Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has dismissed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s appeal challenging the Federal High Court decision that reinstated her to the Senate.

Akpabio, through his lawyers, approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to contest the July 4 verdict by Justice Binta Nyako, which overturned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension and labelled it as “excessive” and lacking legal justification.

The appeal, dated July 14 and registered as CA/A//2025, stemmed from suit FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, which Akpoti-Uduaghan filed to contest her suspension.

In his appeal, Akpabio urged the appellate court to nullify the ruling, arguing across 11 grounds that the trial court lacked the authority to interfere in what he described as internal National Assembly matters, which he claimed are not subject to judicial review based on Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

He also criticised the court for dismissing his preliminary objection and issuing directives that impacted parliamentary procedures. He insisted that decisions made during plenary, such as suspensions and resolutions, are protected by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and should not be legally challenged.

According to Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed her lawsuit prematurely without first exploring the Senate’s internal grievance process through the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as required by the 2023 (amended) Senate Standing Orders.

He further claimed the trial court denied him a fair hearing by raising new issues — such as whether the suspension was excessive — without input from both parties and then ordering her reinstatement based on that.

Attempts to get an official reaction from Akpoti-Uduaghan were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to phone calls or messages.

When approached at the “Double Minority” documentary screening organised by Daria Media and the MacArthur Foundation, the senator declined to comment on whether she would return to her legislative duties.

When asked about Akpabio’s appeal, she reacted sharply and said, “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?” before leaving the venue.

It is worth recalling that on February 20, 2025, a dispute erupted between Natasha and Akpabio concerning seating arrangements in the Senate.

Following the incident, she accused him of sexual harassment, including offering favors in exchange for her cooperation on legislative matters.

The Senate’s Ethics Committee rejected her complaint on procedural grounds and suspended her for six months for “unruly behaviour,” denying her access to her office, salary, and security.

On July 4, 2025, Justice Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned her six-month suspension, deeming it excessive, and directed the Senate to bring her back.

The court also imposed a N5 million fine on Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt related to a social media post but emphasized that her constituents had been deprived of representation during her suspension.

The organised labour groups in Ogun State — including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and Joint Negotiating Council — on Monday instructed all state employees to embark on an indefinite strike.

This move follows the state’s failure to remit N82 billion in contributory pension deductions over a span of 14 years.

This directive was disclosed in a statement signed by leaders of the NLC, TUC, and JNC, and shared with The PUNCH on Monday.

The decision for industrial action was reportedly made during a statewide congress held the same day, where workers voted to indefinitely stop work in protest of the non-functional Ogun State Pension Reform Law 2008 and its 2013 amendment.

The 2013 amendment to the Pension Law established the Contributory Pension Scheme, which mandates that both employers and employees contribute a fixed monthly sum of 7.5 percent of the worker’s basic salary into a fund managed by licensed pension fund administrators.

According to the labour unions, in the 17 years since the law was enacted, there has been a consistent failure to implement it properly, often violating the provisions of the law.

The statement noted that “Accessible records on it established the incontrovertible fact that it has rather been a drain of resources for the workers, and curiously, a wage lowering tactic for successive governments of the state.”

It added that “Only 34 months (that is, three years less than two months) of the expected 204 months (17 years) of the deductions from both sides, i.e. the state/local governments were remitted to the PFAs.”

It also stated, “In the last 14 years, and still counting, monthly deductions only from workers’ salaries have been diligently consistent without remittance to their PFAs.”

“The statue-prescribed investments of the funds, the interests it could have yielded, amongst other associated benefits are all in limbo.”

“It simply translated to the apparent shortchanging of the entirety of active and dedicated workers of the state over the years.”

The unions mentioned the Adekunle Hassan Pension Reform Committee that was formed in 2022, stating that its report and recommendations were never made public.

They noted that no definitive steps had been taken to resolve the situation. Despite sending numerous letters to the authorities, the state government never responded.

Suffice that workers unanimously demanded for outright cancellation of the shortchanging scheme which, according to its amended version, comes into full effect on July 1, 2025.

The statement continued, “In clear terms, the indefinite suspension of services across the state and local governments takes full effect from midnight, Tuesday 15th July 2025.”

Earlier, about two weeks ago, the labour unions urged the state government to either delay the implementation of the CPS, initially scheduled for July 1, or revert to the old pension system.

They pointed out that the pension law, signed by former Governor Gbenga Daniel in 2008, was flawed from inception, as the administration failed to remit 25 months’ worth of deductions before exiting office in May 2011.

They added that Daniel’s successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, amended the law in 2013 with a plan to fully implement the CPS in July 2025, but only remitted nine months’ deductions throughout his eight-year tenure.

According to the labour leaders, Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his six years in office, has not remitted any contributions from workers into the scheme.

They expressed frustration that despite numerous letters and communications, the government has remained silent on the issue.

