Fani-Kayode slams Kemi Badenoch, calls her ‘tool of colonialists’

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has harshly criticized Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the British Conservative Party, describing her as a “dangerous and willing tool of colonialists.”

In a strongly worded statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Fani-Kayode expressed outrage over Badenoch’s remarks about Nigeria, her country of origin.

He specifically took offense at Badenoch’s characterization of Nigeria as a “living hell,” accusing her of having a deep-seated disdain for her heritage. Fani-Kayode alleged that her behavior could be likened to Stockholm syndrome, implying a psychological alignment with her critics or captors.

The former minister emphasized that, although Nigeria has its challenges, it is unacceptable to denigrate the nation for political advancement. He accused Badenoch of betraying her roots to gain favor with the right-wing faction of the British Conservative Party. “Kemi sold her soul to the right wing of the British Tory party and sought to put to shame the land of her forefathers just to become their leader,” he wrote, labeling her actions as “despicable.”

Fani-Kayode’s post has ignited mixed reactions online, sparking debate over patriotism, political ambition, and the complexities of identity in the diaspora.

“I have seen many attempts to rationalise her insolence and none make any sense.

“Loving those that hate you and consider you to not only be their inferior but also sub-human, in my view, is not a virtue but a vice.

“The demonisation of our country should not be a prerequisite to winning a leadership contest of a political party in a foreign land and if it is one cannot expect any self-respecting Nigerian to applaud it.”

Fani-Kayode continued: “Kemi is a vile, cunning, dangerous and willing tool of the colonialists, neo-colonialists and imperialists and she is everything that any patriotic Nigerian and every Pan Africanist should despise.

“Unless and until she purges herself of her contempt I shall continue to regard her in the same light as William Shakespeare’s character Brutus whose treachery and betrayal was heart wrenching and whose cut was “the deepest of all”.