‘I am Yoruba’ – Kemi Badenoch defends Yoruba identity, distance self from Northern Nigeria’s Boko Haram stronghold

December 13, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

The leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has sparked controversy with her recent statements about her identity and Nigeria.

In an interview with The Spectator, Badenoch revealed that she identifies more as Yoruba than Nigerian, citing significant differences with people from northern Nigeria, particularly in regards to Boko Haram and Islamism.

“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.

“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.”

Badenoch’s comments have been met with backlash from many Nigerians, including public figures, who have criticized her for her perceived negative views on Nigeria.

However, Badenoch remains unapologetic, stating that being Yoruba is her true identity and that she refuses to be associated with northern Nigerians, whom she describes as “our ethnic enemies”.

Badenoch’s statements have also been criticized by Nigeria’s Vice-President, who is from the Boko Haram heartland of Borno. He told Badenoch that she could change her name if she didn’t want to be associated with Nigeria, which he described as the “greatest black nation on earth”.

In response, Badenoch doubled down on her criticism, stating that she is proud of her Yoruba heritage and that she will continue to protect the UK, which she sees as her true home.

“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,” Badenoch said.

“I am here to protect and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there.”