The Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel O. Uduaghan, has broken his silence on the escalating controversy between his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a strongly worded statement, Uduaghan, who had initially refrained from making public comments, said recent developments forced him to speak out.
> “Unnecessary sentiments are being stirred, diverting attention from the serious allegations at the heart of this dispute,” he noted.
Uduaghan Stands Firm: ‘My Wife Was Duly Elected, She Deserves Respect’
Without prejudice to ongoing legal proceedings, Uduaghan asserted that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was duly elected by her constituents due to the immense trust and respect they have for her.
> “She is dedicated to delivering quality representation to her district and the nation at large. As a devoted wife, she has always stood by the truth, no matter the circumstances,” he affirmed.
He disclosed that Natasha had confided in him about her interactions with Akpabio, whom he had previously regarded as a family friend.
According to Uduaghan, upon learning of the issue, he handled it with maturity and responsibility, engaging directly with Akpabio in a bid to resolve the matter amicably.
> “As a traditional leader who respects constituted authority and upholds core family values, I sought to foster peace and harmony,” he stated.
Following their discussions, Uduaghan claimed that both parties reached an understanding, agreeing to put the matter to rest. However, despite this agreement, his wife continued to face harassment from Akpabio, a situation he deemed unacceptable.
“I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and remain fully committed to our marriage, which is built on love, compassion, and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything—she is the greatest joy of my life,” he declared.
He, therefore, called on the Senate and Akpabio to accord his wife the dignity and respect she deserves, especially while the courts adjudicate the matter.
The controversy took a legal twist when Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, filed a defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
The lawsuit seeks ₦250 billion in general damages, following allegations of sexual harassment against her husband.
Natasha had accused Akpabio of victimizing her in the Senate, claiming he made repeated advances toward her, even in the presence of her husband. However, Mrs. Akpabio dismissed the allegations, branding them as “lies and personal content creation for political gain.”
At a press conference, Mrs. Akpabio announced her legal action against the senator, citing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 4 and 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
She is also seeking:
₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages
A perpetual injunction restraining Natasha from making any further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family
The legal battle has intensified an already heated standoff between the two camps, with both sides standing their ground. As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the court’s decision, which could have far-reaching implications for Nigerian politics.
Will the Senate heed Uduaghan’s call for respect, or will this power tussle escalate further? The coming weeks will determine the fate of this high-profile dispute.
PIONEER NEWS 