Nigeria’s controversial Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, was on Tuesday, October 23, 2024 relieved of her duties by President Bola Tinubu.

Although the Presidency has not explicitly provided reasons for her dismissal, observers and those familiar with her journey have expressed little surprise at the decision.

Many view it as inevitable, considering some of her bold and controversial actions, which they believe made her a ticking time bomb.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, politician, and film producer, made history as the first female presidential candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections. However, she later stepped down in support of Bola Tinubu.

Her appointment by President Tinubu as Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development on August 21, 2023, was widely viewed as a form of compensation for her loyalty during the election.

Remember that barely two months after assuming office, in October 2023, Kennedy-Ohanenye made headlines by threatening to sue the United Nations (UN) for allegedly mismanaging funds intended for Nigeria.

During a press conference on October 16, 2023, she accused the UN of securing funds on behalf of the country without properly remitting them.

Although she did not specify the exact amount or the purpose of the funds, Kennedy-Ohanenye warned that legal action would be taken if the organization did not account for the funds or publicly apologize to Nigerians.

It is also worthy of note that in August, she disrupted two separate events organized “without her permission” in Abuja.

According to her, the first event, titled “Unveiling the Power of Women and Food Security,” had taken place without the ministry’s approval.

She further revealed that the event’s organizer had been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly impersonating the ministry.

About 22 days later, a video of the former minister went viral on social media, where she expressed opposition to workshops and seminars.

In the video, she emphasized that organizers of such events must include elements that empower women in their activities.

She argued that simply holding workshops and seminars would not have a direct impact on the people, stressing the need for practical outcomes that benefit women’s empowerment.

Also, in May, Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, over his decision to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.

The Speaker had announced the initiative as part of efforts to alleviate the orphans’ suffering, but Kennedy-Ohanenye challenged the move, raising concerns about its implications and appropriateness.

However, she later withdrew the suit, stating that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Speaker and traditional rulers from the state, was investigating the ages of the girls involved to ensure they were within the legal age for marriage.

This decision came after assurances that the matter was being thoroughly examined to protect the rights of the orphans.

These and several other actions are why many believe the former minister’s dismissal was inevitable.

She expressed her gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife for the opportunity to serve, posting her thanks on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

“I write to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It has been an honour and a privilege to contribute to the development of our Nation.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for her invaluable guidance and support during my tenure as Minister of Women Affairs. Her kindness and encouragement have been instrumental to my success.

“To the people of Nigeria, I am deeply grateful for your unwavering support. Your trust and confidence in me have been a constant source of inspiration.

“I remain committed to serving my country and will continue to do my utmost to contribute to its progress and prosperity.”