Adeseye Ogunlewe, a former senator and ex-federal minister, has stated that a woman would need at least 50 billion naira to compete for a senatorial seat in Nigeria.
Ogunlewe, who represented Lagos East in the Senate from 1999 to 2003 and served as Minister of Works under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2006, made these remarks during a recent interview.
Beauty a Hindrance in Male-Dominated Senate, Says Ogunlewe
Ogunlewe also commented on the ongoing controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, recently accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her. This allegation followed a heated dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate, which led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6.
During his appearance on Arise TV, Ogunlewe suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appearance might be working against her in the male-dominated Senate. He noted that the 10th National Assembly has only four women among its 109 members.
“Senator Natasha’s beauty is becoming a challenge for her. When an attractive woman walks by, men’s behaviour often changes. They might smile or even wink, but they may not engage with her directly,” Ogunlewe explained.
He added, “Her beauty is undoubtedly a factor. It’s natural for men to notice an attractive woman. How can a man not look when a beautiful woman passes by?”
Female Senators of the Past Held Their Ground
Ogunlewe contrasted the current situation with the experiences of past female senators, who he said never allowed themselves to be seen as inferior to their male colleagues. He cited the example of Florence Ita-Giwa, a former senator known for her assertiveness.
“If you ever referred to Ita-Giwa as just a woman, her response would leave you embarrassed. She would stand up to anyone without hesitation,” he recalled.
Financial Barriers in Nigerian Politics
Ogunlewe also expressed concern about the financial barriers that prevent capable individuals, particularly women, from entering politics. He emphasised that the high cost of running for office makes it difficult for women to pursue federal legislative positions.
“For a woman to even consider running for the Senate in Nigeria, she would need at least 50 billion naira to begin with,” he stated.
Ogunlewe’s comments highlight the challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics, where financial resources and gender dynamics often play a significant role in shaping political careers.
