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Summary
Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi resorted to sexist insults against former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate hearing on sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The attack, widely condemned as unprofessional and misogynistic, underscores the hostile environment women face in Nigerian politics.
A Senate hearing meant to address serious allegations of sexual harassment turned into a display of institutional misogyny on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, when Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC – Ebonyi South) launched a sexist verbal attack on former Minister of Education Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili.
During proceedings by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Dr Oby and others refused to take an oath before the Committee, insisting that the Senate’s rules could not override the Nigerian Constitution. In response, Nwebonyi erupted into a tirade, calling Ezekwesili an “insult to womanhood” and a “hooligan.” He repeatedly shouted over her as staff scrambled to cut his microphone.
The incident occurred as the Committee dismissed a petition filed by a constituent of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who stated that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her. The Committee claimed it could not entertain the case due to a separate lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan by Ekatte Unoma Akpabio.
Nwaebonyi’s attack on Ezekwesili has sparked outrage across social media and civil society, with many Nigerians condemning his behaviour as not only unprofessional but emblematic of the misogyny deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s political system.
Speaking after the hearing was abruptly adjourned, Ezekwesili denounced the Committee’s handling of the case and criticised the sexist hostility she faced in the chamber.
“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” she said.
She further highlighted the Senate’s blatant bias, calling for an independent body to review Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition. “This is what happens when women demand justice in a system built to silence them,” she added.
According to reactions, it is evident that Nwaebonyi’s outburst is part of a broader pattern of silencing and undermining women in Nigeria’s political and legislative spaces. His remarks reflect the persistent culture of sexism that discourages women from participating in governance and speaking out against injustice.
Following this, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan took to the internet to publicly apologise to Dr Oby as she felt the insults were because of her.
“ I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. You are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership,” she said. “A champion of accountability. You are a hero.”
In response, Dr Oby said, “Dear Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, yet to me, a torrent of insults from any source is a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that Becomes. Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them. An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never become.”
The attack on Oby Ezekwesili is a stark reminder of the challenges women face in Nigerian politics, where even accomplished and outspoken women are subjected to public humiliation for demanding fairness and accountability.
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