Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, says she will return to her legislative responsibilities in the red chamber on Tuesday.

On March 6, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the senate for six months over allegations of gross misconduct.

The suspension followed the adoption of a report by the committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions after the Kogi senator had an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the suspension in a suit filed before the Abuja federal high court.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, upheld the senate’s authority to suspend members who violate rules, including Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, the court criticised the six-month suspension, calling it “overreaching” and “excessive”.

The judge explained that the senate’s relevant laws did not specify the maximum period for suspending a serving lawmaker.

She noted that since lawmakers are constitutionally required to sit for 181 days in each legislative session, the six-month suspension practically denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the chance to fulfil her legislative obligations for almost the entire session.

According to the judge, this amounted to depriving her constituents of their right to representation.

“A senator is expected to represent her people,” the judge stated.

“I am of the view that the senate has the power to amend that rule,” Nyako added, saying the senate “can and should” consider reinstating the plaintiff.

The court also imposed a N5 million fine on the senator for violating a previous court order by posting a satirical apology to Akpabio on her Facebook page.

Reacting to the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as a victory.

“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she told her supporters.

Yemi Adaramodu, spokesperson for the senate, says the red chamber has not yet received the certified true copy (CTC) of the federal high court judgment delivered on July 4 in the case filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central.

In a statement on Sunday, Adaramodu said the senate cannot proceed on the matter until it gets the complete judgment.

“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court,” the statement reads.

“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

Binta Nyako, judge of the federal high court, while affirming the senate’s authority to discipline its members, faulted the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it “overreaching” and one that effectively denied her constituents their right to representation.

The judge also imposed a fine of N5 million on the Kogi senator for violating an earlier court order through a satirical Facebook post.

Reacting to the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan described it as a victory and declared her intention to return to the senate on Tuesday.

But Adaramodu emphasised that no enrolled order of the judgment has been served on any party, pointing out that “none can enforce any perceived order or relief”.

“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” he added.

“The senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after the senate adopted a report by its committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions following an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors.

It was gathered that the monarch, who became Olubadan in July 2024, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne.

The passing of Oba Olakulehin, who was born on July 5, 1935, occurred barely two days after he marked his 90th birthday.

According to Tribune Online, Oba Olakulehin was presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He rose to the throne from the chieftaincy rung of Balogun Olubadan, succeeding Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away at the age of 81 on March 14, 2024.

More to come…