notable strides. She has shown determination in her fight for her rights, both as a woman and as a representative of her people, and has expressed her commitment to continue serving her constituents.
It is worth noting that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which serves as the country’s legal framework, grants equal rights to all citizens, including women. However, the realities of political participation often differ, as women in Nigeria continue to face several obstacles, including gender biases and traditional cultural norms that limit their opportunities in politics.
Ogunlewe’s comments highlight an ongoing issue in Nigerian politics – the challenge of gender perception. While Nigerian women are making significant strides in leadership and governance, gender stereotypes persist, sometimes hindering their political growth.
Political analysts argue that women in Nigerian politics often face an additional layer of scrutiny based on their gender. They are more likely to be judged for their appearance, behaviour, and personal lives, unlike their male counterparts, who are primarily assessed based on their policies, actions, and achievements.
Many believe that comments like Ogunlewe’s further perpetuate this problem by reducing a woman’s worth in politics to how she looks. These opinions have the potential to reinforce negative stereotypes and discourage women from pursuing political leadership roles.