Nigerian musician and activist Seun Kuti has voiced strong criticism against celebrities and feminists for their lack of support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. During a live session on Instagram, Kuti expressed frustration over what he perceives as selective activism, arguing that feminism in Nigeria is often misused to create gender-based conflicts rather than drive meaningful societal change.
“When we talk about feminism in Nigeria, I feel like it’s just a means to divide us,” Kuti stated. “Anything that can divide us, we just like to embrace it. We like gender wars in this country, tribal wars, and other things that can divide us.”
He further suggested that if women in Nigeria were genuinely dedicated to feminist ideals, they would rally behind Akpoti-Uduaghan and demand accountability from Akpabio.
The controversy erupted when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her during an event in December 2023.
She claimed that after rejecting his proposal, she faced political retaliation within the Senate. Akpabio has denied the accusations, and his wife, Unoma Akpabio, has since filed a defamation lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, further fueling the debate.
Kuti also pointed to what he described as a double standard in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, noting that celebrities are quick to defend their colleagues but remain silent on political cases involving women.
He said, “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.”
“They have something to say about Burna Boy’s alleged reneged promise to Sophia Egbueje but shy away from important matters.”
The discussion took another turn when Senator Florence Ita-Giwa weighed in, questioning the validity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims.
Ita-Giwa suggested that women in high-ranking political positions, such as senators, are unlikely to be victims of sexual harassment, implying that their status shields them from such experiences.
Kuti’s comments have ignited discussions about the true role of feminism in Nigeria and whether the movement is focused on addressing systemic issues or merely advancing personal interests.
He challenged advocates to prioritize broader societal concerns over individual disputes, arguing that true feminism should push for structural change rather than fuel division.
“These kind 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.”
“Many of these celebrities, especially Nollywood actors and actresses are benefiting from the government through fraudulent grants so they can never come out to speak on this kind of matter…. I can’t openly protest to demand justice for Natasha but I implore Nigerian women to support her.”
