Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, has declared his intention to report former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, to Igbo traditional leaders, citing her alleged disrespectful and unprecedented verbal attack.
 Nwaebonyi expressed outrage over Ezekwesili's reported comments, where she told him to "shut up" and called him a "hooligan." He asserted that these remarks constituted an insult not only to him but also to the respected tradition of Igbo red-cap chiefs.
"I will address this with Igbo traditional leadership, as such behavior is unheard of," Nwaebonyi stated. He emphasized his respect for women, noting his personal conduct and his record of advocating for women's rights, including pro bono legal work and philanthropic efforts.
He contrasted his electoral success, having been elected by over 500,000 voters, with Ezekwesili's lack of electoral victories, stating, "For someone who has never won a ward councillorship election to come to my office and call me a hooligan... this is unacceptable."
Nwaebonyi's decision to involve Igbo traditional leaders indicates a significant escalation of the dispute between the two public figures."