‘It’s unsubstantiated’- Again Agbakoba asks Kogi senator to retract sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio

 

Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has written a second letter to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, demanding a retraction of her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

In the letter dated April 14, Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and counsel to Akpabio, asked Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide evidence supporting her claim that the Senate President sexually harassed her on December 8, 2023.

Agbakoba said the latest letter became necessary after Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to respond to concerns raised in his earlier correspondence, noting that the senator had not clarified contradictions in her timeline and actions following the alleged incident.

He added that instead of explaining the discrepancy between the allegation and a social media post she made the following day praising Akpabio, the senator deleted the post.

“Recall that in our first letter to you, we requested clarification of contradictions in your allegation against our client, Akpabio.

“Of note is the contradiction as to timeline and dates. You have failed to clarify your sexual harassment allegation on Dec. 8, 2023, and your exaltation of Akpabio on your social media accounts (Instagram and X/Twitter) on Dec. 9, 2023—the day after you alleged he sexually harassed you.

“Rather than clarify this contradiction, you deleted the social media post, which to us is extremely concerning,” the lawyer said.

Agbakoba said the burden of proof lies with Akpoti-Uduaghan, stressing that her conduct following the alleged incident undermines her claims.

He also questioned the delay in making the allegation public.

“You claim that the sexual harassment occurred on Dec. 8, 2023, but your allegation was not made until Feb. 28, 2025. One year and two months after,” Agbakoba queried.

He noted that throughout 2024, Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen at various events with Akpabio, both locally and internationally.

The senior advocate referenced the Inter-Parliamentary Union session in Geneva on March 24 and 25, 2024, where the two were photographed together.

“In fact, you took several selfies and group photos with him during these events.

“All these events were posted in warm tones by you on your social media platforms. Please see screenshot copies of your Facebook post(s) and other photos you took with Akpabio. We find this contradictory and unbelievable,” the letter said.

He said the senator had failed to address inconsistencies pointed out in the initial letter.

“In light of this and having also failed to clarify inconsistencies pointed out in our first letter to you, we demand that you retract the sexual harassment allegations against our client as they are clearly false and unsubstantiated,” he said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Sunday issued a satirical apology letter to Akpabio on her Facebook page.

In the letter, the senator expressed “deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret” for “the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in Akpabio’s presence.”

Oyo APC endorses Tinubu for second term

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has disclosed its readiness to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, noting that the decision was informed by the “efficacy of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the promises which his leadership holds for Nigeria, Nigerians and the African continent.”

A statement by the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said the declaration was the highpoint of the party’s stakeholders meeting held at the state Secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The stakeholders were the state executive committee members and party chairmen from the 33 local government areas in the state.

Addressing newmen after the meeting, the state chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, posited that it was necessary for the stakeholders to acknowledge the milestone reached by the current administration of President Tinubu in less than two years.

“Those of us who knew the antecedent of our dear president might not be surprised that he has approached governance with such an enormous degree of courage, determination and patriotism, but it is imperative that we make public our satisfaction and optimism if only to encourage him.

“It is on this note that stakeholders of the party who attended the extended executive committee meeting today decided to announce our readiness to have President Tinubu in the office as the nation’s number one man beyond 2027. He has shown good understanding of the challenges facing the country, in addition to the possession of the blueprint to tackle them, and as a result of this, Nigerians need to give him enough time to complete the enormous task of repositioning the country.

“The recent gale of defections by members of the opposition parties is a pointer to the fact that many discerning Nigerians are ready to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president by shunning primordial sentiments and selfish interests to joining the APC, which they see as the only vehicle of national rebirth and holistic development. To this end, Oyo APC cannot afford to be at the back seat,” Abas said.

Others who corroborated the submission of the state chairman include Alh. Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (Publicity Secretary), Alhaja Tinuade Adigun (State Woman Leader) and Prince John Aremu (State Youth Leader). They all expressed their readiness to work for the success of Tinubu’s administration, and also praised the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and his team for “building a stronger and more formidable APC across the country.”

Meanwhile, a group of eminent personalities within Oyo APC, The Peace Advocates, has reiterated its commitment to restoration of harmony and team spirit in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also lauded the decision of the executive committee at all levels in the state to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Led by Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Chief Wale Ohu and Prince Niran Olayoju, the group, during a courtesy visit to the APC Secretariat on Tuesday, informed the state chairman about its plan to embark on a tour of all the geopolitical zones in the state to preach genuine peace and reconciliation among party faithful.

Members of The Peace Advocates at the event include Prince Gbade Lana, Hon. (Dr ) Adepeju Esan, Engr. Adewale Adeoye, Alh. Rasaq Raji, Hon. Amusat Ogunsola and Alh. Adebayo Aruna.

Senator Alli felicitates APC chieftain, Shina Alabi @61

 

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has congratulated Hon. Shina Alabi, a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his 61st birthday anniversary.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his media office on Tuesday, Alli described Alabi as a consistent progressive, grassroots mobiliser, and respected political leader whose contributions to the growth of the party remain commendable.

He said that Alabi’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of progressive politics and his passion for the development of his people have distinguished him as a dependable leader and loyal party stalwart.

Alli acknowledged Alabi’s outstanding service and his continued dedication to promoting good governance and party unity across the state.

The senator prayed for continued good health, long life and greater accomplishments for the celebrant.

He urged him to remain steadfast in his patriotic service to the people and the party.

Oyo wades into Ibadan/Iwo boundary dispute,urges end to public hostilities

 

The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, waded into the simmering public altercations over the boundary dispute between Iwo, in State, and Ibadan, in Oyo State.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged both sides of the divide to stop the back-and-forth blame game, and allow the two governments to continue mature discussions on the resolution to the land dispute.

He said the media feed on combustible materials such as this, adding that while unending hostile public statements feed the media nest, they are injurious and a distraction to what the governors of the two states are doing.

“The two governments believe that the protracted land dispute is not intractable and traditional institutions should not be a clog in the wheel of peaceful resolution.

“Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke are cooperating fully with the National Boundary Commission through their representatives and believe that an amicable solution will be arrived at soon,” Oyelade said.