Women in Edo State demand a public apology from lawmaker Adams Oshiomhole over his controversial remarks about the state’s First Lady, Dr. Betsy Obaseki.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]omen in Edo State have directed the lawmaker representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, to tender a public apology over his controversial remarks about the state’s First Lady, Dr. Betsy Obaseki.

In a trending video, Oshiomhole reportedly referred to Dr. Obaseki as childless, sparking outrage among women in the state.

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The protest, led by the Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Maria Edeko, took place in Benin on Thursday. During the protest, the women expressed their condemnation of the senator’s remarks, emphasising that such statements are offensive and disrespectful, particularly towards women facing fertility challenges.

The protesters demanded that Oshiomhole retract his comments and offer a formal apology to the Obaseki family. According to the demonstrators, childlessness should not be used as a weapon in political discourse, and they urged for more sensitivity and respect in political engagements.

Edeko stated, “It is sad to see a person (Oshiomhole) who has once governed the state, condescend to such a level. It is a taboo, a sacrilege and a desecration of Edo land to mock a woman or a couple for not bearing a child. Those who mock others for not having children yet could be described as one of the most ungrateful persons on earth.”

She added, “We rise as women of Edo State, home and abroad, to denounce the shameful conduct of Oshiomhole.

We call on all women and couples that have gone through the pain of not bearing a child on time or not having a child at all to express displeasure over the pathetic development.”