Soldiers, on Monday, prevented traditionalists, believed to be members of the Osugbo cult, from participating in the Muslim funeral ceremony of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

The unexpected appearance of the cult members created some tension, prompting nearby individuals to raise their voices at them. Soldiers quickly intervened and escorted the traditionalists away from the monarch’s residence.

The burial of the monarch took place around 6 pm on Monday at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, following Islamic customs.

It should be noted that traditionalists in Ogun State had earlier opposed the Oba and Chiefs Law of 2021, which allows traditional rulers to be buried based on their religious beliefs.

They argued that such a law undermines cultural heritage, insisting that royal fathers should follow traditional burial practices.

The Osugbo group arrived on Monday to attempt taking control of the burial process, particularly since the late monarch was reportedly influential in the passage of the new burial law.

However, the soldiers prevented them from interfering with the funeral.

Oba Adetona, who ruled for 65 years, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

He was buried beside his father and mother in what seems to be a family mausoleum.

Before the interment, Islamic prayers were offered by Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland.

The funeral was attended by dignitaries including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Ogun House of Assembly Speaker Oluwadaisi Elemide, ex-governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Adegbenga Kaka.

Other notable figures present included Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Senator Solomon Adeola of Ogun West, and Senator Salisu Shuaib of Ogun Central, among others.

Speaking at the burial, Governor Abiodun said the reign of Oba Adetona stood out not just for its length, but for his great wisdom, far-reaching influence, generosity, selflessness, progress, and the peace he maintained.

He stated that the late king was not only a symbol of pride to Ijebu land but also a proud Nigerian who spent 65 years of his reign in service to the people.

The governor added that the monarch’s brilliance was evident early in his life, as shown by his appointment as a minister and a member of the Western Region’s executive council.

He said Kabiyesi was a bundle of intellect, principled, forthright, philosophical, a social reformer, a transparent and incorruptible ruler with fair judgement and strong dedication to Nigeria.

Abiodun noted that he would deeply miss the monarch’s guidance and support, especially remembering his loyalty during the challenges leading up to the 2019 elections.

He added that though Oba Adetona had completed a historic reign marked by development in Ijebu and beyond, his example of service and love for the people would inspire generations to come.

Dangote praised the late monarch for his concern for the well-being of all people, regardless of their origin.

He described Oba Adetona as a man of impact and a leader who put the people first, saying his contributions to national development were significant and worthy of imitation.

Sunny Kuku, the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, told journalists that Oba Adetona was a truly outstanding king who brought prestige to traditional leadership.

Kuku, who will serve as regent until a new Awujale is named, said essentially, our Kabiyesi was a man of integrity, a man who spoke his mind, a man who had so much wisdom.

He highlighted the king’s passion for education, saying he used both his resources and position to fight poverty and empower his people.

He also praised the monarch’s role in promoting culture, noting that he transformed Ojude Oba into a global celebration that has boosted Ijebu’s economy. He added that the king stood firmly with the less privileged.

He did not just love the people of Ijebu land, he loved the country and when the nation was in turmoil, he took the right step, he spoke his mind. We are missing him already.

Ladi Adebutu, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Ogun, praised the monarch’s exceptional leadership defined by love and service to others.

Adebutu encouraged Nigerians to embrace the king’s approach to leadership and commitment to societal and cultural growth that aimed to improve lives.

Gbenga Daniel applauded Oba Adetona’s courageous leadership, calling him a bold monarch who consistently told leaders the truth.

Daniel also suggested that one of the most fitting tributes to the king’s 65-year reign would be the realisation of a new state from the old Ijebu Province, something the monarch long envisioned.

Daniel said I think it is common knowledge that in Kabiyesi Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, you have a personality who can speak truth to power at any time and who can be described as fearless, abhors people telling lies and straight forward to a fault.

He noted that Kabiyesi was never diplomatic and always spoke frankly, even though this drew critics. In the end, he managed to overcome many of the life’s challenges thrown his way.

He added that since the late monarch strongly supported the creation of a new state from Ijebu Province, it was important for the government to take action and make that vision a reality in his honour.

The entire community is good about the creation of the state. The argument has been that of the 24 provinces created in 1924, only Ijebu Province has not been made a state and on that account alone, everyone believes that this error needs to be corrected.

We know that particularly in a democratic dispensation, it is not that easy to create a state, it involves lots of arguments, lobbying and all that.

But we feel very strongly that once the course is just, I am hoping that sooner or later, especially now that Kabiyesi is no more, the power that be will seize this opportunity to honour and immortalise him with the state creation, he said.

Segun Osoba paid tribute to Oba Adetona’s historic reign, describing him as a wise king who worked hard for the advancement of Ijebu and Nigeria as a whole.

Osoba remarked that the late monarch would be greatly missed for his honest and straightforward leadership.