In a recent interview on Arise News, Adeseyi Ogunlewe, former Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, weighed in on the contentious issue of sexual harassment within the Nigerian Senate.
The discussion was prompted by a pointed question from the host, who sought Ogunlewe’s perspective on whether male lawmakers in the Senate or National Assembly exhibit inappropriate behavior toward their female colleagues.
The host framed the question candidly, asking, “Can it be implied that men in the Senate are often looking at female Senators inappropriately, failing to keep their eyes where they should be, especially given the limited number of women in the chamber?”
Addressing the question, Ogunlewe emphasized that, based on his experience, female senators did not perceive themselves as inferior to their male counterparts.
“In my own experience,” Ogunlewe stated, “the female senators did not look at themselves as if they were inferior to men. If you even mention that it is a woman, the response you are going to get will make you ashamed of yourself, because they will stand up to you.”
The former minister for works and housing said that “the beauty of distinguished Senator Natasa is a problem to her.” The host, visibly surprised, pressed further, asking, “How can beauty be a problem?”
Ogunlewe began by addressing the natural reactions men might have toward women they find attractive. “You know men,” he said, “when somebody who is pretty passes by you, your attitude will change. You can smile, you can wink, but you may not talk to her. Yet, her beauty is a problem.”
The host, visibly intrigued, pressed further, asking, “How is it a problem?” Ogunlewe elaborated, stating, “When she’s passing, there is no way a man will not look at that woman. It is a natural thing for a man to look at beautiful women. How can you be a man and a beautiful woman pass by, and you close your eyes?”
