Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty is a challenge for her in politics. According to him, her physical appearance influences how male colleagues perceive and interact with her, potentially affecting her political engagements. He made these remarks during a media interview while discussing her recent suspension from the Senate.
Ogunlewe suggested that men naturally take notice of attractive women, and in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case, this might have led to misunderstandings or biases in her political career. He implied that beyond her competence, her looks might have unintentionally played a role in how she is treated within the political space. His statement has since sparked reactions from the public, with some agreeing while others argue that beauty should not be a factor in professional settings.
The senator’s suspension from the Senate for alleged misconduct has further fueled debates about gender dynamics in Nigerian politics. Some critics believe that her suspension is politically motivated, while others argue that her actions warranted the punishment. Ogunlewe’s comments add another dimension to the conversation, raising questions about whether female politicians face additional scrutiny based on their appearance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her activism and strong political presence, has not officially responded to Ogunlewe’s remarks. However, her supporters argue that such comments undermine her achievements and reduce her political struggles to superficial factors. As debates continue, many are watching to see how she navigates this phase of her political career.
