I Am a Red Cap Chief in Igboland—Ezekwesili Shouldn’t Ask Me to Shut Up – Nwaebonyi

Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, deputy chief whip of the Senate, has vowed to report former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili to Igbo traditional leaders after she asked him to “shut up” during a heated Senate committee hearing.

Speaking on Monday on AIT’s breakfast program *Kaakaki*, Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North, expressed strong displeasure over Ezekwesili’s remarks, describing them as unacceptable and disrespectful to his status as a red cap chief in Igboland.

The confrontation occurred on March 25 during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The session was convened to address a fresh petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, who has repeatedly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Ezekwesili attended the hearing as a witness alongside Abiola Akiode, legal counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Zubairu Yakubu, the petitioner.

During the proceedings, Nwaebonyi, appearing as a witness in defense of Akpabio, frequently interrupted Ezekwesili. In response, the former minister told the senator to “compose himself and stop making noise” before pointedly asking him to “shut up.” This statement triggered an immediate outburst from Nwaebonyi, who later condemned the remark.

The senator emphasized that he would never address anyone in such a manner, including his wife or driver, and stated that he had always championed women’s rights. He highlighted his legal contributions, citing several pro bono cases where he secured inheritance rights for women in Ebonyi State. Additionally, he pointed to his philanthropic initiatives, including the construction of homes for widows and sponsoring the education of over 300 children.

Nwaebonyi insisted that Ezekwesili’s comment was an affront to his achievements and position, particularly given his electoral mandate. He criticized her lack of an electoral track record, arguing that someone who had never won a ward councillor election had no right to disrespect a sitting senator.

Vowing to take action, Nwaebonyi announced that he would escalate the matter to Igbo traditional leadership, asserting that such public disrespect towards a red cap chief was unprecedented.