Women in Edo State have called on Adams Oshiomhole, the lawmaker representing Edo North, to issue a public apology for his controversial remarks about the state's First Lady, Dr. Betsy Obaseki. In a video that has been circulating online, Oshiomhole reportedly referred to Dr. Obaseki as childless, sparking widespread outrage.
The protest, which took place in Benin on Thursday, was led by the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Maria Edeko. During the demonstration, the women expressed their deep disappointment, condemning the senator’s comments as offensive and disrespectful, particularly to women who are facing fertility challenges.
The protesters demanded that Oshiomhole retract his statement and formally apologize to the Obaseki family. They stressed that childlessness should never be used as a weapon in political discourse, urging for greater sensitivity and respect in political engagements.
“It is disheartening to see someone who once governed this state stoop to such a level,” Edeko stated. “It is a taboo and a desecration of Edo land to mock a woman or a couple for not having children. Those who make such remarks are among the most ungrateful people on earth.”
She continued, “We, the women of Edo State, both at home and abroad, rise to denounce the shameful conduct of Oshiomhole. We urge all women and couples who have experienced the pain of delayed childbearing or childlessness to voice their displeasure over this unfortunate development.”
