Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK's Conservative Party, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with her recent comments about her identity and views on Nigeria.
In a candid interview with The Spectator, Badenoch distanced herself from her Nigerian roots, emphasizing her Yoruba heritage instead.
The British-Nigerian politician's remarks have sparked outrage among Nigerians, including high-profile figures. Badenoch stated, "I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba]," and went on to say, "I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is".
Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hails from Borno, a region heavily affected by Boko Haram, responded to Badenoch's comments.
During a migration summit in Abuja, Shettima suggested that Badenoch could "remove the Kemi from her name" if she wasn't proud of her Nigerian heritage.
Despite the backlash, Badenoch has stood firm on her statements. Her spokesperson emphasized that she "is not the Nigeria public relations representative" and that she "tells the truth" and "tells it like it is".
Badenoch herself doubled down on her stance, saying, "Being Yoruba is my true identity, and I refuse to be lumped with northern people of Nigeria, who 'were our ethnic enemies', all in the name of being called a Nigerian".
The controversy comes amid Badenoch's frequent criticisms of Nigeria's challenges with corruption and insecurity in British media. She has often spoken about her experiences growing up in Nigeria, describing it as "chaotic and lawless" and recounting memories of fear and instability.
Badenoch concluded her recent statements with a reaffirmation of her commitment to the UK, saying, "I am here to protect and I will die protecting this country because I know what's out there".
