Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye’s tenure as Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, which began in August 2023, was indeed marked by numerous controversies that eventually led to her removal from President Tinubu’s cabinet. Her actions and statements often placed her at the center of significant public criticism and sparked debates about her understanding of key issues affecting women, children, and international relations.
One of her early and notable controversies involved her threat to sue the United Nations in October 2023 over alleged mismanagement of funds meant for Nigeria. This move drew criticism, as the UN generally enjoys immunity from lawsuits, which led many to question her grasp of international law.
Additionally, she disrupted events in Abuja, including a women’s empowerment event in August, which she claimed was organized without her approval. This incident, along with her vocal opposition to workshops and seminars that did not incorporate direct empowerment for women, stirred public discourse on her approach to governance.
Her intervention in the marriage plans of 100 orphans by the Niger State Speaker also became a point of contention, particularly with the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) group, which accused her of being insensitive to cultural norms. Although she eventually withdrew her legal actions, the episode left a mark on her public image.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also found herself at the center of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) sexual harassment case, where her comments about the alleged harassment by a faculty member led to backlash from gender rights activists. She later issued an apology after it was widely condemned as undermining the victims’ experiences.
Furthermore, her advocacy for child labor at the Anambra Investment Summit in September 2023, where she suggested involving school children in manufacturing goods, sparked outrage, as it was seen as promoting child labor and contradicting Nigeria’s obligations to international child protection laws.
Each of these incidents contributed to her growing unpopularity and eventual dismissal from the Federal Executive Council.
Some key controversies during her time include:
- Threatening to Sue the UN: In October 2023, she threatened to sue the UN over unremitted donor funds, leading to widespread criticism for misunderstanding international law, as the UN enjoys legal immunity.
- Disruption of Events: Kennedy-Ohanenye disrupted events in Abuja in August 2023, accusing organizers of impersonation and hosting unauthorized gatherings.
- Lawsuit over Orphan Marriages: In May 2024, she sued the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly over plans to marry off 100 orphans, sparking national outrage, especially from Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), who criticized her for cultural insensitivity.
- UNICAL Sexual Harassment Scandal: In September 2023, she faced backlash for her comments seemingly downplaying sexual harassment allegations at the University of Calabar. After widespread criticism, she issued a public apology.
- Advocacy for Child Labor: In September 2023, during the Anambra Investment Summit, she suggested using schoolchildren for production activities, which many saw as advocating child labor.
These controversies, coupled with her combative approach, made her position untenable, eventually leading to her removal.
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