Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has sparked controversy by claiming that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s beauty presents a challenge for her in politics, as men find it difficult to ignore her presence.
Speaking on Arise News on Monday, Ogunlewe noted that female senators do not see themselves as inferior to men and are often assertive in political discussions. However, he suggested that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s physical appearance sets her apart in a way that affects how men react to her.
“But the beauty of Distinguished Senator Natasha is a problem to her,” he stated. When asked how beauty could be an issue, 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.”
Defending his stance, Ogunlewe argued that it is natural for men to notice attractive women. “How can you be a man, and a beautiful woman is passing, and you close your eyes?” he said.
Despite pushback on whether his remarks were misogynistic, Ogunlewe maintained that his observations were based on human nature, stating, “It may be, you might term it that way, but it is inbuilt.”
