Popular Nigerian musician, Seun Kuti, has openly criticized female celebrities and feminists in Nigeria for their silence regarding the ongoing sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The controversy began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making persistent sexual advances towards her. She claimed that Akpabio’s antagonistic stance against her was a direct result of her refusal to give in to his alleged demands, both within Nigeria and abroad.
Seun Kuti expressed his disappointment, calling out Nigerian women and feminists for failing to stand by Senator Natasha in her fight for justice. He pointed out the hypocrisy of how many women and activists rallied around Annie Idibia when she had issues with her husband, 2Baba Idibia, but are now silent in the face of Natasha’s allegations against a powerful politician.
The musician strongly condemned the silence of feminists and social activists, stating that this was not the first time similar allegations had been made against Godswill Akpabio. He criticized the selective outrage displayed by celebrities who, according to him, are quick to speak on trivial matters but ignore serious cases like this.
Seun 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 lashed out at the hypocrisy of some celebrities, highlighting how they were vocal about Burna Boy’s alleged broken promise to social media influencer Sophia Egbueje but have refused to speak up on the more serious allegations against a sitting Senate President.
Seun Kuti continued, “These kinds of things cannot continue in this country. 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.”
He also accused Nollywood actors and actresses of turning a blind eye to these issues because many of them allegedly benefit from fraudulent government grants, making them unwilling to speak out against politicians.
In conclusion, Seun Kuti acknowledged that he personally could not organize a protest for Natasha, but he called on Nigerian women to stand by her and demand justice. He urged the public to hold leaders accountable and not let cases of sexual harassment be swept under the rug.