Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, has ignited a fierce debate over national identity with her controversial remarks about her heritage.
In a recent interview with The Spectator, the British politician made it clear that she identifies primarily as Yoruba, not Nigerian.
“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba],” Badenoch explained.
The outspoken politician, who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents, elaborated further, stating, “I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.”
Her comments have sparked outrage among many Nigerians, including high-profile figures. One of the most vocal critics has been Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who hails from Borno State in the north.
“If she does not want any association with the greatest black nation on earth, the nation called Nigeria, she could go ahead and change her name,” Shettima responded sharply.
But Badenoch, undeterred by the backlash, has doubled down on her stance. She insists that her Yoruba heritage is central to her identity, and she refuses to be grouped with people from northern Nigeria.
“I refuse to be lumped with northern people of Nigeria, who ‘were our ethnic enemies,’ all in the name of being called a Nigerian,” she remarked, underscoring the deep personal significance of her Yoruba identity.
Badenoch’s statement is not the first time she has spoken out against what she perceives as the failures of the Nigerian state. In past interviews, she has been critical of Nigeria’s rampant corruption, poor security, and the activities of extremist groups like Boko Haram.
She also recounted a piece of advice she received in her youth, which she believes reflects her duty to protect her people.
“Somebody once told me when I was very young that my surname was a name for people who were warriors. They protected the crown, and that’s what I see myself as doing,” she said.
Her words reflect a strong sense of personal mission. “I am here to protect, and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there,” she concluded, hinting at her resolve to safeguard her values and the country she leads.
Badenoch’s refusal to embrace a broad Nigerian identity has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Nigerian nationalists. Many see her comments as divisive, especially at a time when Nigeria is struggling with internal conflicts and political challenges.
The vice president’s remarks are a direct rebuke of Badenoch’s stance, and they reveal the tense relationship between the UK politician and Nigerian political elites.
Yet, her supporters argue that Badenoch’s position highlights the complexity of identity and the experience of Nigerians living abroad. To them, her comments are a reflection of a broader struggle for personal recognition amidst national divisions.
As this controversy unfolds, it is clear that the question of identity—whether as a Yoruba, a Nigerian, or something else entirely—remains a deeply emotional and personal issue for many. For Badenoch, it seems her Yoruba identity is not just a matter of ethnic pride but a shield against the complexities of her Nigerian background.
