Patricia Olubunmi Foluke Etteh was born on 17 August 1953 in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. Before entering politics, she built a career as a hairdresser and beauty therapist, a non-traditional background that distinguished her from Nigeria’s elite-dominated political class.
Her entrepreneurial and people-oriented experiences at the grassroots level shaped her later political style, marked by accessibility and community engagement.
Etteh pursued higher education later in life, obtaining a Law degree from the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom. In 2016, she was called to the Nigerian Bar, qualifying as a lawyer in her early sixties, an accomplishment widely regarded as a testament to her lifelong commitment to personal growth and learning.
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Political Career and Entry into the National Assembly
Patricia Etteh’s national political journey began during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, representing the Ayedaade/Isokan/Irewole Federal Constituency of Osun State under the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
In 2002, she defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), aligning with the ruling party at the federal level. Etteh won re-election in 2003 and again in 2007, consolidating her influence as a seasoned legislator with deep grassroots connections.
Throughout her legislative career, she served on key committees, including Women Affairs, Environment, and Inter-Parliamentary Relations, contributing to gender advocacy and community development initiatives.
The Historic Speakership (June – October 2007)
On 6 June 2007, Patricia Etteh achieved a historic milestone when she was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, making her the first woman in Nigeria’s history to occupy the position.
Her election was celebrated nationwide as a landmark for women’s political representation and a step toward gender inclusivity in Nigerian governance.
Etteh’s emergence symbolized hope for women aspiring to leadership roles in a political landscape long dominated by men. However, her tenure was short-lived, as internal party conflicts and political rivalries soon escalated into controversy.
The ₦628 Million Controversy and Resignation
In mid-2007, Etteh faced allegations concerning the approval of contracts totaling ₦628 million (approximately US $5 million). The funds were allocated for the renovation of the Speaker’s and Deputy Speaker’s official residences, and for the purchase of vehicles for House use.
Critics within the House and civil society accused her leadership of breaching procurement rules. The controversy polarized the legislature, resulting in heated sessions and protests.
A House ad hoc committee was established to investigate the matter, and its findings led to mounting pressure on Etteh to step aside. On 30 October 2007, she resigned as Speaker, ending a tenure that had lasted just four months.
However, in 2008, a House of Representatives panel quietly reviewed the earlier findings and cleared her of personal wrongdoing, concluding that no evidence of fraud or personal enrichment had been established. Despite this, her resignation had already reshaped public discourse on gender, ethics, and accountability in Nigerian politics.
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Later Career and Legacy of Patricia Etteh
Following her exit from the speakership, Etteh maintained a lower political profile but remained active within the PDP and civic affairs. Her eventual qualification as a lawyer in 2016 reaffirmed her reputation for resilience and reinvention.
In Nigeria’s political history, Patricia Olubunmi Foluke Etteh stands as both a symbol of progress and a case study in political vulnerability. Her rise to the speakership marked a historic first for Nigerian women, and her resignation, though clouded by controversy, highlighted the challenges faced by female leaders navigating a male-dominated power structure.
Etteh’s story continues to inspire discussions about women’s representation, institutional accountability, and political integrity in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
Author’s Note
Patricia Etteh’s journey, from beauty therapist to the first female Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, epitomizes the transformative potential of persistence and civic engagement. While her tenure was brief, its historical and symbolic significance endures, paving the way for greater female participation in public leadership.
Her legacy remains that of a trailblazer, a learner, and a testament to the resilience of Nigerian women in the public sphere.
References:
National Assembly of Nigeria – Official Biographical Record, House of Representatives, 1999–2007.
BBC News Africa (30 October 2007). “Nigeria’s Speaker Resigns over Scandal.”
The Guardian Nigeria (31 October 2007). “Etteh Resigns as House Speaker.”
Premium Times Nigeria (25 August 2016). “Former Speaker Patricia Etteh Called to the Bar.”
Vanguard Newspapers (1 November 2007). “Etteh’s Resignation: What Next for Women in Politics?”
