Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, has stirred fresh controversy by stating that she identifies more with her Yoruba ethnic roots than with the Nigerian nation as a whole.
In an interview with *The Spectator*, a prominent British news magazine, Badenoch, born to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, emphasized her stronger ties to the Yoruba people, despite her upbringing in Nigeria and later life in the UK. Her comments come amid an ongoing debate over her controversial views on Nigeria’s governance, which have attracted significant backlash.
Badenoch, who moved to Nigeria at a young age and left for the UK at 16, recently faced criticism for describing Nigeria as a nation plagued by corruption and insecurity. This led to remarks from Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who suggested she should consider changing her first name if she no longer wished to associate with her homeland.
During the interview, Badenoch said, “I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity (Yoruba). That’s what I really am." She further expressed her disconnect from northern Nigeria, referencing regions affected by Boko Haram and Islamic extremism. She remarked, “I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country… those were our ethnic enemies.”
Her statements have sparked further debate, with reactions ranging from support for her identity assertion to criticism from Nigerian figures, including former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, who told Badenoch that Nigeria did not need her. The growing tensions highlight the complex dynamics of cultural and national identity, particularly for those with dual heritages.
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