Seun Kuti has voiced his concerns about the state of feminism in Nigeria while commenting on the ongoing legal battle between Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The lawsuits were triggered by sexual harassment allegations Akpoti-Uduaghan made against the Senate President during an interview on Arise Television.
During a recent Instagram livestream, Kuti argued that Nigerian women should have shown more support for Akpoti-Uduaghan instead of remaining silent.
“When we talk about feminism in Nigeria, I feel like it’s just a means to divide us. Anything that can divide us, we just like to embrace it. We like gender wars in this country, tribal wars, and other things that can divide us,” he said.
He claimed that feminism in Nigeria is often used as an excuse for gender conflicts rather than a movement for unity and justice.
“If Nigerian women were real feminists, they would come behind this senator woman and call out our Senate President,” he added.
Criticism of Women Defending Their Husbands
Kuti also criticized how some women prioritize defending their husbands over holding them accountable. He referenced the lawsuit filed by Mrs. Akpabio against Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting that such actions reflect a broader issue.
“I wanted to do a live session to talk about this Akpabio matter but I didn’t get the chance. Only for me to later see that the senator’s wife sued a woman for defaming her husband’s character. That was when I realised that if any young woman decides to fool with this woman’s husband, she is the type that would beat the woman senseless. She won’t even face her husband or tell him anything, she would face the woman square on,” he said.
His remarks have stirred reactions, with some agreeing with his perspective while others argue that feminism in Nigeria continues to push for gender equality despite societal challenges.
