In a move that has captured online attention, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, shared a TikTok video set to the catchy tune of “Omo Ologo,” a song that has become closely associated with President Bola Tinubu. The video, posted on May 8, features Akpoti-Uduaghan smiling and playfully engaging with the camera, eliciting a wide range of interpretations from viewers. In her post, she wrote, “Just for fun, song choked,” which some interpreted as light-hearted while others sensed political undertones.
The background to this viral moment dates back to May 3, when Dauda ‘Rarara’ Kahutu, a Kano-based musician, performed his new song “Omo Ologo”—meaning “glorious child”—at a dinner held in honor of President Tinubu during his visit to Katsina, the hometown of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The song, a tribute to Tinubu, exalts him as a victorious leader who has triumphed over adversaries, blending lyrics in both Hausa and Yoruba to underscore Tinubu’s impact.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s viral video comes amid a turbulent period for the senator, who has been suspended from the upper legislative chamber following an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This conflict intensified after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. Following her suspension in March, she made headlines with a sarcastic apology posted on Facebook, where she expressed regret for “the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect.” Akpabio’s legal team subsequently sought a court order to compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete this satirical content.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives condemned the motion as an “attempt to silence and intimidate her,” urging the federal high court in Abuja to dismiss it. A ruling on this legal tussle is anticipated by May 12, as the drama continues to unfold in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s light-hearted engagement with “Omo Ologo” amidst the ongoing controversy raises questions about her political strategy and public perception in a tense environment. As opinions split over her TikTok post, the interplay between fun and political commentary continues to engage the public’s attention.