Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the former Minister of Women Affairs, has openly stated that her exit from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was a dismissal, not a mere removal.
Kennedy-Ohanenye was among five ministers relieved of their duties in October during a cabinet reshuffle. Others affected included Lola Ade-John, former Minister of Tourism; Prof. Tahir Mamman, ex-Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, former Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, ex-Minister of Youth Development.
Following the reshuffle, the Presidency attempted to downplay the nature of their exits. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, argued that the term “sacked” was not an accurate description.
However, during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Kennedy-Ohanenye set the record straight. “I was sacked, but my vision remains; my visions are not sacked—they still stand,” she declared.
Reflecting on her time in office and subsequent dismissal, she acknowledged that both were for a purpose. However, she humorously avoided speculating on the reasons behind her removal. “I’m not a witch to know why I was sacked,” she said.
Despite her exit, Kennedy-Ohanenye affirmed her unwavering commitment to her goals, emphasizing that her passion and vision for change remain intact. Her statement underscores her determination to continue advocating for women’s issues and contributing to national development beyond her time in government.