Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has said that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty poses a challenge for her in politics.
Ogunlewe made the statement on Monday during an interview with Arise News while discussing the Senate’s recent decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct.
According to him, female senators do not see themselves as inferior to their male colleagues and are confident in political debates. However, he claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s physical appearance influences how men react to her.
“The female senators did not look at themselves as if they were inferior to men. They were even up to the task. If you even mention that Itadewa is a woman, the response you are going to get will make you ashamed of yourself because they will stand up to you,” Ogunlewe said.
He then singled out Akpoti-Uduaghan, adding, “But the beauty of Distinguished Senator Natasha is a problem to her.”
When asked to clarify, he explained, “You know, men—when somebody who is pretty passes by you, your attitude will change. You can smile, you can wink, but you may not talk to her. But her beauty is a problem, there’s no doubt about that.”
Pressed further, he said, “To men, when she’s passing, there’s no way a man will not look at that woman.”
Ogunlewe defended his stance by insisting it is natural for men to notice attractive women. “It is a natural thing for a man to look at beautiful women. How can you be a man and a beautiful woman is passing and you close your eyes?” he asked.
