The leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has sparked controversy with sharp criticism of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the northern region of the country, which she described as synonymous with Boko Haram and Islamist extremism.
The exchange began after Shettima criticized Badenoch, accusing her of “denigrating” Nigeria in her comments. In response, Badenoch, through a spokesperson, affirmed her stance on corruption among Nigerian politicians.
Speaking with The Spectator, Badenoch took the criticism further, emphasizing her Yoruba identity and distancing herself from the northern part of Nigeria. “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba],” she stated.
She added that she shares no commonalities with northern Nigeria, a region known for its struggles with Boko Haram insurgency and Islamist extremism. “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.”
Reflecting on her Yoruba heritage, Badenoch shared a personal anecdote about her surname’s warrior legacy. “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. I am here to protect, and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there,” she declared, underlining her commitment to the UK.
Badenoch’s remarks have drawn both criticism and support, reigniting conversations about identity, politics, and Nigeria’s complex regional dynamics.
