‘No Misogynist Is Benevolent’: Rights Lawyer Rejects ‘Benevolent Misogynist’ Tag
_Enugu, April 16, 2026_
Human rights lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi has responded to a colleague who described him as a “benevolent misogynist,” calling the label contradictory and hurtful.
In a statement reacting to the criticism, Obasi said: “A female senior colleague of mine just called me a benevolent misogynist. Concluding about my personality without any first-hand dealings with me. Judged me from a distance. Someone who hasn’t met me in person before. She only knows me from a WhatsApp group.”
He added: “It hurts but people have rights to their opinion and I respect that.”
Obasi questioned the logic of the term, stating: “I wonder how benevolence can be added to someone who despise women the creators of life. It’s ironic to call someone a benevolent misogynist. No misogynist is benevolent. The comment offends the principle of excluded middle.”
“Benevolent misogynist” is a term used in gender studies to describe attitudes that appear positive or protective toward women but are based on beliefs about female inferiority or traditional roles.
Obasi did not identify the colleague or the WhatsApp group in his response. The colleague has not publicly commented on the exchange as of press time.
Editorial Note:
This report relays statements made by Ikechukwu Obasi regarding a personal exchange.