Senate Drama Takes New Phase as Akpabio Sues Senator Natasha Over Viral Satirical Apology
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has filed a new lawsuit against suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of mocking him with a satirical apology on social media.
OTN News further reports that the suit, registered as case number CS/384/25 and dated 7 May, which was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has it that Akpabio is seeking a court order to compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to take down the viral post from all her social media platforms.
The suit added that he is also demanding a formal written apology published in at least two national newspapers, along with an affidavit confirming her compliance.
OTN News had earlier reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan made a satirical apology to the senate president on 27 April via her official Facebook page.
In it, she sarcastically “apologized” for maintaining dignity and self-respect in the Senate, implying that under Akpabio’s leadership, success depended on compliance rather than competence.
OTN News observes that the post was widely shared and sparked a mix of public support and criticism.
However, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the senator’s post violated a 4 April court order prohibiting both parties from making public comments on the ongoing sexual harassment case between them.
OTN News recalls that the legal dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan traces back to a heated exchange in February over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber.
This altercation ultimately led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March, shortly after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The suspended senator, however, filed a case challenging her suspension, which remains unresolved in court alongside the others.
OTN News further recalls that since then, both parties have filed multiple lawsuits, in which Akpoti-Uduaghan is suing Akpabio and his aide, Mfon Patrick, for ₦100 billion in general damages and ₦300 million in litigation costs, over an allegedly defamatory post questioning her legislative competence.
Additionally, the Senate President’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, also entered the fray with two separate defamation suits against Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking ₦350 billion in damages for alleged reputational harm.
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