I’ve nothing in common with Northern Nigeria, I’m Yoruba: Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has stirred controversy regarding her Nigerian identity following comments during a recent interview with British media.

Badenoch, of Yoruba descent, openly stated that she identifies as Yoruba and distanced herself from Northern Nigeria. She described the region as a stronghold of Islamism and a hub for terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

Her remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning her perspective on Nigeria’s cultural and regional diversity. Critics argue that her comments could deepen regional divisions, while others defend her right to express her personal identity and experiences.

“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba],” she said,

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

“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.

“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.”
Badenoch’s recent interviews with British media triggered a war of words between her and Vice-President Kashim Shettima who publicly urged her to drop her Nigerian name.

She has also come under criticism from Nigerians over her view about the state of the nation and corruption by public officials.