Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba was on Wednesday, August 27, denied access to the Senate despite presenting court-issued reinstatement orders.
In a video , security officers stationed at the Senate’s main entrance were captured blocking Orwoba from entering the parliamentary precincts. The development comes just days after Orwoba secured a legal directive overturning her expulsion from the Senate, where she had served as a nominated legislator under the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Orwoba’s ouster had been surrounded by controversy, with the Senate leadership citing disciplinary issues, while her supporters argued that her removal was politically motivated. The High Court, however, ruled in her favor, granting reinstatement orders that she presented to Senate officials on Wednesday.
Despite having the documents in hand, Orwoba was informed by security that they had not received official instructions to allow her entry. Sources within Parliament indicated that the Senate leadership is yet to formally communicate on her status following the court decision.
Speaking after the incident, Orwoba expressed frustration, terming the denial of entry as a deliberate attempt to undermine the rule of law. “The court has reinstated me, and yet I am being treated like a stranger in the very House I was nominated to serve. This is contempt of court,” she said.
The incident has reignited debate over the independence of Parliament and the respect for judicial authority. Legal analysts argue that failure to comply with the court order could set a dangerous precedent, undermining constitutionalism.
As the standoff continues, attention now shifts to the Senate leadership, which is expected to issue a formal statement clarifying Orwoba’s status and whether she will be allowed to resume her legislative duties.
