Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has publicly expressed his support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the ongoing sexual harassment controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The allegations, made by Senator Akpoti during a television interview, claim that Akpabio refused to take her motion regarding the Ajaokuta Steel Complex after she rejected his sexual advances.
In a recent Instagram live session, Kuti stood firmly behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, criticizing Nigerian celebrities and feminists for not supporting her as they did for Annie Idibia during her divorce saga with singer 2Face Idibia. He highlighted the seriousness of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, pointing out that she isn’t the first to make such claims against the Senate President.
Seun Kuti voiced his frustration over the silence of female activists and celebrities on the matter, particularly given their vocal support for other, less pressing issues. He lamented that many Nigerian celebrities, especially in Nollywood, are benefiting from government grants and thus, may be reluctant to speak out on matters like this one.
He encouraged Nigerian women to rally behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, even though he acknowledged that he could not publicly protest in support of her. Kuti called for more attention and action on serious issues of sexual harassment in the country, condemning the way such matters are often downplayed or ignored.
The saga has sparked widespread debate, with some public figures, including former senator Shehu Sani, also commenting on the unfortunate shift in focus from political matters to personal issues in the case.
