Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, husband of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has intervened in the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife.
The disagreement, which began over seating arrangements has escalated into a major controversy following Natasha’s allegation that Akpabio sexually harassed her.
Currently suspended and referred to the Senate Ethics Committee, Natasha, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.
In response, Akpabio’s wife, Unoma, defended her husband, describing him as a disciplined man and suggesting that legal action could be taken against Natasha.
Unoma Akpabio has filed two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, over alleged defamation and violation of fundamental human rights.
The legal action follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent claims that her challenges in the Senate began after she rejected alleged sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the first case (Suit No: CV/814/25), which focuses on fundamental rights violations, Mrs. Akpabio accused the senator of making false and scandalous statements that have caused her and her children emotional distress and fear for their safety.
She urged the court to declare these statements a violation of her right to dignity under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Additionally, she is seeking ₦250 billion in compensation and a perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements.
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio refuted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, describing them as false, malicious, and damaging to her family’s reputation.
She asked the court to order the senator to publicly apologize in The Guardian and ThisDay newspapers and to award ₦1 billion in damages for the harm caused.
Mrs. Akpabio emphasized that the allegations had subjected her and her family to public shame and severe emotional trauma.
In a statement on Saturday, Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, revealed that his wife had confided in him about Akpabio’s alleged advances.
He stated that he personally confronted Akpabio, asking him to stop harassing Natasha. However, despite Akpabio’s assurance that he would respect his wife, Uduaghan claimed the issue had continued.
“I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honoring the friendship between us,” the statement reads.
“We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion, and mutual respect.
“I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life.
“I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues.”
The dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio has its roots in a series of disagreements within the Senate, particularly over legislative motions and controversial remarks.
A major flashpoint in the dispute occurred when Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a controversial remark on the Senate floor, likening Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s approach to discussing the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to that of a nightclub.
During a plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke on a motion without obtaining permission from the Senate President, an action that violated the Senate standing order.
In response, Akpabio, in an attempt to correct her, stated that the Senate is not a nightclub where anyone can speak at will and urged her to follow the rules.
His remark, widely criticized as dismissive and sexist, sparked outrage among Natasha’s supporters, who accused him of trivializing a serious national economic issue.
Following public backlash, Akpabio later apologized for the comment.